What is the primary purpose of an electrical circuit breaker?

The primary purpose of an electrical circuit breaker is to automatically shut off electricity if it’s overloaded. Circuit breakers act as protective devices in electrical systems. When there is an overload, such as a short circuit or an overload that exceeds the breaker’s rated capacity, the circuit breaker will trip. This tripping mechanism interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing potential damage to electrical appliances and reducing the risk of fire hazards.

Understanding this functionality is crucial because electrical systems must be safeguarded from conditions that could cause overheating or electrical failures. In contrast, measuring electrical consumption pertains to meters, increasing voltage supply involves transformers or voltage regulators, and regulating electrical flow pertains to devices like resistors or capacitors, each serving different roles in electrical engineering and management.