Which type of electrical fault can GFCIs protect against?

GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, are designed to protect against ground faults. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintended path between a source of current and the ground, which can happen if a person comes into contact with a live wire, particularly in wet or damp conditions. The GFCI monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit and can detect any imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. If it detects a difference, indicative of a ground fault, it quickly disconnects the circuit to prevent electric shock.

By addressing the specific risk associated with ground faults, GFCIs play a crucial role in enhancing electrical safety, especially in environments like kitchens and bathrooms where the likelihood of such faults is higher due to the presence of water. This makes them an essential safety device in residential and commercial electrical systems.