What is the technical term used for a circuit breaker designed to prevent overheating?

The technical term for a circuit breaker designed to prevent overheating is a thermal overload protector. This device is specifically engineered to monitor the temperature within an electrical circuit. When it detects excessive heat, typically caused by overcurrent conditions or prolonged high current flow, it will disconnect the circuit to prevent damage or fire hazards.

Thermal overload protectors operate based on heat-sensitive mechanisms, such as a bimetallic strip that bends under heat, thereby triggering a mechanism to open the circuit. This functionality is critical in safeguarding electrical equipment from the risks associated with overheating, ensuring both safety and longevity of electrical systems.

The other options, while related to electrical systems, serve different purposes. Fuses are designed to break the circuit in the event of a short circuit or overload rather than specifically focusing on overheating. Current limiters restrict the maximum current in the circuit but do not necessarily focus on temperature control. Voltage regulators maintain stable voltage levels and do not address overheating concerns. Therefore, the thermal overload protector is the most appropriate term for the device focusing on preventing overheating in circuits.