What is the primary purpose of installing GFCIs?

The primary purpose of installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) is to protect people from shock hazards. GFCIs are designed to monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit and quickly shut off power if they detect any imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current, which can indicate that current is flowing through an unintended path—such as through a person's body. This rapid response helps prevent serious injury or death due to electrical shock, particularly in areas where water is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

While regulating voltage levels, protecting electrical appliances, and enhancing energy efficiency are important considerations in electrical systems, they do not address the immediate safety risks associated with electrical shock that GFCIs are specifically engineered to mitigate. The GFCI's ability to cut off electrical current when a ground fault is detected is a crucial safety feature that saves lives.