What type of circuit breaker protects against small overloads for a limited time?

A thermal trip circuit breaker is designed to protect against small overloads by using a bimetallic strip that bends when heated by excess current. This bending action causes the circuit to break after a specific delay, allowing the circuit to handle temporary overloads without immediately disrupting power. This characteristic is particularly important in applications where short, transient overloads are common and should not lead to an instantaneous disconnection.

When the current exceeds the rated capacity, the thermal breaker recognizes this increase through heat generated, allowing it to trip after a predetermined time, thereby providing protection while reducing the risk of nuisance tripping for minor overloads. This delay feature is beneficial in protecting electrical devices from damage due to sustained small overloads, making it the suitable choice for the situation described in the question.