Compliance Guide: OSHA and National Electrical Code Requirements for Grounding and Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites

After more than three years of deliberations, including several public hearings, OSHA has issued standards covering ground-fault protection for personnel on construction sites. These standards became effective on February 22, 1977. The requirements in the new standards are in addition to, not in lieu of, any other requirements for system-grounding and equipment-grounding conductors on construction sites. The new standards apply to 120-V 15- and 20-A single-phase receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the buildings or structures on construction sites. The standards also cover flexible cords sets and cord- and plug-connected equipment that are energized from the above receptacle outlets. The grounding and ground-fault protection requirements for these receptacle outlets, cords, and portable equipment are included in this paper.