Abstract: A device responsive to an unusual temperature change in a refrigerant compressor using an electromagnetic clutch including a magnet coil as an actuating element of the clutch, comprising an overcurrent-responsive element such as a fuse connected in parallel with the magnet coil, a temperature-responsive switch operative to be open when the temperature in the compressor rises beyond a predetermined value, and a switching element such as a transistor which is non-conductive when the temperature-responsive switch is closed and which is made conductive to cause the fuse to melt when the temperature-responsive switch is made to open.