What safety device is designed to prevent overheating of electrical devices?

The fuse is designed to prevent overheating of electrical devices by acting as a safety device that interrupts the current flow when it exceeds a certain threshold. It contains a metal wire or strip that melts when excessive current passes through it, effectively breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This protects devices from damage due to overheating, which can be caused by overloads or short circuits.

A fuse provides a straightforward and effective method for circuit protection, but it must be replaced once it has blown. Its primary function is to safeguard wiring and appliances from excess voltage or current, ensuring safety and preventing electrical fires.

While a transformer is used to change voltage levels, it does not offer overheating protection. Similarly, a circuit breaker can also interrupt current flow in case of overload, but it functions differently from a fuse as it can be reset after tripping. A relay, on the other hand, is an electromechanical switch designed to control circuits rather than directly protect against overheating.