Construction-Site Electrical Safety: GFCI, AEGCP, and Temporary Power
Jobsites are wet, dirty, and hard on cords — so the rules for temporary power are strict. This is governed by OSHA 1926 Subpart K and CEC Article 590.
1. The construction-site ground-fault rule — OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)
On a construction site, all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring and are in use by employees must be protected by one of two things:
- GFCI protection — the simpler, far more common choice, or
- an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP) — a documented program with continuity testing of every EGC, correct-attachment tests, and recordkeeping.
2. Temporary power — CEC Article 590
- Temporary installations are covered by CEC Article 590.
- CEC 590.6 requires GFCI protection for temporary 125-volt, 15/20/30-amp receptacles used by personnel (not part of the permanent wiring).