Fuses and circuit breakers (CBs) are generally used for which type of protection?

Fuses and circuit breakers are primarily designed to provide protection against overcurrents, which includes both ground-fault conditions and short-circuit events. When an electrical fault occurs, such as a sudden surge in current due to a short circuit or a ground fault, fuses and circuit breakers act by interrupting the flow of electricity.

This action prevents potential damage to the electrical system and connected devices, and it also reduces the risk of fire or electric shock. Fuses do this by melting a metal element when excessive current flows through them, while circuit breakers use electromagnetic or thermal mechanisms to trip and open the circuit when a fault is detected. This specific function is crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of electrical systems, making this answer the most accurate regarding the protective capabilities of fuses and circuit breakers.

Other choices do not apply because overload protection typically involves a different mechanism and often utilizes devices like overload relays. Mechanical failure protection and environmental hazard protection involve different considerations and types of protection that are not directly addressed by fuses or circuit breakers.