What safety device is installed to prevent overloads in a panel?

The circuit breaker is the safety device installed in a panel to prevent overloads. It functions by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when it detects an overload condition or a short circuit, thereby protecting the circuit and preventing potential fire hazards or damage to the electrical system.

When the electrical current exceeds the rated capacity of the circuit, the circuit breaker trips, effectively opening the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This resettable device allows users to restore power easily once the issue has been resolved, making it user-friendly compared to other options that may require replacement, like fuses.

Other choices, such as the fuse, also serve the purpose of providing overload protection but differ in operation because fuses must be replaced after they blow, whereas circuit breakers can simply be reset. A transformer does not serve as a protective device against overloads; it is used for voltage conversion. A ground fault interrupter, while an important safety device for protecting against electrical shocks, primarily protects against ground faults rather than general overloads.