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

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect individuals from electrical shock hazards. It accomplishes this by monitoring the current flow in a circuit. If it detects any imbalance between the incoming and outgoing electrical current, which indicates that some current is leaking and potentially posing a shock risk, the GFCI quickly interrupts the flow of electricity. This protective technology is especially crucial in wet or damp locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where the likelihood of an electrical shock increases.

The other options address different aspects of electrical safety and efficiency but do not describe the primary function of a GFCI. While preventing circuit overload pertains to protecting the circuit from excess current, it is managed by circuit breakers or fuses, not a GFCI. Improving energy efficiency is related to how electrical systems are designed and operated, whereas enhancing circuit capacity relates to the physical properties of the circuit itself, such as wire gauge. These functions are essential for a safe and efficient electrical system, but they are not the main purpose of a GFCI.