What type of protection is mandated for circuits supplying outlets in wet areas?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is mandated for circuits supplying outlets in wet areas due to safety considerations relating to electrical shock hazards. Wet locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor settings, significantly increase the risk of electric shock because water is an excellent conductor of electricity.

GFCI devices monitor the current flowing through the circuit and can detect imbalances caused by current leakage to ground, which may happen if a person comes into contact with a live part while also being in contact with water. If such a disparity is detected, the GFCI automatically interrupts the circuit within a fraction of a second, greatly reducing the risk of serious injury or death from electric shock.

While overcurrent protection, surge protection, and short circuit protection are important for ensuring the safety and integrity of electrical systems, they do not specifically address the unique risks associated with wet locations. Overcurrent protection prevents damage from excessive currents, surge protection guards against voltage spikes, and short circuit protection interrupts the circuit during fault conditions, but none of these protections specifically target the ground fault conditions that can lead to dangerous electric shocks in wet areas.