1910.303(b)(1)(i): Electrical Equipment Suitable for Use
Employers must make sure electrical equipment is suitable for installation and use under the electrical rules in this subpart. Listing or labeling for an identified purpose can show that equipment is suitable for that purpose.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(b)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 24 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $47,427 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), FL (3), AL (2).
- Related part: 1910.303(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment (3,837 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart; 24 citations
Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing or labeling for that identified purpose.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: OH (5), FL (3), AL (2), TX (2), IL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RIGIDPLY RAFTERS, INC. | RICHLAND, PA | $10,372 |
| Q.T. RENTS, L.L.C. | ROCKDALE, IL | $5,647 |
| BAJA DESIGN, INC. | DENVER, CO | $5,462 |
| HILLS, INC. | MELBOURNE, FL | $5,097 |
| NORTHERN STAMPING, INC. | VALLEY VIEW, OH | $5,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(b)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment 3,837 citations
- 1910.303(b)(2) Installation and use 2,289 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7) Mechanical execution of work 827 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1) Examination 489 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7)(iv) 398 citations
- 1910.303(b)(7)(i) 349 citations
- 1910.303(b)(8) Mounting and cooling of equipment 145 citations
- 1910.303(b)(8)(i) 143 citations
- 1910.303(b)(6) Deteriorating agents 75 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(iv) 47 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(ii) 38 citations
- 1910.303(b)(1)(viii) 20 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean for equipment to be suitable?
It must be suitable for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of OSHA's electrical subpart.
How can suitability be shown?
Suitability for an identified purpose may be shown by listing or labeling for that purpose.
Is this part of judging whether equipment is safe?
Yes. Suitability for installation and use is one of the factors used to judge electrical equipment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.303 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.