Which breaker type is designed to prevent ground faults?

A GFCI breaker, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter breaker, is specifically designed to protect against ground faults, which occur when there is an unintended electrical path between a source of current and the ground. When this type of breaker detects a difference in current between the hot and neutral wires, indicating a possible ground fault, it quickly interrupts the circuit. This response helps to prevent electrical shock hazards and can also prevent fire risks that might result from ground faults.

In contrast, an AFCI breaker is designed to prevent arc faults, which are different types of electrical failures that can lead to fires but do not necessarily prevent ground faults. Double-pole and single-pole breakers are used for interrupting the current in specific circuits but do not have the specialized ground fault protection feature that a GFCI breaker provides. Therefore, the GFCI breaker is the most appropriate choice when identifying a breaker designed to prevent ground faults.