1926.404(a): Use and identification of grounded and grounding conductors
Key takeaways
- 1926.404(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $11,769 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.404(a)(2) Polarity of connections (4 citations).
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What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.404(a) ("Use and identification of grounded and grounding conductors") is one requirement inside 1926.404 Wiring design and protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(a) Use and identification of grounded and grounding conductors — 4 citations
(1) Identification of conductors. A conductor used as a grounded conductor shall be identifiable and distinguishable from all other conductors. A conductor used as an equipment grounding conductor shall be identifiable and distinguishable from all other conductors.
(2) Polarity of connections. No grounded conductor shall be attached to any terminal or lead so as to reverse designated polarity. Open (a)(2) 4 citations
(3) Use of grounding terminals and devices. A grounding terminal or grounding-type device on a receptacle, cord connector, or attachment plug shall not be used for purposes other than grounding.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.404.
Export the list: 4 inspections cited 1926.404(a) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.404(a).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.404(a)(2) Polarity of connections 4 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.404 (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 2026-11-06
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.