What does a circuit breaker do?

A circuit breaker serves the critical function of protecting a circuit from overloads or faults that can lead to excessive current flow. When the current exceeds a predetermined level, indicating a potential overload or a short circuit, the circuit breaker automatically interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing damage to the circuit and reducing the risk of fire or other hazards.

This safety mechanism is integral to electrical systems, ensuring that equipment and wiring are safeguarded against conditions that could lead to failure. Its role is specifically geared toward disruption of current flow in response to fault conditions rather than altering the circuit characteristics, such as increasing current flow, regulating voltage, or connecting components.