Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What device is used to protect a circuit from excess current?

1. Circuit breaker

2. Switch

3. Load

4. Transformer

The correct answer is: Circuit breaker

The device used to protect a circuit from excess current is a circuit breaker. It is designed to automatically interrupt the current flow when it detects a fault, such as an overload or a short circuit. This interruption helps prevent damage to the electrical system and reduces the risk of fire or equipment failure. Circuit breakers can be reset after they trip, unlike fuses, which need to be replaced. They provide a reliable way to safeguard electrical circuits in various applications, including those found in recreational vehicles. Unlike a switch, which merely opens or closes a circuit, or a load, which refers to the component that consumes power, the circuit breaker specifically serves the purpose of protecting against excess current. A transformer, on the other hand, is used to change voltage levels and does not provide circuit protection. This makes the circuit breaker the correct choice for protecting electrical circuits from excessive current flow.