Gas Fitter Practice Test

What does a receptacle mounted ground fault circuit interrupter protect against?

1. Appliance overloading

2. Dead shorts

3. Short circuits

4. Current flow to ground

The correct answer is: Current flow to ground

A receptacle mounted ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to protect against current flow to ground. This device continuously monitors the amount of electrical current flowing through the circuit. If it detects an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current, which signifies that some of the current is flowing through an unintended path to ground—such as through a person who has made contact with a malfunctioning appliance or wet surface—it will rapidly cut off the electrical supply to prevent shock or electrocution. This ability to detect ground faults is crucial for safety in areas where water and electricity are in proximity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations. Since other options involve issues such as appliance overloading or short circuits, they do not specifically relate to the function of a GFCI, which is focused exclusively on protecting against hazardous current leakage to ground.