What does a defective field lead in an electric motor typically indicate?

A defective field lead in an electric motor primarily affects the motor's ability to generate the magnetic field essential for its operation. The field winding in a motor creates the magnetic field necessary for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. When the field lead is defective, it disrupts this process and can prevent the motor from starting altogether.

Without a proper magnetic field, the motor cannot create the torque required to overcome inertia, resulting in a failure to initiate movement. This is why the indication that the motor will not start is the correct answer. The other possible outcomes, such as running at reduced speed, consuming less power, or operating continuously, all assume that some operation of the motor is possible, which is not the case when there is a defect in the field lead.