Final answer:
Thermal overload devices do not directly measure current. They protect electrical circuits from overheating due to excessive current.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thermal overload devices do not directly measure current. They are designed to protect electrical circuits from overheating due to excessive current. The devices typically use a bimetallic strip or a heating element that expands when the current exceeds a certain threshold, which in turn triggers a mechanical switch to disconnect the circuit. This prevents excessive current from flowing through the circuit and causing damage or fire.