What safety feature is critical in households to prevent electrical overload?

Breakers, specifically circuit breakers, serve as a crucial safety feature in households to prevent electrical overload. They are designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when the current exceeds a safe level. This action helps prevent overheating and potential fire hazards associated with overloaded circuits. By cutting off the electric flow, breakers provide a reliable first line of defense against hazardous electrical conditions.

In contrast, while fuses also protect against overload by blowing when the current is too high, they require replacement after activation, making circuit breakers more convenient and user-friendly. Surge protectors, on the other hand, protect against voltage spikes but do not specifically address overload issues. Grounding wires enhance safety by providing a path for stray electricity but do not prevent overload per se. Thus, circuit breakers stand out as the essential safety feature for managing and mitigating electrical overload in residential settings.