What component of a home's electrical system is designed to break the circuit in case of overload?

The component of a home's electrical system that is designed to break the circuit in case of overload is the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker serves as a safety device that automatically interrupts the flow of electricity when it detects an overload or a fault, preventing potential hazards such as electrical fires or equipment damage.

Essentially, circuit breakers are crucial in protecting electrical circuits by ensuring that the current does not exceed a safe level. When an overload occurs, the circuit breaker trips, which stops the current from flowing through the circuit and protects the wiring and connected devices. This functionality is vital for maintaining the safety and integrity of an electrical system.

In contrast, while a fuse box also serves a protective purpose by using fuses that melt to interrupt an overloaded circuit, a circuit breaker offers a reset mechanism that can simply be switched back on after resolving the issue. Transformers, on the other hand, are used to change the voltage of electricity in an electrical system and are not involved in circuit protection. A power meter measures the amount of electricity consumed but does not provide any protective functions. Thus, the circuit breaker is the appropriate choice for the question regarding overload protection.