Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP)

Definition of Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP)

An assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP) is a written program for inspecting and testing extension cords, receptacles and cord-and-plug connected tools on construction sites to make sure their grounding conductors are intact. It is one of two ways OSHA allows construction employers to protect workers from ground faults on temporary power. The other is using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Temporary power on a job site takes heavy abuse. Cords are run over, dragged through water, pinched in doors and spliced. When the grounding path is broken, a fault in a tool can energize its metal housing and the worker holding it becomes the path to ground. An AEGCP aims to catch those broken grounds through routine testing and documentation before someone is shocked.

OSHA Requirements for an AEGCP

Under 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1), construction employers must use either GFCIs or an AEGCP for receptacle outlets used by employees on construction sites that are not part of the permanent wiring. An AEGCP must include the following elements.

Written Program and Competent Person

• Written description: The employer must have a written description of the program, including the specific procedures adopted, kept at the jobsite for inspection.
• Competent person: At least one competent person must be designated to implement the program.

Daily Visual Inspection

Each cord set, attachment cap, plug, receptacle and cord-and-plug connected tool must be visually inspected before each day's use for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins, damaged insulation and signs of internal damage. Cord sets and receptacles that are fixed and not exposed to damage are excepted. Damaged equipment must not be used until it is repaired.

Required Tests

• Continuity test: All equipment grounding conductors must be tested for electrical continuity.
• Correct attachment: Each receptacle and attachment cap or plug must be tested to confirm the grounding conductor is connected to its proper terminal.

Test Schedule

• Before first use.
• Before equipment is returned to service after any repair.
• Before equipment is used after any incident that could reasonably have caused damage, such as a cord being run over.
• At intervals not exceeding 3 months, except that cord sets and receptacles that are fixed and not exposed to damage may be tested at intervals not exceeding 6 months.

Records

Tests must be recorded so that each receptacle, cord set and tool that passed is identified along with the date of the last test. Records may be kept by logs, color coding or other effective means and must be available at the jobsite. Equipment that has not passed the required tests may not be used.

AEGCP vs. GFCI Protection

Many contractors choose GFCIs because they are simpler to manage and respond to a fault within a fraction of a second. An AEGCP depends on people doing and recording every test on time, and a single missed quarter can leave untested cords in use. Some employers use both: GFCIs for front-line protection and an inspection program to keep cords and tools in good condition. Neither approach replaces safe work practices around electrical hazards or lockout/tagout for equipment servicing.

Good Practices for an AEGCP

• Use a quarterly color code: Mark tested cords and tools with a different tape color each quarter so anyone can spot an out-of-date item at a glance.
• Include rental and subcontractor equipment: Make sure every cord and tool on site is in the program, not just company-owned gear.
• Remove, don't tape: Take damaged cords out of service rather than wrapping them with electrical tape.
• Test after incidents: Retest any cord that has been crushed, soaked or pulled hard before it goes back into use.
• Train the crew: Make sure workers know how to do the daily visual check and what the color code means.

Example of Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP)

A general contractor on a large commercial build uses an AEGCP for temporary power. Each quarter, the electrical foreman tests every cord set, spider box and corded tool with a continuity tester and wraps passing items with that quarter's tape color. Results are logged in a binder in the site trailer.

During a site walk in early April, the superintendent notices a framing crew using a cord still marked with the previous quarter's color. The cord is pulled from service and tested, and its ground pin is found to be loose. The contractor adds a weekly tape check to the toolbox talk schedule and requires subcontractors to bring their cords to the trailer for testing on the first day of each quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions: Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP)

Is an AEGCP required by OSHA?

In construction, employers must use either GFCIs or an AEGCP to protect workers from ground faults on temporary receptacles. An AEGCP is required only if GFCIs are not used.

How often must cords be tested under an AEGCP?

Before first use, after repairs, after any incident that may have caused damage, and at least every 3 months. Fixed cord sets and receptacles not exposed to damage may be tested every 6 months.

Does OSHA require a specific color code?

No. OSHA allows logs, color coding or other effective means of recording tests. Quarterly tape colors are a common industry practice.

Who can run an AEGCP?

The employer must designate at least one competent person to implement the program, carry out or oversee the tests and keep records.