1910.305(b)(1): Conductors entering boxes and cabinets
Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets or fittings must be protected from abrasion, and the openings they pass through must be effectively closed. Unused openings must also be closed, and each cable must be secured to the box or enclosure, except for certain nonmetallic-sheathed cables entering the top of a surface-mounted enclosure through a short raceway when all the listed conditions are met.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 1,314 times in the last 3 years, in 1,256 inspections, with $1,990,328 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (178), MD (123), VA (88).
- 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) ("Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings") 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 10 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
(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings. 1,314 citations
(i) Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. Open (b)(1)(i) 202 citations
(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed. Open (b)(1)(ii) 1,058 citations
(iii) Where cable is used, each cable shall be secured to the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure. However, where cable with an entirely nonmetallic sheath enters the top of a surface-mounted enclosure through one or more nonflexible raceways not less than 457 mm (18 in.) or more than 3.05 m (10.0 ft) in length, the cable need not be secured to the cabinet, box, or enclosure provided all of the following conditions are met: Open (b)(1)(iii) 21 citations
(A) Each cable is fastened within 305 mm (12 in.) of the outer end of the raceway, measured along the sheath;
(B) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure and does not penetrate a structural ceiling;
(C) A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to protect the cable from abrasion, and the fittings remain accessible after installation;
(D) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end using approved means so as to prevent access to the enclosure through the raceway; 7 citations
(E) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway and extends into the enclosure not less than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) beyond the fitting;
(F) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at other points as necessary; and 8 citations
(G) Where installed as conduit or tubing, the allowable cable fill does not exceed that permitted for complete conduit or tubing systems.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(b)(1).
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 | 92 |
| 2024 | 455 |
| 2025 | 490 |
| 2026 | 277 |
Top states: TN (178), MD (123), VA (88), MN (66), MI (65)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DCR | BAYAMON, PR | $35,000 |
| NUCO FOODS, LLC | ELIZABETHTOWN, PA | $32,770 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $31,750 |
| HOME DEPOT U.S.A., INC. | HONOLULU, HI | $23,646 |
| FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC | FLORENCE, WI | $17,189 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(b)(1), 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).
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)(ii) 1,058 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1)(i) 202 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
Do cables have to be clamped to the box?
Yes, each cable must be secured to the cabinet, cutout box or meter socket enclosure, with a narrow exception for certain nonmetallic cables in short raceways.
What about open knockouts?
Unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings must be effectively closed.
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.