GFCIs are primarily designed to...

GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, are primarily designed to protect individuals from electrical shocks. They function by monitoring the flow of electricity along the circuit and can quickly detect any imbalances that may occur, such as when electricity is flowing through an unintended path, like a person who has come into contact with an energized source. When such an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will shut off the electricity in a fraction of a second, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities due to electric shock.

This protective mechanism is especially crucial in wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor settings, where the risk of electrical shock is heightened due to the presence of moisture. By providing this immediate cutoff, GFCIs have become a key safety feature in modern electrical systems, ensuring that individuals are better protected from the dangers of electrical shock.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of electrical systems, such as efficiency, overload prevention, and grounding, which do not encompass the primary safety function of GFCIs.