What device prevents damage to conductors during excessive current flow?

The correct answer is overcurrent protection. This device is specifically designed to prevent excessive current flow through electrical conductors that could lead to overheating and potential damage. Overcurrent protection devices, including fuses and circuit breakers, monitor the electrical current flowing through a circuit. When the current exceeds a preset level, these devices automatically interrupt the flow, thereby protecting the conductors and associated equipment from damage caused by overheating or electrical fires.

While a circuit breaker is a specific type of overcurrent protection device that automatically disengages a circuit when too much current flows, the term "overcurrent protection" encompasses a broader category of devices and systems that include various types of fuses and breakers designed to maintain the safety of electrical systems. Therefore, understanding overcurrent protection as a general concept is crucial in the context of fire investigation and electrical safety.