What electrical component is used to protect other circuit components from current overloads?

A fuse is an essential electrical component designed to protect circuits from current overloads. It consists of a metal wire or strip that melts when excessive current flows through it due to a fault in the circuit. This melting effectively breaks the circuit, preventing further current flow and protecting other components from damage caused by excessive current.

Fuses are critical for maintaining safety in electrical systems because they help prevent overheating and potential fires that could result from overloaded circuits. The other components listed do not serve the same protective function. While capacitors store energy, shields provide electromagnetic protection, and inductors store energy in a magnetic field, none of these components are designed to cut off current flow as a protective measure against overloads.