In areas of a house that present a greater risk of electrical shock, what safety feature is required?

Ground fault interrupts (GFIs) are essential safety devices specifically designed to protect individuals in areas of a house that have a higher risk of electrical shock, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. They work by detecting any imbalance in the electrical current, which can indicate that electricity is leaking through an unintended path, often through water or a person. When such an imbalance occurs, GFIs act quickly to interrupt the circuit, minimizing the risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock.

In contrast, circuit breakers protect circuits from overload and short circuits but do not specifically address the risk of electrical shock. Fuses also provide protection similar to circuit breakers but are more traditional and less commonly used in contemporary wiring systems. Surge protectors primarily guard against voltage spikes and surges, which can damage electrical devices but do not provide shock protection in damp or wet environments. Therefore, GFIs are the required safety feature in areas with a higher risk of electrical hazards.