What does a breaker do during a short-circuit event?

During a short-circuit event, the primary function of a circuit breaker is to open the circuit and stop current flow. This action is critical for protecting electrical equipment and the overall safety of the electrical system. When a short circuit occurs, it generates a sudden surge of current that can damage circuits, cause electrical fires, or lead to equipment failures.

By opening the circuit, the breaker interrupts the excessive current flow, thereby preventing potential hazards and maintaining system integrity. This rapid response is a crucial feature of circuit breakers, designed to operate automatically or manually to ensure immediate disconnection from the power source in the event of fault conditions.

The other options present actions that do not align with the primary role of a circuit breaker during a fault condition. Continuously supplying power or switching to backup power does not address the fault; in fact, these actions would exacerbate the problem. Delaying operation to allow troubleshooting would be unsafe during a short circuit when immediate action is necessary to protect both personnel and equipment.