1910.304(b)(4)(ii): Receptacle Ratings on Branch Circuits
Receptacle outlets must match their branch circuit. A single receptacle on its own branch circuit must be rated at least as high as the circuit. On circuits with two or more outlets, receptacles may not supply more load than Table S-4 allows and must be rated per Table S-5, or, where larger than 50 amperes, not less than the branch-circuit rating.
Key takeaways
- 1910.304(b)(4)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 70 times in the last 3 years, in 70 inspections, with $85,332 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (43), NV (10), CT (8).
- Related part: 1910.304(b) Branch circuits (279 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.304(b)(4)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.304 Wiring design and protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(ii) Receptacle outlets shall comply with the following provisions: 70 citations
(A) A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating of not less than that of the branch circuit;
(B) Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle may not supply a total cord- and plug-connected load in excess of the maximum specified in Table S-4; and Open (b)(4)(ii)(b) 70 citations
(C) Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to the values listed in Table S-5; or, where larger than 50 amperes, the receptacle rating may not be less than the branch-circuit rating. However, receptacles of cord- and plug-connected arc welders may have ampere ratings not less than the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.304.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: MN (43), NV (10), CT (8), WA (6), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CLASSIC FLOORS & INTERIORS, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $11,524 |
| IGNITE TEEN TREATMENT LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $10,046 |
| PARKER PLASTICS NEVADA L.L.C | NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV | $6,454 |
| THE POINT CASINO | KINGSTON, WA | $5,627 |
| BOGARTS BONE APPETIT | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,688 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.304(b)(4)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.304(b)(4)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.304(b) Branch circuits 279 citations
- 1910.304(b)(4) Outlet devices 137 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3) Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel 102 citations
- 1910.304(b)(4)(ii)(B) 70 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(i) 69 citations
- 1910.304(b)(2) Receptacles and cord connectors 37 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii) 30 citations
- 1910.304(b)(2)(ii) 23 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(C) 19 citations
- 1910.304(b)(3)(ii)(A) 10 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 rating must a single receptacle on its own circuit have?
An ampere rating of not less than that of the branch circuit.
What limits apply on circuits with two or more receptacles?
A receptacle may not supply a total cord- and plug-connected load over the maximum in Table S-4, and ratings must conform to Table S-5.
Is there an exception for arc welder receptacles?
Yes. Receptacles for cord- and plug-connected arc welders may have ampere ratings not less than the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.304 (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.