GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.  The GFCI is a device designed to provide protection to users from electric shock.  This special receptacle works by constantly monitoring the flow of electricity in a circuit.  If a loss is detected, the GFCI will trip and stop the flow of electricity to the circuit preventing injury from electrocution. It is much more sensitive and will respond much swifter to a problem than a fuse or circuit breaker.  Since their introduction in 1971, it is estimated that GFCI’s have reduced the occurrence of electrocution in homes by over two-thirds. Read more