What can occur if a circuit breaker fails to operate correctly?

A circuit breaker serves the crucial function of protecting electrical circuits from overloads and faults. When a circuit breaker operates correctly, it interrupts the flow of electricity when a fault—such as an overload or short circuit—occurs. If a circuit breaker fails to operate as designed, several adverse scenarios can unfold.

An overloaded circuit is one significant risk. This happens when too many devices draw current beyond the safe limit of the circuit, which can lead to overheating and possibly a fire. When a breaker fails to trip under these conditions, it allows excessive current to continue flowing through the circuit.

Moreover, if multiple circuits are affected by a malfunctioning breaker, certain electrical devices may not receive power at all. While this would not directly result from the failure, the dysfunctional breaker could lead to scenarios where the circuit is not protected, causing power distribution issues.

Additionally, if the circuit breaker does not trip during a fault condition, it can result in voltage spikes. These spikes can exceed the ratings of connected electrical equipment, risking damage to sensitive components.

Considering these factors, the best answer encompasses all possible consequences of a malfunctioning circuit breaker, affirming that not only can circuits become overloaded, but devices may lose power, and voltage spikes can occur, leading to