Abstract: A water pump protector unit which includes electrical circuitry through which an electric motor is energized. The pump protector unit is primarily adapted for operation of a capacitor-start induction-run electric motor which operates a water pump. The electrical circuitry includes components for energization and deenergization of the start winding of a capacitor-start induction-run electric motor. The electrical circuitry senses the phase angle between the voltage and the current applied to the electric motor. When the phase angle indicates that the electric motor is operating without a load, the circuitry deenergizes the electric motor. Thus, the water pump is protected against damage which may occur when the water pump is operated without pumping water. Preferably, all of the components of the water pump protector unit are housed within a single cabinet.