What is one safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads?

A safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads is indeed a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers serve the crucial function of automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when an overload or short circuit is detected. This interruption helps prevent damage to the circuit and reduces the risk of fire or electrical hazards, making them an essential component in any electrical system.

When current flowing through a circuit exceeds a preset level due to an overload, the circuit breaker will trip, effectively breaking the circuit and stopping the electrical flow. This automatic response is key to maintaining safety in electrical installations.

While a fuse also protects against overloads, it does so in a different manner by melting when the current exceeds its rated capacity, thus needing replacement afterward. Capacitors and transformers do not serve the purpose of protecting circuits from overloads; capacitors store electric charge and improve efficiency or signal quality, while transformers are used to change voltage levels in AC circuits. This distinction highlights the specific role of circuit breakers in circuit protection.