OSHA cites for GFCIs used in series

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hillbilly1

Senior Member
Location
North Georgia mountains
Occupation
Owner/electrical contractor
goodcode said:
A citation was issued in this case due to the marking on a portable GFCI device. An individual was using power from a hard wired GFCI receptacle outlet using an extension cord. He used a portable GFCI device as a splitter at the end of the extension cord. The portable device is marked to instruct the user to place the portable GFCI at the receptacle outlet. This marking exists on a portable device to ensure that the extension cord is also provided with GFCI protection. The marking however, applies only when the portable GFCI is the only GFCI protection provided.
There is no problem. There was no hazard. The level of protection was increased due to the open neutral protection provided by the portable GFCI device.
OSHA is removing the citation.
It should be noted that when a portable GFCI device is used on a non-GFCI protected circuit, it must be plugged into the receptacle outlet upstream of the extension cord or a valid citation will be issued.
Click to expand...

That makes more sense, now that we have all of the details.
 
TOOL_5150

TOOL_5150

Senior Member
Location
bay area, ca
goodcode said:
It should be noted that when a portable GFCI device is used on a non-GFCI protected circuit, it must be plugged into the receptacle outlet upstream of the extension cord or a valid citation will be issued.
Click to expand...

Are you telling me that I have a receptacle that is not GFI protected, I have 3 items that I want to power at once, I have a GFCI "W" adapter. now I have to plug the W into the receptacle directly and use 3 extension cords rather than 1 extension cord and then the W adapter?


~Matt
 
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goodcode

Member
TOOL_5150 said:
Are you telling me that I have a receptacle that is not GFI protected, I have 3 items that I want to power at once, I have a GFCI "W" adapter. now I have to plug the W into the receptacle directly and use 3 extension cords rather than 1 extension cord and then the W adapter?


~Matt
Click to expand...

Matt,
OSHA requires GFCI protection or an "assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP)." The only employers that we see utilizing an AEGCP today are those using cord and plug equipment at other than 15/20-amp 125-volts. It is cheaper for them to develop a program and keep the log than it is to purchase a GFCI device.
All that being said, when you are using a permanent receptacle outlet (no GFCI protection) at 15/20-amp 125-volts "portable" GFCI protection is the most feasible solution, as well as the safest. You can not "build your own" portable GFCI device with a cord cap, cord, box and raised cover as it would be in violation of 1926.403. It would not be listed as a "portable assembly." When you buy a listed portable GFCI, you must use it in accordance with its listing and labeling. All of these devices will instruct the user to place the portable GFCI device into the source to provide protection for everything downstream.
OSHA does not require GFCI protection of a temporary branch circuit. GFCI protection is required for all receptacle outlets. That is why OSHA prohibits a branch circuit from being laid on the ground. OSHA considers anything plugged into the receptacle outlet as an "extension of the branch circuit" which is permitted to lay on the ground because it is GFCI protected.
There are two very good reasons to plug the portable GFCI device in at the source.
(1) your safety and everyone with you
(2) avoiding a citation

Home depot now carries single connection portable GFCI devices for $12.
There is no reason not to work safe and stay in compliance.
 
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