1910.334(a)(3): Grounding-Type Cords and Plugs
Flexible cords used with grounding-type equipment must contain an equipment grounding conductor. Plugs and receptacles must not be connected or altered in a way that breaks grounding continuity or lets the grounding pole fit current-carrying slots, and adapters that interrupt the grounding connection may not be used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 80 times in the last 3 years, in 80 inspections, with $81,333 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (13), CT (10), TX (8).
- 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) ("Grounding-type equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.334 Use of equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(3) Grounding-type equipment. 80 citations
(i) A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor. Open (a)(3)(i) 52 citations
(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. Open (a)(3)(ii) 26 citations
(iii) Adapters which interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection may not be used. 2 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).
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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: NY (13), CT (10), TX (8), MI (7), ME (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PREMIUM VELOCITY AUTO LLC | LEAGUE CITY, TX | $9,127 |
| AMARU MOTORS LLC | EL PASO, TX | $9,000 |
| DERIVA ENERGY LLC | LYFORD, TX | $8,066 |
| MVP PLASTICS SA, LLC | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $6,951 |
| BOROUGH OF POINT PLEASANT DPW | POINT PLEASANT BORO, NJ | $5,400 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(3), 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).
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)(i) 52 citations
- 1910.334(a)(1) Handling 29 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) 26 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
Must a cord for grounded equipment have a ground wire?
Yes. It must contain an equipment grounding conductor.
Can I cut the ground prong 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 I use a cheater adapter?
No. Adapters that interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection may not be used.
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.