Which type of electrical safety feature minimizes the risk of electric shocks?

A ground fault interrupter (GFI) is specifically designed to minimize the risk of electric shocks by monitoring the flow of electricity and quickly shutting off power if it detects an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current. This imbalance could indicate a leak of current, which can occur if a person comes into contact with a live electrical source. The GFI reacts rapidly—within milliseconds—thus protecting individuals from potentially lethal electric shocks, especially in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Overcurrent protection, such as circuit breakers or fuses, serves to prevent excessive current flowing in the circuit which can lead to overheating or fires but does not directly address the immediate risk of electric shock. An insulation resistance tester is used to measure the integrity of insulation on electrical conductors and equipment to ensure safe operating conditions; it does not actively prevent electric shock during use. A fuse box is a central component that houses fuses or circuit breakers but also does not engage in direct prevention of shock incidents.

In summary, the ground fault interrupter is an essential safety feature specifically designed to detect and eliminate the danger of electric shocks in real time, making it the best choice among the options provided.