1910.305(j)(2)(v): Weatherproof Covers for Damp Location Receptacles
Employers must make sure receptacles installed outdoors in a location protected from the weather, or in other damp locations, have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (no plug inserted and covers closed). A location is protected from the weather when it is under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees or the like and not subject to beating rain or water runoff.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(2)(v) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 24 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $35,643 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (8), VA (4), IA (2).
- 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)(v) 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
(v) A receptacle installed outdoors in a location protected from the weather or in other damp locations shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug cap not inserted and receptacle covers closed). 24 citations
A receptacle is considered to be in a location protected from the weather when it is located under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, or the like and where it will not be subjected to a beating rain or water runoff.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TX (8), VA (4), IA (2), AK (1), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $10,220 |
| REINFORCING STEEL SUPPLY | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $6,563 |
| COUNTY OF OCEAN ROAD DEPARTMENT DISTRICT 2 | FORKED RIVER, NJ | $6,300 |
| ENSIGN UNITED STATES DRILLING, INC. | PECOS, TX | $6,000 |
| HOPKINS LUMBER CONTRACTORS, INC. | RIDGEWAY, VA | $3,196 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(2)(v), 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)(v).
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)(2)(iv) 113 citations
- 1910.305(j)(1)(iv) 26 citations
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vi) 26 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 enclosure is required for a receptacle in a damp location?
One that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered, with no plug inserted and the covers closed.
What counts as a location protected from the weather?
Places like roofed open porches, canopies or marquees where the receptacle will not get beating rain or water runoff.
Does this apply only outdoors?
It applies to protected outdoor locations and to other damp locations.
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.