What term describes the protective relays that disconnect circuits during electrical faults?

The term that describes the protective relays designed to detect and disconnect circuits during electrical faults is "protective relays." These relays are essential components in electrical systems, providing safety and protection for equipment and ensuring that faults do not lead to more severe problems like equipment damage or electrical fires. Protective relays monitor electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and frequency, and when a fault condition is detected, they operate the circuit breakers to isolate the faulty section of the system.

This functionality distinguishes protective relays from other types, such as overload relays, which specifically protect against overheating due to excess current, control relays that are used for switching circuits based on control signals, and timing relays that are used to control operations based on time intervals. The primary role of protective relays in disconnection during faults underscores their critical importance in maintaining system integrity and safety.