1910.334(a)(3)(ii): Keeping Plug Grounding Intact
Employers must not allow attachment plugs and receptacles to be connected or altered in a way that breaks the equipment grounding conductor's continuity where plugs meet receptacles. They also may not be altered so a plug's grounding pole fits into slots meant for current-carrying conductors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 26 times in the last 3 years, in 26 inspections, with $24,931 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (12), TX (5), IA (2).
- 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)(ii) 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
(ii) Attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs are attached to receptacles. Additionally, these devices may not be altered to allow the grounding pole of a plug to be inserted into slots intended for connection to the current-carrying conductors. 26 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.334.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.334(a)(3)(ii).
At 7:30 a.m. on May 8, 2024, Employee #1 was operating a hoisting winch at the wind turbine nacelle in preparation to elevate tool bags up the tower. During this operation, it appears that Employee #1 was electrocuted, which subsequentlyled to cardiac arrest. Emergency services…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NY (12), TX (5), IA (2), CT (2), AZ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AMARU MOTORS LLC | EL PASO, TX | $9,000 |
| DERIVA ENERGY LLC | LYFORD, TX | $8,066 |
| G.A.M.A., LLC | AUSTIN, TX | $3,733 |
| CAMOFIRE HOLDINGS LLC | WEST VALLEY CITY, UT | $2,100 |
| 76979 - RESIDENCE INN ANDERSON CLEMSON | ANDERSON, SC | $1,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(3)(ii), 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)(ii).
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)(3)(i) 52 citations
- 1910.334(a)(1) Handling 29 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
Can the ground pin be cut off a plug?
No. Plugs and receptacles may not be altered in a way that would prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding conductor.
Can a plug be changed to fit a different slot?
No. Devices may not be altered so the grounding pole can be inserted into slots for current-carrying conductors.
Why does this matter?
The grounding path must stay continuous where plugs attach to receptacles.
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.