What happens if the electrical load exceeds the circuit’s capacity on the anesthesia machine?

When the electrical load exceeds the circuit’s capacity on the anesthesia machine, the circuit breaker may get activated. This is a safety mechanism designed to protect the electrical system from damage due to overload. If too much current flows through the circuit, the breaker trips and cuts off the power, preventing overheating and potential electrical fires. This interruption is a crucial safety feature, ensuring that the machine operates within safe limits and reducing risks associated with electrical failures.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the typical response of an anesthesia machine in such situations. While the machine may have an automatic shutdown feature to protect patients and equipment under certain failure conditions, the immediate response to an overload is generally the activation of the circuit breaker. The gas supply interruption or recalibration of flowmeters is not a direct consequence of electrical overload and would not typically occur as a result.