GFCI's (Ground-fault circuit interrupters)

A ground-fault circuit interrupter, also called a GFI or GFCI, shuts off a circuit instantly if it senses a hazardous short. The receptacle type looks like a regular receptacle except it has a reset button in the middle.

In new construction, these are usually required in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors. Often a GFCI is mounted as the first receptacle along a circuit (between the electrical panel and other receptacles on the same circuit), automatically protecting the others on the same line.

--Don Vandervort
Related terms: how GFCI works, how GFCIs work, ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, gfci receptacles, safety electrical outlets