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

The primary purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical installation is to protect against overloads. Circuit breakers are designed to interrupt the flow of electricity when they detect an overload or a short circuit, preventing potential hazards such as electrical fires or damage to electrical appliances. By automatically tripping, a circuit breaker ensures that excessive current does not flow through the wiring system, thereby maintaining safety in the electrical installation.

Choosing overload protection is crucial in electrical systems, as it helps to safeguard both the infrastructure and the devices connected. Unlike options that suggest storing energy, regulating voltage, or converting AC to DC, which involve different functions and mechanisms in an electrical system, the circuit breaker’s main role is specifically oriented towards ensuring safety by reacting to fault conditions and interrupting the circuit to prevent damage.