A low current motor protector (10, 10′) has an oblong metal housing (12) defining a switch chamber and formed with an open end. The housing has opposing flange portions extending transversely from the open end. Spaced apart lid portions (18a, 18b; 18a′, 18b′) are received on and clamped to the flange portions with an electrically insulating gasket (16) having a central opening interposed between the housing and the lid parts. The lid parts are formed with a recessed ceramic heater seat disposed in the switch chamber having spaced apart contact shelves (18f) which receives a ceramic heater (20) which is maintained in place and provided with contact force by a spring clip (22, 22′) attached to one of the lid parts. In another embodiment a coil heater (30) is electrically connected between lid parts (28a, 28b) and is disposed in a recess formed by a dome configuration (28f). A thermostatic switch is mounted in the housing and has a movable electrical contact movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact on one of the lid parts.