Electrical (C-10) · Lesson 2 of 6

Temporary Power: GFCIs and the Assured Grounding Program

"Temporary Power: GFCIs and the Assured Grounding Program" is lesson 2 of 6 in the Electrical (C-10) Learning Hub. It opens with "When temporary wiring is allowed" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

Open the free trialSee pricing

One-time purchase, no subscription. Law & Business included.

Steps in this lesson

  1. When temporary wiring is allowed
  2. Feeders and branch circuits
  3. Temporary poles
  4. GFCI or assured grounding: the choice
  5. Running the AEGCP

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Apply it to" through "Handle the incident".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Temporary Power: GFCIs and the Assured Grounding Program" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Temporary poles".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "GFCI or assured grounding: the choice".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Running the AEGCP".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Temporary Power on a Construction SiteWHICH OUTLETS NEED A GFCI?Temp pole: six 120 V, 20 A receptaclesGFCI REQUIRED (or AEGCP)5 kW generator, 2-wire, insulated circuitEXEMPT from GFCI rule240 V, 30 A welder receptacleNot 120 V: outside 2405.4(c)Kitchen receptacle in finished wiringPermanent wiring: outside 2405.4(c)TEST CLOCK (all tested Feb 1)Feb 1May 1Aug 1Cord sets: 3 monthsFixed, not exposed:6 monthsMar 15: truck runs over a cord(retest BEFORE reuse)AEGCP ALSO REQUIRESWritten program kept on the job siteA qualified person runs the programVisual check before each day's useTest continuity + correct terminal; mark dateUse GFCIs, an assured grounding program, or both - and retest after damage.Source: 8 CCR §2405.1 through §2405.4 (Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: When temporary wiring is allowed

8 CCR §2405.1 permits temporary power and lighting of 600 volts or less during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repairs or demolition; for not more than 90 days at non-permanent locations such as carnivals, music festivals, Christmas decorative lighting and Christmas tree lots; and for experimental work and emergencies. It must be removed immediately when the project or purpose ends, and temporary installations over 600 volts follow the High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders. The 2025 California Fire Code §603.8 likewise limits temporary wiring to 90 days, with an exception for periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition.

Step 2: Feeders and branch circuits

Per §2405.2, feeders originate in an approved distribution center and are run as multi-conductor cord or cable assemblies; branch circuits originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard. Open conductors must be fastened at ceiling height every 10 feet, and no branch-circuit conductor may be laid on the floor. Receptacles are the grounding type, each branch circuit carries a separate equipment grounding conductor unless it is in continuous grounded metallic raceway or metallic-covered cable, no bare conductors or earth returns are allowed, and switches or plug connectors must disconnect all ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit. Multi-conductor cords must be hard service type, and cords must be protected at doorways and pinch points.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

More lessons for this trade

Browse all lesson previews

Ready to practice for real?

Try the real classroom free, no sign-up, or get the full course for your trade.

Open the free trialSee pricing

Independent exam preparation. Contractors Classroom is not affiliated with the Contractors State License Board, and no course can guarantee a passing result.