What device is used to protect a circuit from current overloads?

A fuse is designed specifically to protect electrical circuits from current overloads. It does this by providing a weak link in the circuit that will melt or blow if the current exceeds a certain threshold, effectively breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This helps prevent damage to electrical components and reduces the risk of fire that could occur if excessive current continues to flow through the wiring.

The other options serve different purposes. A coil is generally used in inductive applications and does not provide overload protection. An outlet is simply a connection point for electrical devices and does not offer any protective functionality. Meanwhile, a condenser, often known as a capacitor, stores electrical energy and is used for various purposes including filtering and energy storage, but does not protect against overloads. Thus, the fuse is the only device listed developed specifically for the role of overload protection.