A circuit breaker is an electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current. There are various synonyms for circuit breaker such as overload switch, safety switch, trip switch, and cut-out switch. These terms generally refer to the same mechanism, but may be used in different contexts or regions of the world. For instance, in the US, circuit breaker is the most commonly used term, while in the UK, it is more common to refer to them as trip switches or fuse boxes. Regardless of the terminology used, circuit breakers are essential safety devices that play a crucial role in preventing electrical accidents and fires.