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Grounding continuity and extension cord indicator lights

Summary A seller asked whether a built-in light on an extension cord satisfied continuity testing. OSHA said the light showed the cord was energized but gave no information about the continuity of its equipment grounding conductor.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1993-04-08
Date issued
April 8, 1993
Status
Active
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety Electrical Safety
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

April 8, 1993

John D. Fauth
John Fauth Sales Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr Fauth:

This is in response to your letter asking whether OSHA would require a specific brand of extension cord, equipped with a built-in "continuity tester", be tested for continuity. The built-in "continuity tester" is in the form of a light embedded in the receptacle portion of the cord set. When the light is on, that means the cord is energized.

OSHA's concern for continuity, in so far as extension cords are concerned, relates to continuity of equipment grounding conductors. The built-in "continuity tester", in the cord in question, does not and cannot provide any information concerning the continuity of equipment grounding conductors.

If you require any additional information regarding the preceding, please contact John McFee of my staff at (215) 596-1201.

Sincerely,
LINDA R. ANKU
Regional Administrator

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