What type of circuit protection do fuses provide?

Fuses provide essential circuit protection primarily against overloads and short circuits. When excessive current flows through a circuit, either due to overloading or a short circuit, the fuse acts as a safety device by melting and breaking the circuit. This interruption prevents the flow of current that could potentially cause damage to equipment or pose safety hazards, such as fires.

Overloads occur when the electrical load exceeds the circuit's capacity, while short circuits can happen when there is an unintended path for the current to flow, bypassing the normal load. In both scenarios, a fuse serves as a critical protective element, ensuring the electrical system operates safely within its designated parameters.