1910.305(j)(2)(vi): Weatherproof Covers for Unattended Wet Receptacles
Employers must give receptacles in wet locations an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not a plug is inserted, when the product plugged in is not attended while in use, such as sprinkler system controllers, landscape lighting or holiday lights.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(2)(vi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 26 times in the last 3 years, in 26 inspections, with $42,998 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (6), MD (4), AK (3).
- 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)(vi) 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
(vi) A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it is not attended while in use (for example, sprinkler system controllers, landscape lighting, and holiday lights) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed. 26 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NJ (6), MD (4), AK (3), VA (3), OR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN GATE PETROLEUM OF COLORADO, LLC | FRUITA, CO | $6,620 |
| HAWAII PLANING MILL, LTD. | KEAAU, HI | $6,030 |
| BARNSCO INC. | FORT WORTH, TX | $4,978 |
| ROSELLE PARK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | ROSELLE PARK, NJ | $4,900 |
| NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AUTHORITY - GARDEN STATE PARKWAY | HOLMDEL, NJ | $4,900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(2)(vi), 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)(vi).
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)(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
When is an in-use weatherproof cover needed?
For a receptacle in a wet location where the plugged-in product is not attended while in use.
What are examples of unattended products?
Sprinkler system controllers, landscape lighting and holiday lights.
What must the enclosure do?
Be weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed.
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.