What do fuses and circuit breakers do in an electrical system?

Fuses and circuit breakers serve the essential purpose of preventing electrical fires and accidents within an electrical system. Both devices are designed to protect circuits from overheating and damage that can occur due to excessive current flow, which might arise from faults, short circuits, or overloads in the system.

When the current exceeds a predetermined limit, fuses will blow (an internal wire melts), interrupting the flow of electricity, while circuit breakers will trip and automatically cut off the current. This interruption is crucial in safeguarding wiring, appliances, and, most importantly, preventing potentially dangerous situations such as electrical fires or equipment damage.

The context of other options helps clarify their distinct roles within an electrical system: while regulating voltage and controlling circuit flow are important functions, they are not the primary function of fuses and circuit breakers. These devices focus primarily on safety rather than increasing capacity or managing voltage levels.