NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

Which device is used to detect imbalances in current carrying conductors?

1. Fuse

2. GFCI

3. Surge Protector

4. Transformer

The correct answer is: GFCI

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is specifically designed to detect imbalances in current carrying conductors. It monitors the amount of current flowing through the hot and neutral wires of a circuit. If it detects a difference, indicating that some of the current is leaking through an unintended path (such as through a person's body), it quickly shuts off the power to prevent electric shock or fire hazards. This functionality is critical in environments where moisture is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where the risk of electrical shock is higher. While fuses and circuit breakers protect against overcurrent and short circuits by disrupting the flow of electricity, they do not detect ground faults in the way that a GFCI does. Surge protectors, on the other hand, are designed to prevent damage from voltage spikes rather than current imbalances, and transformers are used for voltage conversion and cannot detect imbalances in current. Therefore, the GFCI is the appropriate device for detecting imbalances in current carrying conductors.