What is the purpose of circuit breakers?

The primary purpose of circuit breakers is to protect circuits from overloads. They are designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when they detect an overcurrent condition, which can occur during situations such as a short circuit or when too many devices are connected to a single circuit, drawing more current than it can safely handle. By tripping and breaking the circuit connection, circuit breakers prevent potential damage to electrical components, reduce the risk of fire, and enhance safety by avoiding dangerous conditions that could arise from excessive current flow.

While enhancing circuit efficiency and regulating voltage levels are important aspects of electrical systems, these functions are not the main purpose of circuit breakers. Additionally, acting as a power switch refers more to manually turning electricity on or off rather than providing automatic protection features that circuit breakers are specifically designed to offer.