What should the design of a circuit aim to prevent?

The design of a circuit should primarily aim to prevent overcurrent situations because overcurrent can lead to significant hazards, including overheating of conductors, damage to equipment, and potential fire risks. Overcurrent occurs when the current flowing through a circuit exceeds its rated capacity. This can happen due to various reasons, such as equipment malfunctions, short circuits, or excessive loads being applied to the circuit.

While preventing open circuits and ground faults is also important in circuit design, the specific focus on avoiding overcurrents highlights the critical need for safety and the integrity of electrical systems. Open circuits can disable a system or circuit, and ground faults create a pathway for current to flow to the ground, which is also dangerous. However, overcurrent protection is a fundamental principle that encompasses these other issues because ensuring current levels remain within safe limits directly helps mitigate risks associated with open circuits and ground faults.

Thus, preventing overcurrent situations is a key priority in circuit design to maintain safety, reliability, and proper functioning of electrical installations.