A device used to protect from power cord electrical shocks is called a ___.

A device used to protect from power cord electrical shocks is called a ___.

• A. Circuit breaker
• B. GFCI outlet
• C. Ground fault circuit interrupter
• D. Surge protector

Answer: (C)

The device focuses on stopping electric shocks by detecting a ground fault. It monitors the current flowing in the hot and neutral wires; if some current leaks out—such as through a person who touches a live conductor and is grounded—the imbalance triggers the device to trip and cut off the circuit in milliseconds. This rapid shutdown specifically protects people from shock hazards associated with power cords and wet areas. A GFCI outlet is a common form of this protection and is often required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. By contrast, a circuit breaker mainly protects wiring from overloads or short circuits, and a surge protector guards against voltage spikes, not personal shock risks. The term for the protective device described is ground fault circuit interrupter.

The device focuses on stopping electric shocks by detecting a ground fault. It monitors the current flowing in the hot and neutral wires; if some current leaks out—such as through a person who touches a live conductor and is grounded—the imbalance triggers the device to trip and cut off the circuit in milliseconds. This rapid shutdown specifically protects people from shock hazards associated with power cords and wet areas. A GFCI outlet is a common form of this protection and is often required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. By contrast, a circuit breaker mainly protects wiring from overloads or short circuits, and a surge protector guards against voltage spikes, not personal shock risks. The term for the protective device described is ground fault circuit interrupter.