1910.305(j)(2): Safe Receptacles, Plugs and Cord Connectors
Employers must use 15- and 20-amp plugs and connectors with no exposed current-carrying parts except the prongs, blades or pins, and receptacles that will not accept a plug with a different voltage or current rating. Nongrounding receptacles may not be used for grounding-type plugs. Receptacles in wet or damp locations must be suitable for the location, and outdoor receptacles in protected or damp locations need an enclosure that is weatherproof when covered.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(j)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 192 times in the last 3 years, in 187 inspections, with $305,982 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (25), TN (20), NV (15).
- 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) ("Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps)") is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 7 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps). 192 citations
(i) All 15- and 20-ampere attachment plugs and connectors shall be constructed so that there are no exposed current-carrying parts except the prongs, blades, or pins. The cover for wire terminations shall be a part that is essential for the operation of an attachment plug or connector (dead-front construction). Attachment plugs shall be installed so that their prongs, blades, or pins are not energized unless inserted into an energized receptacle. No receptacles may be installed so as to require an energized attachment plug as its source of supply. 5 citations
(ii) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs shall be constructed so that no receptacle or cord connector will accept an attachment plug with a different voltage or current rating than that for which the device is intended. However, a 20-ampere T-slot receptacle or cord connector may accept a 15-ampere attachment plug of the same voltage rating. 1 citations
(iii) Nongrounding-type receptacles and connectors may not be used for grounding-type attachment plugs.
(iv) A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location shall be suitable for the location. Open (j)(2)(iv) 113 citations
(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). Open (j)(2)(v) 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.
(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. Open (j)(2)(vi) 26 citations
(vii) A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use (for example, portable tools) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug cap is removed. Open (j)(2)(vii) 23 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 | 21 |
| 2024 | 71 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 45 |
Top states: TX (25), TN (20), NV (15), NJ (15), VA (14)
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 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $10,220 |
| HELMERICH & PAYNE DRILLING | PECOS, TX | $10,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(j)(2), 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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(j) Equipment for general use 359 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a receptacle accept a plug with a different rating?
No, except a 20-ampere T-slot receptacle or connector may accept a 15-ampere plug of the same voltage rating.
Can a grounding plug be used in a nongrounding receptacle?
No. Nongrounding-type receptacles and connectors may not be used for grounding-type attachment plugs.
What is required for receptacles in damp locations?
They must be suitable for the location, and those outdoors in protected or other damp locations need an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered.
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.