What is the primary purpose of using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?

The primary purpose of using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is to prevent electrical shock. A GFCI is designed to monitor the electrical current flowing through a circuit. If it detects any imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current—indicating that some of the current is escaping to the ground, which could happen if a person comes into contact with a live electrical component—the GFCI will shut off the power to that circuit almost instantaneously. This rapid response significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death from electric shock, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor locations where the danger of shock is higher.

The other options focus on different electrical concerns. Enhancing voltage does not relate to the protective function of a GFCI. Surge protection deals with safeguarding electrical devices from voltage spikes, which is not the primary role of a GFCI. Similarly, while reducing energy consumption is beneficial, the GFCI's function is specifically aimed at safety rather than energy efficiency.