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Ground-fault protection for construction extension cords

Summary A National Electrical Code engineer asked whether extension cords connected to permanent wiring on construction sites needed ground-fault protection when they powered portable hand tools. OSHA said the cords were temporary wiring and therefore required ground-fault protection for personnel. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1984-07-31
Date issued
July 31, 1984
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Electrical Safety Extension Cords Ground Fault Protection
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 31, 1984

Mr. Peter J. Schram
Chief Electrical Engineer
National Electrical Code
National Fire Protection Association
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Schram:

This is in response for an interpretation of cord sets (extension cords) plugged into permanent wiring at construction sites to supply portable electrical hand tools.

Section 305-4(a) of the code requires all 125-volts single-phase, 15 and 20 amperes receptacle outlets which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by employees shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

I have been advised by my staff that cord sets (extension cords) plugged into permanent wiring at construction sites are temporary wiring and as such require ground-fault protection for personnel on construction sites.

You assistance in this matter will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr.,
Director
Directorate of Field Operations

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