1910.305(a)(1)(i): Bonding Metal Grounding Paths
Metal raceways, cable trays, cable armor, enclosures, frames, fittings and other metal parts that serve as grounding conductors must be effectively bonded where needed for electrical continuity and to safely carry any likely fault current. Nonconductive paint or coatings must be removed at threads and contact points, or fittings must be used that make removal unnecessary.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $70,940 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (4), OK (3), IN (2).
- Related part: 1910.305(a) Wiring methods (382 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(a)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, 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) Metal raceways, cable trays, cable armor, cable sheath, enclosures, frames, fittings, and other metal noncurrent-carrying parts that are to serve as grounding conductors, with or without the use of supplementary equipment grounding conductors, shall be effectively bonded where necessary to ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed on them. Any nonconductive paint, enamel, or similar coating shall be removed at threads, contact points, and contact surfaces or be connected by means of fittings designed so as to make such removal unnecessary. 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: MI (4), OK (3), IN (2), KS (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACME BRICK CO | TULSA, OK | $21,279 |
| TRIUMPH FOODS, LLC | SAINT JOSEPH, MO | $12,059 |
| AMERICAN SUGAR REFINING INC | ARABI, LA | $9,598 |
| PREMIUM VELOCITY AUTO LLC | LEAGUE CITY, TX | $6,084 |
| 157903 - TRUE2FORM COLLISION REPAIR CENTERS, LLC | GARNER, NC | $5,850 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(a)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(a) Wiring methods 382 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2) Temporary wiring 358 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(x) 123 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ix) 100 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i) 77 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1) General requirements 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(xi) 11 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) 10 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v)(C) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(3) Cable trays
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 must be bonded?
Metal raceways, cable trays, cable armor and sheath, enclosures, frames, fittings and other noncurrent-carrying metal parts that serve as grounding conductors.
Why bond them?
To ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to safely conduct any fault current likely to be imposed.
What about painted surfaces?
Coatings must be removed at threads, contact points and surfaces, or fittings designed to make removal unnecessary must be used.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.305 (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.