Name a common safety device that protects against overload in electrical circuits.

A circuit breaker is a common safety device designed to protect against overloads in electrical circuits. It operates by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when it detects an overcurrent condition, which can occur due to excessive demand on the circuit, faulty appliances, or short circuits. By cutting off the electrical supply, circuit breakers prevent overheating of wires, potential fire hazards, and damage to electrical devices.

While fuses also provide protection from overloads by melting when the current exceeds a certain threshold, circuit breakers have the advantage of being resettable, allowing them to be reused after tripping instead of needing replacement. Surge protectors, on the other hand, are primarily designed to protect against voltage spikes and not specifically for overload situations. Voltage regulators are used to maintain a consistent voltage level, but they do not directly protect against overload conditions within a circuit.