Master Electrician Practice Exam

What is a primary safety feature of a GFCI?

1. Protects against overload

2. Detects ground faults

3. Increases voltage

4. Improves circuit efficiency

The correct answer is: Detects ground faults

A primary safety feature of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is its ability to detect ground faults. Ground faults occur when there is an unintended path between the electrical current and the ground, which can happen in situations where electrical equipment comes into contact with water, or when there is a fault in the insulation of the wiring. GFCIs monitor the flow of electric current in a circuit and can quickly cut off power when they detect any discrepancy between the current flowing into and out of the device. This rapid response helps prevent electric shock, electrocution, and reduces the risk of electrical fires, providing a crucial layer of safety in potentially hazardous environments, especially where water is present. Other options do not represent the primary function of a GFCI. Protecting against overload pertains to circuit breakers or fuses that prevent excessive current from passing through an electric circuit, while increasing voltage is related to transformers and is not a feature of GFCIs. Improving circuit efficiency is more aligned with the design and operation of various electrical components but does not relate to the safety functions performed by GFCIs.