What is the primary purpose of overcurrent protection?

The primary purpose of overcurrent protection is to prevent damage to electrical devices and wiring from excessive current. Overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, are specifically designed to detect abnormal conditions in the electrical system that lead to higher than normal currents. This excessive current can arise from faults such as short circuits or overloads, which can generate heat, potentially causing insulation damage, fires, or other catastrophic failures.

By interrupting the circuit when the current exceeds safe levels, overcurrent protection ensures the safety and reliability of the electrical system. This is crucial not only for preserving the integrity of equipment but also for safeguarding lives and property from hazardous situations that could result from electrical faults. Properly sized and rated protection devices can save costly repairs and avoid downtime by addressing issues before they escalate.