Which device is often used for ground fault protection in residential services?

Ground fault protection in residential services is primarily provided by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This device is specifically designed to protect people from electric shock caused by ground faults, which occur when there is an unintended path between the source of current and the ground.

GFCIs continuously monitor the flow of electricity through the circuit. If they detect an imbalance in the current between the hot and neutral wires, which indicates that some of the current is leaking to the ground, the GFCI quickly disconnects the electrical supply—usually within milliseconds. This rapid response is crucial in preventing severe electrical shocks, especially in areas where the risk of ground faults is higher, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations.

In contrast, thermal overload relays, short circuit protective devices, and time-delay fuses serve different purposes. Thermal overload relays protect against overheating in motors and can trip when a specific temperature is reached, but they do not specifically address ground faults. Short circuit protective devices, like circuit breakers or fuses, protect the circuit from excessive current flow due to short circuits, but again, they don't provide ground fault protection. Time-delay fuses are designed to handle brief surges in current without blowing, but they do not protect