Which devices are commonly used for overcurrent protection?

Which devices are commonly used for overcurrent protection?

• A. Resistors and inductors
• B. Transformers and capacitors
• C. Fuses and circuit breakers
• D. Switches and relays

Answer: (C)

Overcurrent protection is essential in electrical systems to prevent damage due to excessive current flow. The devices that are specifically designed for this purpose are fuses and circuit breakers. Fuses work by melting a conductive strip when too much current flows through it, interrupting the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity, which protects equipment and prevents potential fire hazards. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, can reset after they trip due to an overcurrent condition. They use an electromechanical mechanism to disconnect the circuit and can be easily reset once the issue is resolved. While other types of devices mentioned in the options serve important functions in electrical systems, they are not intended for overcurrent protection. Resistors and inductors are mainly used for controlling current and voltage, transformers are used for voltage transformation, capacitors are for storing electrical energy, and switches and relays primarily control the flow of electricity rather than directly protecting against overcurrent situations. Therefore, fuses and circuit breakers are the appropriate choice for overcurrent protection.

Overcurrent protection is essential in electrical systems to prevent damage due to excessive current flow. The devices that are specifically designed for this purpose are fuses and circuit breakers.

Fuses work by melting a conductive strip when too much current flows through it, interrupting the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity, which protects equipment and prevents potential fire hazards. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, can reset after they trip due to an overcurrent condition. They use an electromechanical mechanism to disconnect the circuit and can be easily reset once the issue is resolved.

While other types of devices mentioned in the options serve important functions in electrical systems, they are not intended for overcurrent protection. Resistors and inductors are mainly used for controlling current and voltage, transformers are used for voltage transformation, capacitors are for storing electrical energy, and switches and relays primarily control the flow of electricity rather than directly protecting against overcurrent situations. Therefore, fuses and circuit breakers are the appropriate choice for overcurrent protection.