How is the Cessna 172's electrical system protected from overload?

The Cessna 172's electrical system is primarily protected from overload by using circuit breakers. Circuit breakers serve as a resettable safety device that interrupts the electrical circuit when the current exceeds a specified limit, preventing damage to the wiring and electrical components. They can be manually reset after the fault has been cleared, making them convenient for pilots to manage electrical issues without the need for replacement like fuses.

While fuses can also provide protection by melting and breaking the circuit when overloaded, they must be replaced once they are blown. Circuit breakers are generally favored in modern aircraft, including the Cessna 172, for their ease of use and ability to be reused, which is particularly helpful in the event of transient faults or intermittent electrical issues.

Although other options like relays may play operational roles within the electrical system, they do not provide overload protection in the same way that circuit breakers do. Additionally, while both fuses and circuit breakers could be combined in some settings, the primary method used in the Cessna 172 is the more efficient and practical circuit breaker system.