What are fuses and circuit breakers designed to protect?

Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to protect conductors and equipment from overcurrent situations, which can occur due to overload or short circuits. When current exceeds a certain limit, these protective devices interrupt the flow of electricity to prevent excessive heat generation that could lead to fires, damage to electrical components, or degradation of insulation. By cutting off the current during such incidents, fuses and circuit breakers help maintain the integrity and safety of electrical systems, ultimately ensuring that both the infrastructure and equipment remain functional and safe to operate. Their primary role is to safeguard the physical components of an electrical system rather than focusing solely on aspects such as worker safety, consciousness, or the electricity itself.