Which safety device is specifically designed to protect against ground faults?

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect against ground faults by detecting imbalances in electrical current. When a ground fault occurs, such as when electricity finds an unintended path to the ground, the GFCI quickly interrupts the circuit. This rapid response—usually within a fraction of a second—helps to prevent electrical shock, which can occur if a person comes into contact with live electrical parts.

GFCIs are particularly important in wet or damp locations, where the risk of ground faults is higher. They continuously monitor the flow of electricity and can detect even small leaks of current, making them crucial for enhancing safety in residential and commercial electrical systems.

Other devices listed, such as fuses and circuit breakers, are primarily designed to protect against overcurrent conditions rather than specifically addressing ground faults. While transformers serve to change voltage levels in a circuit, they do not provide current protection in the way that a GFCI does. This makes the GFCI the ideal choice for ground fault protection.