Which component protects circuits from overloads by interrupting current?

• A. Fuse
• B. Circuit breaker
• C. Capacitor
• D. Inductor

Answer: (A)

A fuse protects circuits from overload by interrupting current through a melting link. When the current exceeds the fuse’s rated value, the metal conductor heats up and the link melts, opening the circuit and stopping current flow. This quick, single-use interruption helps prevent wiring insulation damage and fires. After it blows, the fuse must be replaced. While a circuit breaker can also stop current on an overload and be reset afterward, the fuse is the straightforward, low-cost protective device that directly interrupts current in a single-use form. Capacitors and inductors don’t provide overcurrent protection; they simply store and shape energy in the circuit.