Testing-laboratory approval for assembled GFCIs

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

April 22, 1977

Mr. Larry Payne
L & B Tool Repair
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Payne:

Your interest in the Occupational Safety and Health Standards is appreciated.

In reference to your request of April 15, 1977, concerning the approval for assembly of GFCIs under 29 CFR 1910.309(c) and 29 CFR 1926.400(h), I submit the following.

The conductors and equipment required or permitted by the National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA 70-1971 must be accepted, or certified, or listed or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. There are two nationally recognized testing laboratories acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor. These are Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and Factory Mutual Research Corporation.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is not a testing laboratory. It is an association which, among other things, produces product manufacturing standards. Some of these standards may be used by the testing laboratory.

In checking with our National Office in Washington, D. C., it was their opinion that, even though components in the GFCI were U.L. accepted, the completed assembly or product must be evaluated by an accredited testing laboratory, as aforementioned, in meeting the requirements for approval.

If I may be of further assistance please let me know.

Sincerely yours,
C. R. Holder
Assistant Regional Administrator
for Technical Support