1910.305(a)(2): Temporary Wiring Rules
Temporary wiring must meet the permanent wiring rules except where this paragraph changes them. Temporary installations of 600 volts or less may be used only for remodeling, maintenance or repair, for up to 90 days for holiday lighting, carnivals and similar uses, or for experimental work and emergencies, and must be removed right after the project ends. Feeders and branch circuits must follow the listed rules, including no branch-circuit conductors on the floor.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 358 times in the last 3 years, in 348 inspections, with $532,213 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OR (33), VA (31), IL (28).
- 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) ("Temporary wiring") is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 20 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
(2) Temporary wiring. Except as specifically modified in this paragraph, all other requirements of this subpart for permanent wiring shall also apply to temporary wiring installations. 358 citations
(i) Temporary electrical power and lighting installations of 600 volts, nominal, or less may be used only as follows: Open (a)(2)(i) 77 citations
(A) During and for remodeling, maintenance, or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment, and similar activities; 4 citations
(B) For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes; or Open (a)(2)(i)(b) 10 citations
(C) For experimental or development work, and during emergencies.
(ii) Temporary wiring shall be removed immediately upon completion of the project or purpose for which the wiring was installed. Open (a)(2)(ii) 27 citations
(iii) Temporary electrical installations of more than 600 volts may be used only during periods of tests, experiments, emergencies, or construction-like activities.
(iv) The following requirements apply to feeders: 1 citations
(A) Feeders shall originate in an approved distribution center.
(B) Conductors shall be run as multiconductor cord or cable assemblies. However, if installed as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section, and if accessible only to qualified persons, feeders may be run as single insulated conductors. 1 citations
(v) The following requirements apply to branch circuits: Open (a)(2)(v) 8 citations
(A) Branch circuits shall originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard.
(B) Conductors shall be multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or open conductors. If run as open conductors, they shall be fastened at ceiling height every 3.05 m (10.0 ft).
(C) No branch-circuit conductor may be laid on the floor. Open (a)(2)(v)(c) 8 citations
(D) Each branch circuit that supplies receptacles or fixed equipment shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor if run as open conductors.
(vi) Receptacles shall be of the grounding type. Unless installed in a continuous grounded metallic raceway or metallic covered cable, each branch circuit shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor and all receptacles shall be electrically connected to the grounding conductor.
(vii) No bare conductors nor earth returns may be used for the wiring of any temporary circuit.
(viii) Suitable disconnecting switches or plug connectors shall be installed to permit the disconnection of all ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit. Multiwire branch circuits shall be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors at the power outlet or panelboard where the branch circuit originated.
Circuit breakers with their handles connected by approved handle ties are considered a single disconnecting means for the purpose of this requirement.
(ix) All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard. Brass shell, paper-lined sockets, or other metal-cased sockets may not be used unless the shell is grounded. Open (a)(2)(ix) 100 citations
(x) Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from accidental damage, as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points. Open (a)(2)(x) 123 citations
(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. Open (a)(2)(xi) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(a)(2).
An employee was fabricating a part for an agricultural wagon using a drill presswhen it fell onto his head, causing multiple fatal injuries to the employee.
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 | 30 |
| 2024 | 142 |
| 2025 | 124 |
| 2026 | 62 |
Top states: OR (33), VA (31), IL (28), NY (23), TX (21)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $16,131 |
| 159067 - SMITHFIELD FRESH MEATS CORP. | TAR HEEL, NC | $14,067 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $12,135 |
| AEKO KULA LLC | HONOLULU, HI | $11,823 |
| MFA INC. | AURORA, MO | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories (2004-03-31)
- Clarification of the Electrical Standard as it applies to flexible power cords on appliances. (1997-09-09)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(a) Wiring methods 382 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
How long can temporary holiday lighting stay up?
For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals and similar purposes.
When must temporary wiring be removed?
Immediately upon completion of the project or purpose for which it was installed.
Can branch-circuit conductors be laid on the floor?
No. No branch-circuit conductor may be laid on the floor.
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.