A GFCI receptacle is different from conventional receptacles. In the event of a ground fault, a GFCI will trip and quickly stop the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury. Definition of a ground fault: Instead of following its normal safe path, electricity passes through a person's body to reach the ground. For example, a defective appliance can cause a ground fault. A GFCI receptacle does not protect against circuit overloads, short circuits, or shocks. For example, you can still be shocked if you touch bare wires while standing on a conducting surface such as cement or grease.