1910.305(a)(2)(xi): Supporting Cables and Cords
Employers must support cable assemblies and flexible cords and cables at intervals that protect them from physical damage. Supports must be staples, cable ties, straps or similar fittings installed so they do not damage the cable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(xi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $20,593 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (1), TX (1), VA (1).
- 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)(2)(xi) 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
(xi) Cable assemblies and flexible cords and cables shall be supported in place at intervals that ensure that they will be protected from physical damage. Support shall be in the form of staples, cables ties, straps, or similar type fittings installed so as not to cause damage. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: PR (1), TX (1), VA (1), MO (1), MI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 159067 - SMITHFIELD FRESH MEATS CORP. | TAR HEEL, NC | $14,067 |
| ACME BRICK COMPANY | MALAKOFF, TX | $6,026 |
| CARIBBEAN RENTAL VENTURE INC. | MOROVIS, PR | $500 |
| WABTEC COMPONENTS LLC | WYTHEVILLE, VA | $0 |
| SUTTON TRANSPORT, INC. - ST. LOUIS | SAINT LOUIS, MO | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(xi), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(a)(2)(xi).
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)(1)(i) 19 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
How often must cables be supported?
At intervals that ensure the cables are protected from physical damage.
What can be used as supports?
Staples, cable ties, straps or similar type fittings.
Can a staple damage the cable?
Supports must be installed so as not to cause damage, so do not crush or pierce the cable.
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.