Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) primarily detects differences between conductors. This function is essential for preventing electrical shocks and ensuring safety in environments where electrical appliances might come into contact with water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

When an electrical current flows through a circuit, it should normally flow equally in both the hot and neutral conductors. If there is a ground fault, meaning that some current is leaking through the ground due to a fault in the circuit, the GFCI senses this imbalance. Typically, a GFCI is designed to trip when it detects a difference of 4 to 6 milliamperes (mA) between the hot and neutral wires. This quick response interrupts the circuit and reduces the risk of electric shock.

Understanding this function is vital for ensuring safety in both residential and commercial electrical installations, as it provides a crucial layer of protection against potentially dangerous ground faults.