A GFCI receptacle can provide protection to which of the following?

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle is specifically designed to protect against electrical shocks caused by ground faults. When the GFCI detects an imbalance between outgoing and returning current, it trips to cut off the power, preventing potential electrocution.

The correct answer indicates that GFCI receptacles can protect downstream receptacles as well. This means that a GFCI outlet can be wired to provide ground fault protection not only for itself but also for other outlets that are connected in the same circuit. As long as these downstream receptacles are wired correctly from the GFCI receptacle, they inherit the ground fault protection, ensuring that any dangerous faults will also cause the GFCI to trip, thus maintaining safety for all devices plugged into those downstream outlets. This characteristic is particularly important in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations, where the risk of electric shock is higher.

The other answer choices focus on limited scenarios that do not reflect the protective capabilities of GFCI devices effectively. A GFCI receptacle inherently provides greater protection than just itself or specific appliances. It is designed to extend its protective functionality to any downstream devices connected, reinforcing why the chosen answer emphasizes the