In the context of electrical systems, what is the purpose of a fuse?

The purpose of a fuse in electrical systems is to protect the circuit from overload. A fuse is a safety device that contains a metal wire or strip that melts and breaks the circuit when the current flowing through it exceeds a certain level. This prevents excessive current from causing damage to the wiring, components, or devices connected to the circuit, which could result in overheating or even fire. By breaking the circuit during overload conditions, a fuse serves a critical protective role, ensuring the safety and integrity of electrical systems.

In contrast, the other options address functions that a fuse does not perform. A fuse does not increase electrical current; its role is to interrupt excessive current. It also does not convert AC to DC, as that function is typically handled by rectifiers. Lastly, while some devices regulate voltage levels, fuses are primarily concerned with current flow and overload protection.