What type of protection does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) provide?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect individuals from electrical shock. It does this by monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit and quickly shutting off the power if it detects an imbalance, which may indicate that electricity is flowing through an unintended path, such as through a person. This rapid response significantly reduces the risk of severe injury or fatality due to electric shock.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of electrical protection. Overvoltage protection is aimed at safeguarding electrical devices against excess voltage that can cause damage. Electromagnetic interference protection involves shielding to prevent disruption from electromagnetic fields, while short circuit protection is usually provided by circuit breakers or fuses that disconnect the circuit when a short occurs. Each of these provides a different form of safety, but none are related to the specific function of preventing shock, which is the primary role of a GFCI.