Testing Equipment Grounding Conductors

As part of the equipment grounding conductor program, certain tests must be performed. All equipment grounding conductors must be tested for continuity and must be electrically continuous. In addition, each receptacle and attachment cap or plug must be tested for correct attachment of the equipment grounding conductor.

Required tests must be performed on the following basis:

• Before first use
• Before equipment is returned to service following any repairs
• Before equipment is used after any incident that can be reasonably suspected to have caused damage
• At intervals no greater than three months, except that cord sets and receptacles that are fixed and not exposed to damage must be tested no less frequently than every six months

Employers must keep test records that identify each receptacle, cord set, and cord- and plug-connected equipment that passed the test and indicating the last date it was tested. The record must be made available on the jobsite for inspection by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health and any affected employee.

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