What is the purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical system?

The purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical system is to protect the circuit from overloads and short circuits. When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a certain threshold—often due to an overload condition or a fault in the circuit—the circuit breaker automatically interrupts the flow of electricity. This action prevents the wiring and connected devices from overheating and potentially causing fires or damage. By breaking the circuit, the circuit breaker ensures safety and helps maintain the integrity of the electrical system.

While circuit breakers do play a role in fire prevention indirectly by stopping overcurrents, their primary function is to interrupt excess current conditions. The enhancement of current flow or measuring current are functions associated with other electrical components, such as amplifiers or ammeters, respectively, and are not related to the fundamental purpose of a circuit breaker.