Science glossary film: Circuit breaker

A safety device used to prevent an overload of current in an electrical circuit. If too much current flows through a circuit, it can damage components or cause wires to overheat. Circuit breakers are designed to prevent this – when the current exceeds a safe limit, the circuit breaker is automatically triggered, stopping the flow of current and protecting any connected devices.

If too much current flows through a circuit, it can damage components or cause wires to overheat. Circuit breakers are designed to prevent this – when the current exceeds a safe limit, the circuit breaker is automatically triggered, stopping the flow of current and protecting any connected devices.