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Approval of temporary construction electrical equipment

Summary An electrical contractor asked OSHA whether proposed temporary construction power equipment met its rules. OSHA said all electrical conductors and equipment must be approved, and it would accept equipment determined safe by a recognized testing laboratory. It said the named local testing laboratory was not then recognized by OSHA.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1992-01-07-0
Date issued
January 7, 1992
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026

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January 7, 1992

Mr. Victor Mondello
Norfolk Electric
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Mondello:

This is in response to your November 6 letter requesting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concurrence or comment on the equipment you intend to use to furnish temporary power for a construction site.

In regard to whether the equipment listed in your letter is in compliance with OSHA rules please be advised that all electrical conductors and equipment must be approved (29 CFR 1926.403(a)). The definitions of "approved" and "acceptable" in 29 CFR 1926.449 indicate that the Agency will accept equipment that has been determined to be safe by a qualified electrical testing laboratory (i.e., a National Recognized Testing Laboratory or NRTL). The Electrical Testing Laboratory of the City of Los Angeles is not currently recognized by OSHA. A list of NRTL's is enclosed for your information.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy Gurnham or Dale Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523-8136.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

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