1910.305(g)(1)(iii): Flexible Cord Plugs and Outlets
When flexible cords are used as permitted for certain uses in (g)(1)(ii)(C), (G) or (I), the cord must have an attachment plug and be energized from an approved receptacle outlet.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $28,312 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CA (4), PA (4), NH (1).
- Related part: 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables (3,738 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) 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
(iii) If used as permitted in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(C), (g)(1)(ii)(G), or (g)(1)(ii)(I) of this section, the flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from an approved receptacle outlet. 14 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: CA (4), PA (4), NH (1), AZ (1), WI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AMPHENOL UNLIMITED SERVICES | OCONTO, WI | $7,449 |
| VIANT COLLEGEVILLE, LLC | COLLEGEVILLE, PA | $6,384 |
| BIMBO QSR COLORADO, LLC | DENVER, CO | $4,965 |
| HOMEMAKERS PLAZA, INC. | URBANDALE, IA | $4,000 |
| ANDERSON METAL INDUSTRIES INC. | FRANKLIN, PA | $1,266 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of flexible cords and cables for wiring in permanent or temporary installations. (2006-05-05)
- Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories (2004-03-31)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables 3,738 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 2,566 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv) 2,522 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) 1,437 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations 1,172 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(iii) 997 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B) 267 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D) 225 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(ii) 173 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(C) 145 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(i) 20 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E) 12 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 must the flexible cord have?
An attachment plug.
Where must it be plugged in?
An approved receptacle outlet.
Which uses does this cover?
Uses permitted in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(C), (G) or (I) of 1910.305.
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.