Which device is specifically designed to protect against ground faults?

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect against ground faults, which occur when there is an unintended path between a source of current and the grounding surface. Ground faults can pose significant hazards, particularly in wet or damp environments where the risk of electric shock is greater. The GFCI works by continuously monitoring the current that flows through the circuit; if it detects an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming currents, it quickly interrupts the circuit to prevent possible electric shock or fire hazards. This immediate response makes GFCIs crucial for safety in residential and commercial applications, especially in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets.

Other devices like overload relays and fuses are designed to protect against different types of electrical faults, such as overcurrent conditions, but they do not specifically address ground faults in the same manner as a GFCI.