1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A): GFCI Protection for Temporary Receptacles
Employers must provide ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection on all 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20- and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not part of the building's permanent wiring and are in use by workers. An extension cord connector counts as a receptacle if the cord set is used for temporary power, and GFCI cord sets plugged into the receptacle closest to the power source are acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $36,327 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (2), IL (1), KY (1).
- Related part: 1910.304(b) Branch circuits (279 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A) is one requirement inside 1910.304 Wiring design and protection, 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
(A) All 125-volt, single-phase,15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. 10 citations
A cord connector on an extension cord set is considered to be a receptacle outlet if the cord set is used for temporary electric power.
Cord sets and devices incorporating the required ground-fault circuit-interrupter that are connected to the receptacle closest to the source of power are acceptable forms of protection.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.304.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (2), IL (1), KY (1), RI (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EAST COAST REPAIR AND FABRICATION, LLC | NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $8,044 |
| BRENNTAG GREAT LAKES, LLC | DES MOINES, IA | $7,034 |
| NGC, INC. | NARRAGANSETT, RI | $6,964 |
| BALANCED ENVIRONMENTS, INC. | WHEELING, IL | $5,000 |
| FIRST MARINE, LLC | CALVERT CITY, KY | $4,969 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.304(b) Branch circuits 279 citations
- 1910.304(b)(4) Outlet devices 137 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3) Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel 102 citations
- 1910.304(b)(4)(ii)(B) 70 citations
- 1910.304(b)(4)(ii) 70 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(i) 69 citations
- 1910.304(b)(2) Receptacles and cord connectors 37 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii) 30 citations
- 1910.304(b)(2)(ii) 23 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(C) 19 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
Which outlets need GFCI protection under this rule?
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20- and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring and are in use by personnel.
Does an extension cord count as a receptacle?
Yes, the cord connector counts as a receptacle outlet if the cord set is used for temporary electric power.
Can I use a GFCI cord set instead of a GFCI outlet?
Yes. Cord sets and devices with the required GFCI connected to the receptacle closest to the power source are acceptable.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.304 (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.