Which of the following is an essential requirement in areas with water present?

The installation of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets is vital in areas where water is present because these outlets are designed to protect against electrical shock. When water comes into contact with electrical circuits, it can create a path for electric current to flow through the water and to anyone nearby, increasing the risk of serious injury or even death.

GFCI outlets monitor the flow of electricity and can detect any imbalance between the outgoing and incoming currents. If an imbalance is detected, which can happen if there's a short circuit or if a person comes into contact with the water while using an electrical device, the GFCI outlet will trip and cut off the power supply in a fraction of a second. This significantly enhances safety in environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where there is an increased risk of contact with water.

While regular checks of light bulbs, the use of double-insulated cords, and the installation of LED lights are good practices, they do not provide the same level of safety against electrocution in wet areas as GFCI outlets do.