How do GFCI outlets prevent electrocution?

GFCI outlets prevent electrocution by quickly cutting off power when they detect an imbalance in the electrical current.

GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, outlets are designed to protect people from electrical shock. They work by constantly monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit. Under normal circumstances, the current flowing into the circuit should be equal to the current flowing out. However, if there is a ground fault - a situation where the current is escaping the circuit and going to ground - the GFCI outlet will detect this imbalance.

When a GFCI outlet detects a ground fault, it reacts almost instantly. It interrupts the electrical circuit, cutting off the power supply. This happens so quickly - in as little as one-thirtieth of a second - that it can prevent a lethal dose of electricity from reaching a person. This is why GFCI outlets are particularly important in areas where electricity and water are in close proximity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as water is a good conductor of electricity.

The GFCI outlet has a built-in test button so you can check that it's working properly. When you press the test button, it should trigger a ground fault, causing the outlet to cut off the power. If the power doesn't cut off, then the GFCI outlet isn't working correctly and needs to be replaced.

In summary, GFCI outlets are a crucial safety feature in any home or building. They constantly monitor the balance of electrical current in a circuit and cut off the power supply if they detect a ground fault, preventing potential electrocution.