Which component is often responsible for protecting circuits from overloads?

The component that is often responsible for protecting circuits from overloads is the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers serve as protective devices that automatically interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of an overload or a short circuit. When the current exceeds the designated safe limits, the circuit breaker opens the circuit, preventing potential damage to the wiring and electrical devices.

Circuit breakers are designed to be reset after they trip, allowing for easy restoration of power once the issue has been resolved, which is a key advantage over fuses. This reset feature makes circuit breakers more convenient and user-friendly for everyday applications.

In contrast, while both fuses and relays can also play roles in circuit protection and control, a fuse is designed to physically melt and break the circuit when an overload occurs, requiring replacement after a fault is cleared. Relays do not primarily serve as overload protection devices; they are used to control circuits by opening and closing contacts based on given conditions. Transformers, on the other hand, are used to step voltage levels up or down and do not provide overload protection functions. Thus, the circuit breaker is the most appropriate choice for protecting circuits from overloads.