What is the primary function of a GFCI receptacle?

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle is designed primarily to prevent electrical shock. It achieves this by continuously monitoring the current flowing through the circuit. If it detects an imbalance in the current – for instance, if some electricity is flowing through an unintended path, such as through a person's body – it reacts quickly by cutting off the power to prevent injury or potentially fatal electric shock.

The emphasis on shock prevention is crucial, especially in areas where water is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms. By rapidly disrupting the electrical supply when a ground fault is detected, GFCI receptacles significantly enhance safety in environments where the risk of shock is elevated.

While the other options refer to functions that are important in electrical systems, they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of a GFCI receptacle. Increasing voltage supply, regulating electrical flow, and enhancing circuit capacity do not relate to the protective mechanism that GFCI devices are designed to provide.