Which safety device is typically used in residential settings to protect against electric shock?

In residential settings, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect against electric shock. GFCIs monitor the electrical current flowing through a circuit and can detect imbalances. If they sense that the current is flowing through an unintended path, such as through water or a person, they quickly interrupt the circuit, preventing potentially life-threatening electric shocks.

GFCIs are particularly important in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. By providing a fast response to ground faults, GFCIs greatly enhance safety in residential environments.

Other safety devices like surge protectors, circuit breakers, and fuse boxes serve different purposes. Surge protectors primarily protect against voltage spikes, circuit breakers are used to interrupt electrical flow due to overloads, and fuse boxes contain fuses that disconnect electrical flow to prevent excessive current but do not specifically target ground faults like GFCIs do. Therefore, the unique functionality of GFCIs makes them essential for protecting against electric shock in homes.