What type of circuit protects against overload and short circuits?

The type of circuit that provides protection against overload and short circuits is an overcurrent circuit. Overcurrent protection is designed to interrupt the flow of electrical current when it exceeds a certain threshold, thereby preventing damage to the circuit and connected devices.

Overload situations occur when the demand for current exceeds the circuit's capacity, while short circuits happen when there is an unintended path of low resistance for current to flow. Overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, are specifically designed to trip and disconnect the circuit when they detect this excess current, thereby ensuring the safety of the electrical system and preventing potential hazards like fires.

In contrast, the other circuit types each serve specific purposes that do not primarily focus on general overload and short circuit protection. Ground fault circuits are used to detect ground faults, which are different from typical overloads. Arc fault circuits specifically protect against arc faults that could lead to electrical fires. Direct current circuits refer to the type of current rather than a protective mechanism and do not inherently include overload or short circuit protection.