Automotive Electronics Practice Test

Which statement is true regarding circuit breakers?

1. Less expensive than fuses

2. Must be replaced after excess current flow

3. Used for frequent temporary overloads

4. Made of a single metal strip

The correct answer is: Used for frequent temporary overloads

The statement regarding circuit breakers being used for frequent temporary overloads is accurate. Circuit breakers are designed to handle intermittent overloads that may occur in a circuit without permanent damage or requiring replacement, unlike fuses, which blow and must be replaced after an overload event. Circuit breakers function by tripping when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, effectively protecting the circuit while allowing for the possibility of resetting the breaker once the overload condition is cleared. This reset capability makes them particularly suitable for situations where temporary overloads may occur, allowing for safe and convenient operation without the need for constant replacement. In contrast, circuit breakers do not need to be replaced after they trip; rather, they can be reset and reused. This is one of the key advantages over fuses, which must be changed once they melt. Additionally, circuit breakers do not necessarily cost less than fuses, and they are typically composed of complex mechanisms rather than being made from a single metal strip, which highlights the advantages of their design in dealing with electrical safety.