1926.404(f)(7)(iv): Equipment connected by cord and plug
Key takeaways
- 1926.404(f)(7)(iv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $14,192 in current penalties.
- 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)(7)(iv) ("Equipment connected by cord and plug") 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
(iv) Equipment connected by cord and plug. Under any of the conditions described in paragraphs (f)(7)(iv)(A) through (f)(7)(iv)(C) of this section, exposed noncurrent-carrying metal parts of cord- and plug-connected equipment which may become energized shall be grounded: 3 citations
(A) If in a hazardous (classified) location (see § 1926.407).
(B) If operated at over 150 volts to ground, except for guarded motors and metal frames of electrically heated appliances if the appliance frames are permanently and effectively insulated from ground.
(C) If the equipment is one of the types listed in paragraphs (f)(7)(iv)(C)(1) through (f)(7)(iv)(C)(5) of this section. However, even though the equipment may be one of these types, it need not be grounded if it is exempted by paragraph (f)(7)(iv)(C)(6). 1 citations
(1) Hand held motor-operated tools;
(2) Cord- and plug-connected equipment used in damp or wet locations or by employees standing on the ground or on metal floors or working inside of metal tanks or boilers;
(3) Portable and mobile X-ray and associated equipment;
(4) Tools likely to be used in wet and/or conductive locations; and
(5) Portable hand lamps.
(6) Tools likely to be used in wet and/or conductive locations need not be grounded if supplied through an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary of not over 50 volts. Listed or labeled portable tools and appliances protected by a system of double insulation, or its equivalent, need not be grounded. If such a system is employed, the equipment shall be distinctively marked to indicate that the tool or appliance utilizes a system of double insulation.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.404.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.404(f)(7)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Repair requirements for the cord plug (attachment plug) of double-insulated tools. (2003-05-19)
- Electric power tools: grounding, NRTL approval, and suitable circuit connection. (2000-06-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.404(f) Grounding 241 citations
- 1926.404(f)(6) Grounding path 234 citations
- 1926.404(f)(7) Supports, enclosures, and equipment to be grounded 4 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
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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 2026-10-20
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.
