Which type of breaker protects against overloads and short circuits?

The standard circuit breaker is designed specifically to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a certain predetermined limit due to an overload or a fault, the circuit breaker automatically interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing damage to the wiring and reducing the risk of fire.

In the context of circuit protection, overloads occur when too many devices draw power from the same circuit, while short circuits happen when there is a fault in the wiring, causing the current to bypass the intended load. Standard circuit breakers are calibrated to trip at specific current levels, providing essential safety measures for residential and commercial electrical systems.

Other types of breakers serve different functions: GFCIs protect against ground faults, AFCIs monitor and prevent arc faults, and surge protectors defend against voltage spikes. While all are critical for electrical safety, it is the standard circuit breaker that directly addresses overloads and short circuits.