What type of protection do ground-fault circuit interrupters provide for individuals?

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed specifically to protect individuals from electrical shock. They achieve this by monitoring the current flowing through the circuit and comparing the current coming into the device with the current returning. If there is any discrepancy, such as when electricity is leaking through a person who may be touching an energized object, the GFCI quickly interrupts the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury or death from electric shock.

This protection is especially crucial in areas where moisture is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where the risk of electrocution is heightened. While GFCIs can help prevent electrical fires indirectly by interrupting faulty circuits, their primary and most essential function is to protect human life from electrical shock hazards. Other forms of protection, such as voltage regulation and surge protection, serve different purposes and do not primarily focus on user safety in the context of direct electrical shock.