What are current limiting devices for electrical circuits called?

Current limiting devices for electrical circuits are known as fuses. Fuses are safety devices that protect electrical circuits from excessive current, which can lead to overheating and potential damage. They contain a metal wire or filament that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined level, effectively limiting the flow of electricity and preventing equipment damage or fire hazards.

Transformers, while crucial in electrical systems for stepping voltage levels up or down, do not limit current. Electrical interlocks are mechanisms that prevent mechanisms from operating when conditions are unsafe, but they do not serve to limit current flow in a circuit. SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) drives are used in controlling power and can vary the output voltage and current but are not specifically designed as current limiting devices. Thus, fuses stand out as the designated components for ensuring that electrical circuits do not carry excessive current.