What role do circuit breakers play in electrical installations?

Circuit breakers are crucial components in electrical installations because they serve the primary function of automatically disconnecting circuits when a fault occurs. This action is vital for protecting both the wiring and the connected devices from damage due to overloads or short circuits. When a fault is detected, the circuit breaker swiftly interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing potential fires or other hazardous situations resulting from excess current.

By doing so, circuit breakers help maintain safety in electrical systems. They come in various types and ratings and may include features that allow for manual operation and reset. The other choices, while related to electrical systems, do not accurately describe the fundamental function of circuit breakers. For instance, preventing excessive voltage relates more to surge protectors or voltage regulators, regulating current pertains to devices like transformers, and increasing electrical current supply is not a characteristic or function of circuit breakers.