1910.303(f)(2): Label Services, Feeders and Branch Circuits
Employers must make sure each service, feeder and branch circuit is clearly marked at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device to show its purpose, unless it is located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Clear labels help workers shut off the right circuit.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(f)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 712 times in the last 3 years, in 712 inspections, with $451,190 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (162), NY (87), CT (81).
- Related part: 1910.303(f) Disconnecting means and circuits (760 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2) ("Services, feeders, and branch circuits") 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
(2) Services, feeders, and branch circuits. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. 712 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.303(f)(2).
At 12:11 p.m. on August 20, 2024, an employee working for a food manufacturer was installing a lighting fixture on an energized system. The employee contacteda live wire and was electrocuted. The employee died as a result of his injuries.
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 | 56 |
| 2024 | 240 |
| 2025 | 240 |
| 2026 | 176 |
Top states: TN (162), NY (87), CT (81), VA (45), IL (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WHITE CAP | SAINT CHARLES, MO | $12,676 |
| BIG TEX TRAILER MANUFACTURING, LLC | BATAVIA, OH | $11,585 |
| VILLAGE FARMS, LP. / MARFA 1 | MARFA, TX | $11,250 |
| VILLAGE FARMS, LP. / MARFA 2 | MARFA, TX | $11,250 |
| CAMPING WORLD RV SALES, LLC | UXBRIDGE, MA | $10,140 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.303(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(f) Disconnecting means and circuits 760 citations
- 1910.303(f)(1) Motors and appliances 33 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
Where must circuit labels be?
At the disconnecting means or overcurrent device for each service, feeder and branch circuit.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, when the circuit is located and arranged so its purpose is evident.
What must the label show?
Its purpose, marked legibly.
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.