What is a common purpose of circuit breakers?

Circuit breakers serve the crucial function of automatically disconnecting circuits during an overload. This process is essential for protecting electrical systems and appliances from damage due to excessive current. When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a predetermined level, the circuit breaker detects this anomaly and interrupts the flow of electricity. This helps prevent overheating, potential fires, and the tripping of other components in the electrical system.

The design of circuit breakers enables them to respond quickly to overload conditions, making them an effective safety feature in residential and commercial electrical systems. By doing so, they provide not only a safeguard for equipment and wiring but also enhance overall safety for occupants within a building.

Other options do serve distinct functions in an electrical system, but they do not align with the primary purpose of circuit breakers as effectively as the option concerning disconnecting circuits during an overload.