What type of receptacles should be used in electrical installations according to OSHA?

Using grounding type receptacles in electrical installations is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. Grounding type receptacles have a third prong that connects to the grounding system of the electrical installation. This connection helps to prevent electrical shock by providing a safe path for any stray electrical current, should a fault occur in the electrical system or equipment.

The design of grounding type receptacles ensures that devices that plug into them are protected from overloads and short circuits. By directing any fault current away from users and into the ground, grounding type receptacles reduce the risk of electrical accidents significantly.

In contrast, ungrounded type receptacles lack this added layer of safety, exposing users to a higher risk of electrical shock in case of faults. While GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles provide critical protection against ground faults, they are a specific type of receptacle and may not be required in all installations if the grounding type is already in place. Therefore, the regulation aims for broader safety and reliability by mandating grounding type receptacles for general electrical installations, which is why this answer aligns with OSHA’s safety standards.