1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Cords may not replace fixed wiring
Unless the standard specifically permits it, flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 1,437 times in the last 3 years, in 1,431 inspections, with $1,454,653 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (243), NY (87), CT (79).
- 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)(iv)(A) 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
(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure; 1,437 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A).
At 9:00 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 exited the forklift without setting the parking brake. The forklift rolled and trapped the employee's foot, pinning him between the forklift and the container. Employee #1 was found unconscious after he fell backwards striking his head.…
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 | 120 |
| 2024 | 480 |
| 2025 | 503 |
| 2026 | 334 |
Top states: TN (243), NY (87), CT (79), MD (76), VA (75)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| QUALITY MANUFACTURING CORP. | URBANDALE, IA | $16,550 |
| GILTON SOLID WASTE | JOPLIN, MO | $16,131 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| LIGNETICS INC | KENBRIDGE, VA | $14,660 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A).
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)(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)(iii) 14 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
Can an extension cord power a machine permanently?
Not as a substitute for the building's fixed wiring, unless a use listed in 1910.305(g)(1)(ii) permits it.
Is this one of the most cited electrical rules?
Yes. It is one of the most frequently cited parts of OSHA's general industry electrical standards.
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.