Which electrical device is used to provide overload protection?

The device that provides overload protection is the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit when the electrical current exceeds a certain limit, which could indicate an overload condition. This helps to prevent overheating of wires and potential electrical fires.

In a typical setup, when the current exceeds the breaker's rated capacity, it trips, cutting off the electricity supply to the circuit, thereby protecting both the circuit and connected devices. This functionality is essential for maintaining safety in electrical systems, ensuring that excessive current does not lead to damage or hazardous situations.

While fuses also provide overload protection, they work differently by melting when they experience an overload, which requires replacement after tripping. GFCIs and arc fault circuit interrupters serve different protective purposes—GFCIs protect against ground faults while arc fault circuit interrupters protect against arc faults, which may not necessarily relate to overload conditions. Thus, in terms of overload protection specifically, the circuit breaker is the most relevant choice.