What is the purpose of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is primarily designed to protect individuals from electrical shocks by detecting ground faults, which are unintended electrical paths between a power source and a grounded surface. When a GFCI senses an imbalance in the electrical current, which might occur if a person inadvertently comes into contact with live electrical parts, it quickly interrupts the circuit, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or electrocution.

GFCIs are typically installed in areas where electrical equipment may come into contact with moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. This crucial safety feature helps to ensure that even in the presence of water or wet conditions, the risk of electrical shock is minimized. While providing temporary power during outages, reducing energy consumption, or regulating high voltage power are important aspects of electrical systems, these functions are not the primary role of a GFCI. Its main focus is safety through shock protection.