What is the purpose of a circuit breaker?

A circuit breaker is designed primarily to prevent overloads and short circuits within an electrical circuit. Its essential function is to protect both the electrical system and the devices connected to the circuit by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when it detects fault conditions, such as excessive current or a short circuit. This interruption helps to prevent damage to wiring and connected equipment, as well as reducing the risk of electrical fires.

By tripping in response to these problems, circuit breakers serve as a safety mechanism, ensuring that the electrical system can be reset and safely restored once the underlying issue has been addressed. Other options presented relate to functions such as voltage increase, current measurement, and power conversion, which are not roles performed by circuit breakers.