Under what circumstance can a non-grounding-type receptacle be replaced with a GFCI-type receptacle?

A non-grounding-type receptacle can be replaced with a GFCI-type receptacle when supplied through a ground-fault circuit interrupter because the GFCI provides protection against electrical shock by detecting imbalances in the electrical current. This situation is particularly useful for enhancing safety in areas where grounding is not available, such as in older homes with non-grounded wiring.

Using a GFCI in these scenarios allows for compliance with safety codes while providing necessary protection. It is important to understand that while grounding offers a direct path to the ground for fault currents, GFCI devices function differently by cutting off the power when they sense an imbalance, thus protecting the user without the need for a ground wire. This makes them suitable replacements where traditional grounding methods are not feasible.

The other choices do not consistently justify the replacement of a non-grounding receptacle with a GFCI. For example, replacing a receptacle merely because it’s outdoors does not address the underlying grounding issue, and circuit amperage or specific wiring materials like aluminum are not relevant factors for this type of upgrade with respect to safety features provided by GFCI devices.