What protective measure is required for electrical outlets located near water sources?

When dealing with electrical outlets situated near water sources, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is crucial. This requirement arises from the recognition that water poses a significant risk of electric shock. GFCI devices are designed to protect individuals by monitoring the flow of electricity through the circuit. If an imbalance is detected—indicating that electricity is leaking through an unintended path, such as through a person's body to the ground—the GFCI trips and shuts off the power, providing an essential safeguard against electric shock.

The inclusion of this protective measure in areas close to baths, sinks, pools, or other wet environments aligns with safety codes established by regulatory standards such as the National Electrical Code (NEC). This protection enhances safety by ensuring that any electrical fault is quickly addressed, minimizing the risk of serious injury or fatality in wet conditions.

Other choices, while related to electrical safety, do not fulfill the specific requirement for protecting outlets in wet areas. Fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protectors serve different functions, such as preventing overloads, short circuits, and surges, respectively, but they do not provide the same level of direct protection against ground faults that GFCI devices do.