Gas Fitter Practice Test

In terms of electrical safety, which device is used to prevent ground faults?

1. Circuit breaker

2. Fuse

3. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

4. Surge protector

The correct answer is: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

The correct choice is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), as this device is specifically designed to protect against ground faults. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintended path between an electrical source and a grounded surface, which can lead to electric shock or fire hazards. A GFCI continuously monitors the amount of current flowing through the circuit. If it detects an imbalance, which indicates that some current is leaking to the ground, it quickly interrupts the circuit by shutting it down. This rapid response helps to minimize the risk of electrical shock and enhances safety, particularly in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, such as bathrooms and kitchens. In contrast, while a circuit breaker and a fuse are essential for protecting against overcurrent and preventing electrical fires, they do not specifically address ground faults. A surge protector helps protect electronic devices from voltage spikes but does not offer the same level of protection against ground faults as a GFCI.