What device is designed to protect personnel by de-energizing a circuit when a ground fault current exceeds a specified threshold?

What device is designed to protect personnel by de-energizing a circuit when a ground fault current exceeds a specified threshold?

• A. Fuse
• B. GFCI
• C. Circuit breaker
• D. Surge protector

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is the GFCI, which stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device is specifically designed to enhance safety by monitoring the flow of electricity in a circuit. It continuously checks the difference between the current flowing to the appliance and the current returning. If the GFCI detects that the current is unbalanced—indicative of a ground fault condition, such as when electricity is leaking to the ground—it will quickly disconnect the circuit, usually within milliseconds. This rapid response helps prevent electric shock or electrocution. In contrast, while fuses and circuit breakers are also protective devices, they primarily serve to prevent overloads and short circuits rather than specifically targeting ground faults. A fuse will blow when it surpasses its rated current, and a circuit breaker trips to interrupt current flow when it detects an overload or fault, but neither is dedicated to detecting ground faults in the same way. Surge protectors, on the other hand, safeguard equipment from voltage spikes but do not monitor ground fault currents or provide personnel protection in the event of an electrical hazard. Therefore, the GFCI is uniquely positioned as the device that not only protects equipment but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals from electrical shock by de-energ

The correct answer is the GFCI, which stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device is specifically designed to enhance safety by monitoring the flow of electricity in a circuit. It continuously checks the difference between the current flowing to the appliance and the current returning. If the GFCI detects that the current is unbalanced—indicative of a ground fault condition, such as when electricity is leaking to the ground—it will quickly disconnect the circuit, usually within milliseconds. This rapid response helps prevent electric shock or electrocution.

In contrast, while fuses and circuit breakers are also protective devices, they primarily serve to prevent overloads and short circuits rather than specifically targeting ground faults. A fuse will blow when it surpasses its rated current, and a circuit breaker trips to interrupt current flow when it detects an overload or fault, but neither is dedicated to detecting ground faults in the same way.

Surge protectors, on the other hand, safeguard equipment from voltage spikes but do not monitor ground fault currents or provide personnel protection in the event of an electrical hazard. Therefore, the GFCI is uniquely positioned as the device that not only protects equipment but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals from electrical shock by de-energ