1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): No Flexible Cords Through Walls, Ceilings or Floors
Unless specifically permitted, employers must not use flexible cords and cables where they are run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 267 times in the last 3 years, in 267 inspections, with $206,414 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (41), OR (16), NV (15).
- 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)(B) 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
(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; 267 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B).
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.…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 84 |
| 2026 | 73 |
Top states: TN (41), OR (16), NV (15), NY (15), MD (15)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN ACORN CASINO & TRAVEL CENTER | CAMPO, CA | $17,420 |
| MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC, P.C. | DUBUQUE, IA | $10,641 |
| WESTWARD SEAFOODS, INC. | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $7,235 |
| MOUNT LAUREL BUILDINGS & GROUNDS FACILITY | MOUNT LAUREL, NJ | $7,000 |
| NATIONAL ELECTRIC COIL RAIL PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL | COLUMBUS, OH | $6,913 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B), 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)(B).
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)(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 extension cords be run through holes in walls?
No. Flexible cords and cables may not be used where run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, unless specifically permitted.
Does this include floors and ceilings?
Yes. The rule names walls, ceilings and floors.
Is this the only place cords are not allowed?
No. It is one item in a list of uses where flexible cords and cables may not be used.
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.