1910.137(c)(2)(viii): Periodic Electrical Testing of Rubber Protective Equipment
Employers must have electrical protective equipment tested electrically on a regular schedule, using the test voltages and maximum intervals between tests listed in Tables I-4 and I-5.
Key takeaways
- 1910.137(c)(2)(viii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $128,968 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (7), TX (4), VA (3).
- Related part: 1910.137(c) In-service care and use of electrical protective equipment (36 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.137(c)(2)(viii) is one requirement inside 1910.137 Electrical protective equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(viii) Electrical protective equipment shall be subjected to periodic electrical tests. Test voltages and the maximum intervals between tests shall be in accordance with Table I-4 and Table I-5. 29 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.137.
Export the list: 29 inspections cited 1910.137(c)(2)(viii) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.137(c)(2)(viii).
At 1:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024, an employee was electrocuted while accomplishing maintenance on a 7.2kV distribution line. The employee was killed.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: OH (7), TX (4), VA (3), TN (3), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HUBBELL INC. | READING, PA | $18,000 |
| DESERT DIAMOND CASINO AND ENTERTAINMENT | SAHUARITA, AZ | $16,000 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| DEXTER FORTSON ASSOCIATES, INC. | COALING, AL | $9,598 |
| DRYLOCK TECHNOLOGIES, LTD. | EAU CLAIRE, WI | $8,228 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.137(c)(2)(viii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.137(c) In-service care and use of electrical protective equipment 36 citations
- 1910.137(c)(2) Specific requirements 35 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Does electrical protective equipment need regular testing?
Yes. It must be subjected to periodic electrical tests.
Where are the test voltages and intervals listed?
In Table I-4 and Table I-5 of 1910.137.
Who is responsible for the testing?
The employer must make sure the equipment is tested as the rule requires.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.137 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-01
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.