Final answer:
A ground fault interrupter (GFI) provides an alternate path for current to flow through if a malfunction causes the metal frame of a tool to become energized. It detects the loss of current to unintentional paths and trips the circuit to prevent shocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrical safety control that provides an alternate path for current to flow through if a malfunction causes the metal frame of a tool to become energized is a ground fault interrupter (GFI).
A ground fault interrupter detects the loss of current to unintentional paths and trips the circuit to prevent shocks. It works by comparing the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires. If there is a difference in currents, it means that some current is returning to the voltage source by a path other than through the neutral wire, indicating a potential hazard.
GFIs are usually set to interrupt the circuit if the leakage current exceeds a safe value, typically around 5 mA.