Final answer:
Electrical outlets in residential bathrooms must be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These devices safeguard against electrical shock by detecting leakage currents and interrupting the flow of electricity. Some local codes may also require the use of arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) alongside GFCIs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the safety requirements for electrical outlets in residential bathrooms. In these locations, electrical outlets must be protected by safety devices known as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). A GFCI is a device that protects against electrical shock by quickly interrupting electrical currents when it detects a divergence in the current levels between the live/hot wire and the neutral wire, indicating a leakage current that could signify a hazard. This leakage might suggest that electricity is taking an unintended path, potentially leading to shock or fire. A GFCI typically trips if the leakage current is greater than 5 mA. In addition to GFCIs, some codes also require the protection of outlets by arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which are designed to prevent electrical fires caused by unintended arcing in electrical systems. However, the primary protection mentioned for bathrooms is the GFCI.