What device is designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage by interrupting current flow after a fault is detected?

What device is designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage by interrupting current flow after a fault is detected?

• A. Circuit Breaker
• B. Fuse
• C. GFCI
• D. Relay

Answer: (A)

The device described is a circuit breaker. It automatically trips when a fault occurs, such as an overload or short circuit, interrupting current to protect the wiring, equipment, and people from damage or fire. After the fault is cleared, it can be reset to restore power. A fuse works by melting its internal link to break the circuit and must be replaced after it blows. A GFCI protects against electric shock by sensing ground faults and trips even for small leakage currents, but its main role isn’t protecting the circuit from overcurrent. A relay is a control switch activated by a signal, not primarily a protective device that interrupts fault currents.

The device described is a circuit breaker. It automatically trips when a fault occurs, such as an overload or short circuit, interrupting current to protect the wiring, equipment, and people from damage or fire. After the fault is cleared, it can be reset to restore power. A fuse works by melting its internal link to break the circuit and must be replaced after it blows. A GFCI protects against electric shock by sensing ground faults and trips even for small leakage currents, but its main role isn’t protecting the circuit from overcurrent. A relay is a control switch activated by a signal, not primarily a protective device that interrupts fault currents.