What electrical component is used to protect other circuit components from current overloads?

A fuse is a basic but essential safety component designed specifically to protect circuits from overcurrent conditions. It contains a thin metal wire or strip that is engineered to melt and break when too much current passes through it. When the wire melts, the circuit opens, stopping the flow of electricity immediately. This prevents delicate components from being destroyed and protects against potential electrical fires caused by short circuits. The distractors are completely unrelated components. A thyratron is an obsolete gas-filled tube used for high-power switching, and a varactor is a specialized diode used as a voltage-controlled capacitor in tuning circuits.