What is the primary purpose of circuit breakers in electrical systems?

The primary purpose of circuit breakers in electrical systems is to protect against overloads and short circuits. Circuit breakers function as safety devices that automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when they detect conditions that could lead to damage or fire. An overload occurs when the current flowing through the circuit exceeds its rated capacity, which can cause overheating and potential hazards. A short circuit happens when there's an unintended path for current flow, often leading to very high currents that can quickly damage wires and equipment. By tripping and breaking the circuit safely, circuit breakers help to prevent these dangerous situations, ensuring both the protection of electrical components and enhancing safety for people working in or around these systems.

While circuit breakers can also serve to manually switch circuits on and off and may help manage electrical surges to some extent, their primary role is fundamentally about safety through protection against overloads and short circuits.