Circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFIs) are examples of what?

Circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFIs) are classified as electrical protective devices because they are specifically designed to protect electrical circuits and the people using electrical equipment from dangerous conditions.

Electrical protective devices work by interrupting the flow of electricity under fault conditions, such as short circuits or ground faults, thereby preventing electric shock or fire hazards. Circuit breakers automatically shut off electrical circuits when they detect overloads, while GFIs are designed to disconnect the power when they sense an imbalance in electrical currents, which could indicate a leak of electricity to the ground or to a person.

Understanding the role of these devices is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment, particularly in settings where electrical hazards are present. They are not related to insulation, which is used to prevent the flow of electricity, guarding, which refers to physical barriers protecting workers from machinery, or personal protective equipment, which includes gear such as helmets and gloves meant for individual worker safety.