What is the purpose of circuit breakers in a panel?

The purpose of circuit breakers in a panel is primarily to protect electrical circuits from overheating and potential fires due to overloads. Circuit breakers are designed to interrupt the electrical flow when they detect an excessive current, which can happen if too many devices are connected or if there's a fault in the wiring. By tripping the circuit when it senses an overload, a circuit breaker prevents the wires from overheating, which could lead to insulation failure and risky situations like electrical fires.

While circuit breakers do have the capability to control the flow of electricity and can disconnect power when needed, their main function centers on safeguarding the wiring and connected devices from damage due to unsafely high currents. They do not actively regulate voltage levels, which is a different function typically associated with other devices like transformers or voltage regulators. Therefore, the emphasis on preventing overheating and fire hazards makes the second option the most accurate representation of their primary purpose.