Reno:
Greg is correct - the term is "overload" when we are talking about motor protection. The term is "branch circuit, short circuit and ground fault protection" when we are talking about the circuit protection. I would also draw your attention to 430.55 ('08 NEC) where we are permitted to use a single device to serve both needs. The caveat being we must protect the motor from overload based on 430.32 in the process. The reality of it is this only works on smaller motors.
I know others out here have had to replace a complete overload relay assembly and it's heater element because the co-ordination was not proper in the circuit and something had to give and it was the heater element melting and destroying the overload assembly.
Just a side note since Greg mentioned disconnect, we would need a disconnect within sight of the motor and the controller if it were a non-combination type starter.
