What is the purpose of overcurrent protection in electrical systems?

Overcurrent protection is primarily designed to cut off current during overloads. This function is critical in preventing damage to electrical equipment and ensuring the safety of the electrical system. When excessive current flows through a conductor—beyond what it's rated for—there's an increased risk of overheating, which can lead to fires, equipment failure, or circuit damage. By interrupting the current flow when it exceeds safe limits, overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, help maintain system integrity and safety.

The other options focus on aspects that do not align with the primary purpose of overcurrent protection. Preventing short circuits is a related concern, but the protective measures for this specific scenario are not exclusive to overcurrent protection. Regulating voltage levels and enhancing circuit efficiency pertain to different areas of electrical engineering and are managed through other mechanisms, such as voltage regulation devices and load management techniques. Thus, the focus of overcurrent protection strictly relates to handling current overloads effectively.