Which of the following is a typical use for a GFCI?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to protect people from electric shock in areas where water is present. One of the most common and typical applications for a GFCI is in outdoor sockets because they are exposed to moisture and precipitation, creating a higher risk of electric shock. The GFCI works by monitoring the current flowing through the circuit and can quickly shut off the power if it detects an imbalance, indicating that current may be flowing through an unintended path, such as through water or a person.

While GFCIs are valuable in various other settings, their primary and most recognized function is to enhance safety in potentially wet or damp locations, making outdoor sockets a particularly fitting scenario for their use. Other settings, such as industrial environments, may use different types of protective devices suited to the specific hazards present, and electrical panels do not require GFCIs. High-power machinery is often protected with circuit breakers and other systems that handle increased loads, not typically GFCIs. Therefore, the preference for outdoor sockets highlights the GFCI's role as a safety device in high-risk environments.