Explain the role of a 'fuse' in electrical systems.

A fuse plays a crucial role in electrical systems by providing protection against excessive current that can cause damage or hazards. Specifically, when an electrical current exceeds the specified threshold for which the fuse is designed, the fuse element melts due to the heat generated by the high current. This melting interrupts the flow of electricity, effectively breaking the circuit and preventing further damage to electrical components or a potential fire hazard.

The design of a fuse ensures that it responds quickly to excessive current, hence its importance in safeguarding both the electrical system and connected devices. This feature allows fuses to act as a safety device, ensuring that any fault condition leading to overload does not endanger users or property.

Other options do not accurately represent the function of a fuse. For example, while improving circuit speed, amplifying signals, or measuring electrical consumption are tasks handled by other devices or methods in electrical systems, they do not pertain to the primary role of a fuse in circuit protection.