1926.404(f)(6): Permanent and Continuous Grounding Path
Employers must make sure the path to ground from circuits, equipment and enclosures is permanent and continuous.
Key takeaways
- 1926.404(f)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 234 times in the last 3 years, in 234 inspections, with $207,534 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (42), MD (38), NY (34).
- Related part: 1926.404(f) Grounding (241 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.404(f)(6) ("Grounding path") is one requirement inside 1926.404 Wiring design and protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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
(6) Grounding path. The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures shall be permanent and continuous. 234 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.404.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 83 |
| 2025 | 86 |
| 2026 | 48 |
Top states: NC (42), MD (38), NY (34), VA (19), TX (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CONWAY-PHILLIPS HOLDING, LLC | PETROLIA, PA | $16,550 |
| F. L. CRANE & SONS, INC. | NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR | $9,316 |
| COMFORT SYSTEMS USA (ARKANSAS), INC. | NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR | $8,711 |
| NELSON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. | CARSON CITY, NV | $6,857 |
| AS CARIBE DRYWALL INC. | MAYAGUEZ, PR | $5,627 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.404(f)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.404(f)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.404(f) Grounding 241 citations
- 1926.404(f)(7) Supports, enclosures, and equipment to be grounded 4 citations
- 1926.404(f)(7)(iv) Equipment connected by cord and plug 3 citations
- 1926.404(f)(1)(iv) AC systems, 50 volts to 1000 volts 2 citations
- 1926.404(f)(1) Systems to be grounded 2 citations
- 1926.404(f)(7)(i) Supports and enclosures for conductors
- 1926.404(f)(3)(i) Portable generators
- 1926.404(f)(3) Portable and vehicle-mounted generators
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
What kind of grounding path is required?
The path to ground must be permanent and continuous.
What does the grounding path rule cover?
Circuits, equipment and enclosures.
Can the ground path be broken temporarily?
No. The rule requires a permanent and continuous path.
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 2026-10-20
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.