1910.303(b)(7)(i): Closing Unused Electrical Openings
Unused openings in electrical boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases or housings must be effectively closed. The closure must give protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(b)(7)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 349 times in the last 3 years, in 349 inspections, with $790,530 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (34), TX (31), NC (22).
- 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)(7)(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) Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. 349 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.303(b)(7)(i).
On April 9, 2024, an employee was cleaning under a machine that slices veneer. The employee's elbow or torso pressed a pedal which actuated the machine, and hewas pinned between the machine and the floor. The employee was initially hospitalized after the incident on April…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 118 |
| 2026 | 76 |
Top states: VA (34), TX (31), NC (22), MA (21), CT (20)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| M & H CRATES, INC. | JACKSONVILLE, TX | $21,903 |
| FLEETPRIDE INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $16,550 |
| LONGHORN FABRICATION INC. | TERRELL, TX | $14,518 |
| JBS SWIFT & COMPANY | MARSHALLTOWN, IA | $14,068 |
| DUREX PRODUCTS, INC. | LUCK, WI | $12,713 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(b)(7)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.303(b)(7)(i).
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)(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)(i) 24 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
Which openings must be closed?
Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases or housings.
How well must they be closed?
Effectively closed to give protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.
Can tape be used?
The rule requires protection substantially equivalent to the equipment wall, so the closure must meet that level.
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.