1910.305(j)(2)(iv): Receptacles in Wet or Damp Locations
Employers must make sure any receptacle installed in a wet or damp location is suitable for that location.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 113 times in the last 3 years, in 113 inspections, with $201,087 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (20), TX (16), NV (13).
- Related part: 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use (359 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(iv) 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
(iv) A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location shall be suitable for the location. 113 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 | 17 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Top states: TN (20), TX (16), NV (13), IL (10), NJ (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 109241 - TURKEY VALLEY FARMS LLC | MARSHALL, MN | $16,131 |
| 109242 - PACKERS SANITATION SERVICES INC LTD DBA FORTREX | MARSHALL, MN | $11,292 |
| AMARU MOTORS LLC | EL PASO, TX | $11,000 |
| HELMERICH & PAYNE DRILLING | PECOS, TX | $10,000 |
| RALEY'S | RENO, NV | $8,867 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(j)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use 359 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps) 192 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles 147 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(i) 115 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vi) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(v) 24 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vii) 23 citations
- 1910.305(j)(4) Motors 13 citations
- 1910.305(j)(3) Appliances 7 citations
- 1910.305(j)(3)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.305(j)(7) Storage Batteries
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 is required for receptacles in wet areas?
They must be suitable for the wet or damp location.
Does this apply to damp areas too?
Yes. It covers receptacles in wet or damp locations.
Can an ordinary indoor receptacle be used outside in the rain?
Only if it is suitable for that wet location.
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.