Extension Cords Connected to Permanent Wiring of a Construction Site Building

April 18, 1991

Mr. William Dillon
Assistant Commissioner
Virginia Occupational Safety & Health
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Labor and Industry
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Dillon:

This letter is in response to the following questions from John Crisanti:

1) Does Federal OSHA consider extension cords, connected to the permanent wiring of a building on a construction site, to be temporary wiring?

2) Are the receptacles on such cords required to be protected by GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding program?

The response to both questions is "Yes". OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1926.404 (b)(1)(i)- (iii) require that such extension cord sets be protected by GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding program.

This response is based on specific guidance contained in the preamble to the Final rule for Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR 1926.400-449); which was published in the Federal Register on July 11, 1986.

The following pertinent statement from page 25310 of the referenced Federal Register, a copy of which is enclosed, clearly stated OSHA's intent on this matter:

"For example, under the OSHA regulation for GFCIs, protection must be provided for the receptacles on the end of extension cord sets even if the extension cords are supplied by permanent wiring".

If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact John McFee of my staff at 215-596-1201.

Sincerely,
LINDA R. ANKU
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

Enclosure
.....EXCERPT FROM FEDERAL REGISTER

Vol. 51, No. 133, Friday, July 11, 1986 Page 25310

Section 1926.404 Wiring design and protection.

For example, under the OSHA regulation for GFCIs, protection must be provided for the receptacle outlets on the end of extension cord sets even if the extension cords are supplied by permanent wiring. Under the NEC, GFCI protection is only required when temporary wiring is used and all the requirements for running temporary wiring (Article 305 of the 1984 NEC) are met. Other significant differences exist between the OSHA and NEC requirements for the assured equipment grounding conductor program. Since the OSHA regulation provides greater employee protection, compliance with analogous 1984 NEC provisions alone will not be acceptable under Subpart K.