What type of protection is often used in motor control circuits to prevent short circuits?

Fuses or circuit breakers are essential components in motor control circuits designed specifically to provide protection against short circuits. These devices work by interrupting the electrical flow when they detect an overload or short-circuit condition, which can prevent significant damage to the motor and wiring. When the current exceeds a predetermined level, the fuse melts or the circuit breaker trips, disconnecting the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity, thereby protecting the integrity of the system.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are primarily used to protect against ground faults rather than short circuits. Overload disconnects are intended to protect motors from overheating due to prolonged overcurrent but do not directly address short circuits. Surge protectors guard against voltage spikes but do not provide the same type of protection against short circuits.