1910.334(a)(3)(i): Grounding Conductor in Flexible Cords
A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment must contain an equipment grounding conductor.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 52 times in the last 3 years, in 52 inspections, with $51,002 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (8), MI (7), ME (4).
- Related part: 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment (956 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.334 Use of equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(i) A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor. 52 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.334.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: CT (8), MI (7), ME (4), OK (3), LA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PREMIUM VELOCITY AUTO LLC | LEAGUE CITY, TX | $9,127 |
| MVP PLASTICS SA, LLC | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $6,951 |
| BOROUGH OF SPRING LAKE DPW | SPRING LAKE, NJ | $4,900 |
| ACME BRICK CO | TULSA, OK | $4,701 |
| BOROUGH OF PEAPACK & GLADSTONE - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | PEAPACK, NJ | $4,200 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.334(a)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment 956 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2) Visual inspection 830 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(ii) 484 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(i) 344 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3) Grounding-type equipment 80 citations
- 1910.334(a)(1) Handling 29 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) 26 citations
- 1910.334(a)(4) Conductive work locations 15 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Does a cord for grounded tools need a ground wire?
Yes. A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor.
Can a cord without a grounding conductor be used with grounding-type equipment?
No. The cord must contain an equipment grounding conductor.
Which rule covers this?
1910.334(a)(3)(i).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.334 (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 2026-10-20
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.