Proper equipment for testing ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

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, 1993

Mr. Jack Wells
Vice President
Corporate Development
Pass & Seymour, Inc.
P.O. Box 4822
Syracuse, New York 13221

Dear Mr. Wells:

This is in response to your letter dated November 10, to Mr. David C. Zeigler, Acting Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), concerning the use of proper equipment for testing ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii). Your letter was forwarded to this office for response.

Use of flexible cords for connection of appliances; scaffold base plates.

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 20, 1998

Donald Kriesel
Safety Engineer
Manhattan Construction
1400 N. MacGregor
Houston, Texas 77030

RE: 1926.404(a)(2); 1926.404(b)(1)(ii); 1926.405(g); 1926.451(c)(2); scaffold base plates; electrical box fan.

Dear Mr. Kriesel:

GFCI and coverplate requirements in construction;use of fall arrest systems and scaffolding.

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.

October 14, 1999

Mr. Dennis Vance
Safety Services
711 Low Gap Road
Princeton, WV 24740

Subject: 1926.404(b)(ii) and 1926.404(b)(iii); 1926.502(d)(15); 1926.502(d)(17); 1926.451(a); GFCI's; Cover Plates for Receptacle Boxes; Harness Attachment Points for Fall Arrest Equipment

Dear Mr. Vance:

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:

CSHO use of external GFCI testers to enforce 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)

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 9, 2003

 

 

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:

Requirements of 1926.404(b)(1) application to 208-volt branch circuits; electrical subcontractor requirements under 1926.404(b)(1) to monitor other on-site 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.

February 7, 2005

Mr. Jeffrey P. Scarpello, Esq.
Executive Director
Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter
National Electrical Contractors Association
1500 Walnut Street
Suite 1630
Philadelphia, PA 19102

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 monitor other on-site subcontractors' compliance with that provision?

Dear Mr. Scarpello: