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29 CFR 1926.404: Ground-fault protection on job sites

Subpart K—Electrical · official heading: Wiring design and protection

Temporary power on construction sites needs ground-fault circuit interrupters or an assured grounding program, and equipment must be grounded with correct polarity.

4,116citations since 2015
3,563employers cited
64%serious, willful or repeat
$435median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.404 4,116 times since 2015, against 3,563 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $4,378,431 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.404(f)(6) · 2,336 citations

(6) Grounding path. The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures shall be permanent and continuous.

1926.404(b)(1)(i) · 698 citations

(b) Branch circuits—(1) Ground-fault protection—(i) General. The employer shall use either ground fault circuit interrupters as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section or an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section to protect employees on construction sites. These requirements are in addition to any other requirements for equipment grounding conductors.

1926.404(b)(1)(ii) · 574 citations

(ii) Ground-fault circuit interrupters. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets on construction sites, which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by employees, shall have approved ground-fault circuit interrupters for personnel protection. Receptacles on a two-wire, single-phase portable or vehicle-mounted generator rated not more than 5kW, where the circuit conductors of the generator are insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces, need not be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters.

1926.404(b)(1)(iiic) · 295 citations

(C) Each cord set, attachment cap, plug and receptacle of cord sets, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage, shall be visually inspected before each day's use for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and for indications of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or defective shall not be used until repaired.

1926.404(a)(2) · 48 citations

(2) Polarity of connections. No grounded conductor shall be attached to any terminal or lead so as to reverse designated polarity.

1926.404(b)(1) · 32 citations

1926.404(b)(2) · 15 citations

(2) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served and shall comply with the following:

1926.404(b)(1)(iii) · 13 citations

(iii) Assured equipment grounding conductor program. The employer shall establish and implement an assured equipment grounding conductor program on construction sites covering all cord sets, receptacles which are not a part of the building or structure, and equipment connected by cord and plug which are available for use or used by employees. This program shall comply with the following minimum requirements:

Industries cited most

  • Construction 3,996
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 36
  • Manufacturing 32
  • Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 12
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 8
  • Accommodation and Food Services 7

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Recently cited employers