Clutches are used for smooth starting of machines in printing & paper industries, also in different machine tools, Plastic Moulding Machines, Coil Winding and Wire Drawing Machines, Textile Machines, Rolling Mills, different types of Material Handling Equipments viz. Cranes, Hoists, Winches, Conveyors etc., Refrigerating Plants where starting torque is very high.  Application of Clutches eliminates wear and tear of starters and contractor points.  Motor starts on no load condition and as such does not draw heavy current.  This enables use of Lesser HP Motors since the starting torque is low.  E.M. Clutches makes possible, the use of steam turbine and oil engines in automatic machines.  One motor can drive different mechanisms simultaneously or individually.  With the help of two clutches reserve operation is possible though motor will rotate undirectionally.

Brakes are used to stop machines or rotating mass.  There are two popular designs; one is fail safe ( normally on, spring loaded ) i.e. mechanically on and electrically released, and the other is electrically applied ( normally off ) means, when power is supplied to the brake only then will the brake stop the rotation of the machine.  Fail safe Brakes are used for Hoists, Crane, Lift, Elevator where positive braking is required i.e. in case of power failure also brake must apply.  Other type of Brake is used in Textile, Plastic, Machine Tools etc.