ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

For safety reasons, what type of protective device is required for receptacle outlets in bathrooms?

1. Circuit breaker

2. Fused disconnect

3. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

4. Surge protector

The correct answer is: Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

The requirement for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) at receptacle outlets in bathrooms is based on safety concerns related to electrical shock hazards. Bathrooms are areas where water is commonly present, increasing the risk of electrical shock if a fault occurs. GFCIs are designed to quickly disconnect the electrical supply when they detect an imbalance in the electrical current, which can occur if a person comes into contact with an energized circuit. This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or fatality from electrical shocks. Using a GFCI in bathrooms is mandated by safety codes and standards, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), which reflects a commitment to promoting electrical safety in environments where there is a greater likelihood of exposure to water. Other protective devices, while important in various contexts, do not provide the same level of protection specific to the conditions found in bathrooms. For instance, a circuit breaker provides overcurrent protection but does not respond to ground faults. Similarly, a fused disconnect is not typically required for receptacle outlets and is more common in certain industrial applications. Surge protectors help guard against voltage spikes but do not address the primary concern of ground faults in wet locations.