What safety device is specifically designed to detect and prevent electric shock?

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device specifically designed to prevent electric shock by detecting imbalances in electrical current. It monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit and can quickly cut off the power if it detects that the current is flowing through an unintended path, such as through a person's body. This rapid response can occur in as little as a fraction of a second, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or death from electric shock.

GFCIs are particularly important in areas where the risk of electric shock is higher, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor electrical outlets, where moisture can increase conductivity. By providing this level of protection, GFCIs enhance safety in environments where electrical equipment may come into contact with water, thereby protecting individuals from harmful shocks.

Other devices like surge protectors, circuit breakers, and fuses serve different purposes. Surge protectors primarily protect against voltage spikes, circuit breakers interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of an overload, and fuses are designed to melt and break the circuit under overcurrent conditions but do not specifically target the prevention of electric shock. Hence, the GFCI stands out as the dedicated safety device for shock prevention.