What is the function of a circuit breaker in electrical systems?

The function of a circuit breaker is to interrupt circuit flow when contacts open. This is a critical safety mechanism in electrical systems. When the electrical flow exceeds a predefined level, indicating a fault such as a short circuit or overload, the circuit breaker trips, thereby opening the contacts and stopping the flow of electricity. This action prevents damage to electrical components, reduces the risk of fire, and promotes overall safety in the electrical system.

Understanding this function is essential because it highlights the importance of circuit breakers in preventing dangerous situations that can arise from excessive current or faulty wiring, ensuring that the electrical system remains safe and operational. The other options pertain to different functionalities which don’t align with the primary role of a circuit breaker. For instance, boosting voltage is not a feature of a circuit breaker, nor is measuring current flow or regulating temperature. These aspects are handled by other devices within an electrical system, but they do not involve interruption of current flow, which is the primary responsibility of a circuit breaker.