What safety device protects against electrical overloads?

A circuit breaker is the correct answer because it is designed specifically to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. When the current exceeds the circuit's rated capacity, the circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity, thereby preventing overheating and potential fires that could result from excessive current.

Unlike fuses, which also offer protection against overloads but need to be replaced after they blow, circuit breakers can be reset after they trip, allowing for more convenience in restoring power once the overload condition has been resolved.

While a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against ground faults by sensing discrepancies in the current flow, and a surge protector guards against voltage spikes, these devices serve different protective functions and do not directly address the problem of electrical overloads like a circuit breaker does.