OSHA 1926.416(e)(1): worn or frayed electric cords

Official text

What it requires, in plain English

• Worn or frayed cords and cables are not used.
• Receptacle outlets used by workers on construction sites need ground-fault circuit interrupter protection or an assured equipment grounding conductor program under 1926.404(b)(1).
• Flexible cords are protected from damage, including sharp corners and pinch points, under 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I).

Where it shows up on site

• Taped-over splices and cut insulation on extension cords
• Cords run through doorways or across wet floors
• Missing ground prongs on plugs

Verify on site before you call it

A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:

• Is the damaged cord currently energized or plugged into a power source?
• Is the cord supplied through a GFCI or other compliant protective device?
• Is the wet area water or another conductive liquid, and are employees working in or near it?
• Is the cord part of temporary wiring, and does the circuit include a separate equipment grounding conductor?

Typical corrective actions

1. Remove the damaged cord from service immediately and tag it out until repaired or replaced.
2. Provide a compliant replacement cord or use double-insulated or isolating-transformer-supplied equipment as permitted.
3. Verify by a qualified person that temporary power receptacles and grounding/GFCI protection are intact before reuse.

Related standards

• 1926.304 Guards on portable circular saws
• 1926.100 Hard hats where head injury is possible
• 1926.501 Fall protection at holes and floor openings

This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.