What does a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protect against?

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect against shock hazards that occur due to ground faults. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintended path between the source of electricity and the grounded surface, which can lead to serious electrical shocks. The GFCI monitors the current flowing through a circuit and can detect imbalances between the outgoing and returning current. If it senses that the current is not balanced, it quickly disconnects the power to prevent electric shock. This feature makes GFCIs particularly useful in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where the risk of shocking a user is higher.

While devices like GFCIs may contribute indirectly to fire safety by preventing shocks that could lead to an electrical fire, their primary function is not to prevent overheating of wires or address voltage surges. Instead, their unique role in insulating users from shock hazards is what distinguishes them in electrical safety systems.