Which component is responsible for interrupting current flow in case of an overload or short circuit?

The component that is responsible for interrupting current flow in the event of an overload or short circuit is a circuit breaker. This device is specifically designed to automatically shut off electrical circuits when it detects a fault condition, helping to prevent damage to the electrical system and reducing the risk of fire.

Circuit breakers serve both safety and protection functions by interrupting current flow once it exceeds a certain threshold, which is crucial during conditions such as overloads, where too much current can lead to overheating and potential equipment failure. They are also designed to be reset after tripping, unlike fuses which must be replaced once they have blown. This reset capability makes circuit breakers particularly useful in residential and industrial settings where equipment downtime and inconvenience should be minimized.

Contactor devices, while they can interrupt current flow under specific conditions, are primarily used for switching applications and are not designed specifically for protection against overloads or short circuits. Switches are manual devices used to open or close a circuit, and they do not have automatic safety mechanisms. Relays are electrically operated switches used mainly for controlling a circuit with a low-power signal, but they do not perform the protective function against overloads or short circuits on their own.