04 Jul Assured Equipment Grounding and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – GFCI’s

Assured Equipment Grounding and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Temporary power, extension cords, and portable electrical tools are common on construction sites and can expose workers to electric shock, burns, and electrocution. OSHA requires protection through Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) or an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP) under applicable construction conditions.

Employees using temporary electrical power should understand which protection system is being used and how to recognize and report electrical hazards.

GFCI Protection

A GFCI monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit and quickly interrupts power when it detects current leaking from the intended path, such as through a person to ground.

On construction sites, GFCI protection generally applies to 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp receptacle outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring and are used by employees.

Employees should:

• Use GFCI-protected receptacles when required.
• Test portable GFCIs according to manufacturer instructions before use.
• Never bypass or defeat GFCI protection.
• Remove damaged or malfunctioning GFCIs from service.
• Determine why a GFCI tripped before resetting it.

Repeated tripping may indicate damaged equipment, moisture, faulty wiring, or another electrical hazard that requires correction.

Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program

Where permitted, an employer may use a written Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program instead of GFCI protection for applicable equipment.

The program applies to specified cord sets, receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring, and cord-and-plug-connected equipment required to be grounded.

Required testing includes:

• Before first use.
• Before equipment is returned to service following repairs.
• Before use after an incident that may have caused damage.
• At intervals not exceeding three months.

Tests verify equipment grounding conductor continuity and correct connection of the grounding conductor.

The program must be implemented by one or more competent persons designated by the employer.

Inspect Electrical Equipment Before Use

Regardless of whether GFCIs or an AEGCP are used, employees should inspect electrical tools and cords before use.

Look for:

• Missing, loose, or damaged grounding pins.
• Cut, cracked, or damaged insulation.
• Exposed conductors.
• Damaged plugs or receptacles.
• Loose connections or strain relief.
• Crushed, burned, or otherwise damaged cords.
• Signs of internal equipment damage.

Do not use defective electrical equipment. Remove it from service and report it according to company procedures.

Double-insulated tools do not require an equipment grounding conductor, but they still must be maintained in safe condition and inspected for damage.

Testing and Identification

Employers using an AEGCP must maintain the required test documentation. OSHA permits test records to be maintained through logs, color coding, or other effective means that identify equipment that has passed the required tests and the applicable test interval.

Employees should understand the identification system used at their jobsite and never use equipment that is overdue for testing or does not meet program requirements.

Training

Employees who use temporary electrical equipment should understand:

• The purpose of GFCIs and assured equipment grounding.
• Which protection system applies at the jobsite.
• How to inspect electrical tools and extension cords.
• How to recognize common electrical hazards.
• The site’s testing or color-coding system.
• How to report defective equipment.
• What to do when a GFCI trips.

Remember

GFCIs and assured equipment grounding help protect workers from serious electrical hazards, but neither replaces proper equipment inspection and safe electrical work practices. Inspect cords and tools before use, never bypass protective devices, and immediately remove damaged electrical equipment from service.