Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP)

If an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP) is used in place of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for ground-fault protection, the following minimum requirements apply, though additional tests or procedures are encouraged:

• Keep a written description of the program at the jobsite. Outline specific procedures for the required equipment inspections, tests, and test schedule, and make them available to OSHA and to affected persons upon demand.
• Designate one or more competent persons to implement the program.  OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is a) qualified to identify hazards, and b) authorized to take prompt corrective measures.
• Visually inspect all cord sets, attachment caps, plugs and receptacles, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, before use each day. If you see any external damage, such as deformed or missing pins, damaged insulation, etc., or discover internal damage, take the equipment out of use until it is repaired.
• Perform two OSHA-required tests on all electrical equipment: a continuity test, and a terminal connection test. Tests are required:
  • Before first use.
  • After any repairs, and before placing back in service.
  • After suspected damage, and before returning to use.
  • Every 3 months [for exceptions see, 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(E)(4)].
• Maintain a written record of the required tests, identifying all equipment that passed the test and the last date it was tested (or the testing interval). Like the program description, make it available to OSHA inspectors and affected persons upon demand.

Continuity Test:

The continuity test ensures that the equipment grounding conductor is electrically continuous. [29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(D)] Perform this test on all cord sets, receptacles that are not part of a building or structure's permanent wiring, and cord- and plug-connected equipment required to be grounded. This test can be accomplished with various test equipment.

Examples of test equipment:

Voltage/continuity Tester

Analog Multi-Meter

Digital Multi-Meter

Terminal Connection Test:

The terminal connection test ensures that the equipment grounding conductor is connected to its proper terminal at receptacles and cord plugs. [29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(D)] Perform this test with the same equipment used in the first test, or for receptacles use receptacle testers as shown below.

Examples of equipment to test proper wiring on receptacles, and GFCI function (device on right) with devices shown below:

Receptacle Tester

GFCI Receptacle Testers

Additional Resources

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K, Electrical. OSHA Standard.
  • 1926.404, Wiring design and protection
    • 1926.404(b)(1)(iii), Assured equipment grounding conductor program
• Electrical Safety: Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-113, (March 2009).