Which device interrupts overloaded circuits and can reset after tripping?

Which device interrupts overloaded circuits and can reset after tripping?

• A. Fuse
• B. Circuit Breaker
• C. GFI
• D. Grounding

Answer: (B)

Overcurrent protection in electrical systems is provided by a device that automatically cuts power when the current exceeds what the circuit can safely carry, and it can be reset after tripping. The best answer is a circuit breaker. It detects overloads or short circuits and quickly opens the circuit to stop the flow of electricity, protecting wires and devices from damage. After the fault is corrected, you can reset the breaker by flipping its switch, restoring power without replacing any parts. A fuse accomplishes the same goal by melting its metal link when too much current flows, but it cannot be reset—it's a one-time protection that must be replaced. A ground-fault interrupter trips when it detects an imbalance between hot and neutral, protecting against electric shock due to a ground fault, not specifically for overload protection. Grounding is a safety measure that provides a path for fault currents to earth and does not interrupt current on its own.

Overcurrent protection in electrical systems is provided by a device that automatically cuts power when the current exceeds what the circuit can safely carry, and it can be reset after tripping. The best answer is a circuit breaker. It detects overloads or short circuits and quickly opens the circuit to stop the flow of electricity, protecting wires and devices from damage. After the fault is corrected, you can reset the breaker by flipping its switch, restoring power without replacing any parts. A fuse accomplishes the same goal by melting its metal link when too much current flows, but it cannot be reset—it's a one-time protection that must be replaced. A ground-fault interrupter trips when it detects an imbalance between hot and neutral, protecting against electric shock due to a ground fault, not specifically for overload protection. Grounding is a safety measure that provides a path for fault currents to earth and does not interrupt current on its own.