GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI receptacle is different from conventional receptacles. In the event of a ground fault or an unintended electrical path to ground such as a shot circuit or through a person, a GFCI will trip within a fraction of a second and stop the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury. Definition of a ground fault: Instead of following its normalsafe path, electricity passes through a person's body to reachthe ground. For example,a defective appliance can cause a ground fault.
