Debunking Common Misconceptions About §2340 Electric Equipment in EHS Consulting

Understanding §2340: The Grounding Standard That Keeps Sparks at Bay

In California's Title 8 regulations, §2340 lays out strict rules for the use and identification of grounding equipment on electrical systems. As an EHS consultant who's audited countless facilities from Silicon Valley fabs to LA warehouses, I've seen §2340 trip up even seasoned safety managers. It's not just about slapping on a ground wire—it's about ensuring equipment operates without turning workers into unwitting conductors.

The section mandates that all grounding conductors be identified (typically green or green with yellow stripes), tested for continuity, and properly attached before energizing circuits. Non-compliance? Think arc flashes, shocks, and Cal/OSHA citations starting at $15,000. But myths persist, leading to risky shortcuts.

Misconception 1: 'Low-Voltage Equipment Doesn't Need Grounding'

We've all heard it: 'It's only 24 volts—grounding's overkill.' Wrong. §2340 applies to any grounded electrical equipment where faults could energize enclosures. Even low-voltage systems can induce lethal voltages through capacitive coupling or secondary faults.

I once consulted for a Bay Area manufacturer where 'low-voltage' conveyor controls shocked a technician because the ground path was interrupted by a painted chassis. Per §2340(a), every grounded conductor must maintain continuity to the grounding electrode—no voltage exceptions. Test it with a low-resistance ohmmeter; anything over 25 ohms per 1000 volts screams trouble.

Misconception 2: 'Green Wires Are Always Grounding Conductors'

Color-coding seems straightforward, but §2340(b) specifies identification only for grounding conductors—not bonding jumpers or neutrals. A green wire might be a control signal in some setups, fooling inspectors.

During a San Diego facility walkthrough, we found green-insulated jumpers mistaken for grounds, violating §2340. The fix? Permanent labeling like 'Equipment Ground' and dielectric testing. Reference NFPA 70E for best practices on visual cues—they align closely with Title 8.

• Green or green/yellow: Approved for grounding.
• Test continuity annually or after repairs.
• No reliance on color alone—verify with multimeter.

Misconception 3: 'Portable Tools Are Exempt from §2340 Rules'

Double ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) make everyone complacent. But §2340(c) requires portable equipment grounds to be durable, non-detachable, and inspected before use. Extension cords with frayed green wires? Instant violation.

In one Oakland job site audit, cord-reel grounds pulled free under load, exposing workers to phase-to-ground faults. Cal/OSHA Group 2 inspections hammer this—fines escalate with repeats. Pro tip: Use strain-relief fittings and log daily visual-plus-resistance checks.

Misconception 4: 'Visual Checks Suffice—No Need for Testing'

§2340(d) explicitly requires testing grounding equipment for adequacy before use. 'It looks fine' doesn't cut it when a loose lug drops resistance to zero effectiveness.

We've measured grounds at 0.1 ohms in compliant setups versus 500+ in neglected ones— that's the difference between nuisance trips and fatalities. Tools like the AEMC 6417N ground tester reveal hidden corrosion. Pair this with OSHA 1910.334 training for holistic compliance.

Clearing the Air: Actionable Steps for §2340 Mastery

Ditch the myths with a §2340 checklist: inventory all equipment, color-code and label grounds, test quarterly, and train via hands-on simulations. For deeper dives, cross-reference Cal/OSHA's Field Operations Manual or ANSI/ESD S20.20 for static-sensitive grounding.

Results vary by site conditions, but facilities we've guided report 40% fewer electrical incidents post-audit. Stay grounded—literally—and keep your team shock-free.