What is the role of a fuse in electrical systems?

A fuse serves a critical protective function in electrical systems by breaking the electrical connection when the current flowing through it exceeds a predetermined limit. This is essential for preventing damage to electrical components and reducing the risk of fire hazards. When excess current flows, the fuse element heats up, eventually melting and interrupting the circuit. This interruption prevents further current flow and protects downstream devices and circuits from potential damage due to overload or short circuits.

The other choices do not accurately describe the main function of a fuse. Measuring electrical resistance is a task typically performed with a multimeter, and while converting AC to DC is the role of a rectifier, amplifying electrical signals is something that an amplifier would do. None of these functions relate to the protective role that a fuse plays in electrical systems, which is focused specifically on safeguarding against excessive current.