Which type of circuit breaker is designed to protect against ground faults?

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect against ground faults, which occur when there is an unintended path between an electrical current and the ground. This device continuously monitors the current flowing in a circuit and can detect even minor imbalances caused by ground faults, such as those occurring when a person accidentally contacts a live wire. When a ground fault is detected, the GFCI interrupts the circuit by tripping, thereby preventing electric shock and reducing the risk of electrical fires caused by ground fault conditions.

GFCIs are commonly used in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations, because these environments increase the risk of electrical shock. The effectiveness of GFCIs in enhancing safety in these high-risk areas is a key reason why they are mandated by electrical codes in many installations.

Other types of circuit breakers do not serve the same protective function as the GFCI. For example, standard circuit breakers are designed to protect circuits from overload and short circuits but do not specifically monitor ground faults. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) focus on detecting arcing conditions that could lead to electrical fires but also do not provide protection against ground faults. Thus,