1910.305(b)(1)(i): Protecting Conductors Entering Boxes
Employers must protect conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets or fittings from abrasion, and the openings where conductors enter must be effectively closed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(b)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 202 times in the last 3 years, in 202 inspections, with $397,794 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (27), TN (15), MD (15).
- Related part: 1910.305(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings (2,745 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(b)(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) Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. 202 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(b)(1)(i).
At 7:45 p.m. on September 27, 2024, Employee #1 was operating a dual-hopper log shaver when the employee made contact with the cutter heads of the machine. The employee was caught in the machine and sustained fatal injuries. The employee's body above the legs was…
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 | 16 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 73 |
| 2026 | 39 |
Top states: VA (27), TN (15), MD (15), WI (13), NC (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC | FLORENCE, WI | $17,189 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $16,550 |
| PRODUCTS UNLIMITED, INC. | OMAHA, NE | $16,550 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| BAUER COMPRESSORS INC | NORFOLK, VA | $11,695 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(b)(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(b)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings 2,745 citations
- 1910.305(b)(2) Covers and canopies 1,373 citations
- 1910.305(b)(2)(i) 1,349 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings 1,314 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1)(ii) 1,058 citations
- 1910.305(b)(3) Pull and junction boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal 58 citations
- 1910.305(b)(3)(ii) 46 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1)(iii) 21 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 protection do conductors need where they enter a box?
They must be protected from abrasion.
Do entry openings need to be closed?
Yes. Openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed.
What enclosures does this cover?
Cutout boxes, cabinets and fittings.
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.