Possible Hazard in the Use of GFCI Worn on an Employee's Belt.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 9, 1986

MEMORANDUM FOR:     JAMES W. STANLEY
                    Acting Regional Administrator

FROM:               JOHN B. MILES, JR., Director
                    Directorate of Field Operations

SUBJECT:            Possible Hazard in the Use of GFCI Worn on and
                    Employee's Belt

You have expressed concern about the use of a type of GFCI that is designed to be worn on an employee's belt. Your concern is that the employee may not be protected in the event that an extension cord into which the GFCI is plugged is not properly wired.

Ground fault protection requirements for 120-volt and/or 240-volt circuits.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 15, 2002

Mr. Philip P. Mercuris
Master Builders of Iowa
221 Park Street
P.O. Box 695
Des Moines, Iowa 50303

Re: §1926.404(b); assured equipment grounding conductor program; ground-fault circuit interrupter; 240-volt circuits;

Dear Mr. Mercuris:

Use of approved GFCI's that do not have open-neutral protection.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 7, 2003

David Touhey
Contract Risk Management, Inc.
P.O. Box 211
Concord, NH 03302-0211

Re: Whether GFCIs are required to have "open-neutral protection."

Dear Mr. Touhey:

We are writing in response to your letter of August 20, 2002, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding "open-neutral protection" in ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices. We apologize for the long delay in providing this response.

Application of 1926.404(b)(1) to 208-volt branch circuits; requirement for electrical subcontractor under 1926.404(b)(1) to provide ground-fault circuit interrupters on circuits used by other subcontractors

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 22, 2005

Mr. John P. Masarick
Manager Codes, Standards & Safety
Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.
4401 Ford Avenue
Suite 1100
Alexandria, VA 22302

Re: Whether the requirements of §1926.404(b)(1) apply to 208-volt branch circuits; whether an electrical subcontractor is required under §1926.404(b)(1) to provide ground-fault circuit interrupters on circuits used by other subcontractors

Dear Mr. Masarick: