What is the primary function of a GFCI breaker?

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker is specifically designed to protect against electrical shock by monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit. Its primary function is to automatically cut off power when it detects an imbalance in the current, which may occur when there is a leak, often in wet or damp conditions. This is crucial for safety, as it can help prevent serious injuries or fatalities due to electric shock.

The other options are related to electrical safety but do not accurately describe the GFCI's primary function. For instance, while preventing overheating is important for circuit breakers in general, it is not the specific purpose of a GFCI. Similarly, detecting leaks can refer to various types of equipment, but a GFCI focuses on current imbalance rather than leak detection in the plumbing sense. Lastly, limiting current flow is typically associated with standard circuit breakers but does not encompass the specific shock protection that GFCI breakers provide.