Engineering English
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Electrical Engineering · Engineering Safety · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A device that quickly disconnects a circuit when it detects a difference in current between the hot and neutral wires, indicating a leakage to ground. It protects against electric shock.
Example in context
“The electrician installed a ground fault circuit interrupter in the bathroom to ensure safety against electrical shocks.”
“Elektrikçi, elektrik çarpmalarına karşı güvenliği sağlamak için banyoya bir toprak kaçağı devre kesici taktı.”
Where engineers use it
Ground fault circuit interrupters are required in wet or damp locations such as bathrooms and kitchens per electrical codes. Engineers specify them to protect personnel from hazardous ground faults.
Synonyms: GFI, ground fault interrupter
In Engineering Safety
A North American protective device that opens a circuit within milliseconds when current leaks to ground through an unintended path such as a human body. It is required at outdoor, wet, and construction receptacles.
“Local code requires a ground fault circuit interrupter on all temporary receptacles used outdoors, and the electrician tested each one before energising the panel.”
Practice: can you use “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” at work?
You are designing the electrical system for a new house. The owner asks why you require GFCI outlets in the kitchen. Explain the safety principle.
Show a model answer
“Always install a ground fault circuit interrupter in areas with water exposure.”
“Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” in 21 languages
| English | Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Toprak Kaçağı Devre Kesici |
| French | Disjoncteur différentiel |
| German | Fehlerstromschutzschalter |
| Spanish | Interruptor de circuito por falla a tierra |
| Chinese | 接地故障断路器 |
| Arabic | قاطع دائرة العطل الأرضي |
| Portuguese | Disjuntor Diferencial Residual |
| Russian | Устройство защитного отключения |
| Japanese | 漏電遮断器 |
| Italian | Interruttore differenziale |
| Vietnamese | Bộ ngắt mạch rò rỉ đất |
| Hindi | भू-दोष परिपथ वियोजक |
| Thai | เบรกเกอร์ป้องกันไฟฟ้ารั่ว |
| Indonesian | Pemutus Sirkuit Gangguan Tanah |
| Korean | 누전 차단기 |
| Bengali | গ্রাউন্ড ফল্ট সার্কিট ইন্টারাপ্টার |
| Dutch | Aardlekschakelaar |
| Swedish | Jordfelsbrytare |
| Finnish | Vikavirtasuoja |
| Ukrainian | Пристрій захисного вимкнення |
Frequently asked questions
What does Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter mean in engineering?
A device that quickly disconnects a circuit when it detects a difference in current between the hot and neutral wires, indicating a leakage to ground. It protects against electric shock. In Electrical Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is pronounced /ɡraʊnd fɔːlt ˈsɜːrkɪt ɪnˈtɛrʌptər/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The electrician installed a ground fault circuit interrupter in the bathroom to ensure safety against electrical shocks.”
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