1926.403(b): Safe Electrical Equipment on Construction Sites
Employers must make sure electrical equipment on construction jobs is free from known hazards that could kill or seriously hurt workers. Safety is judged by suitability for the use, strength, insulation, heating and arcing effects, and the equipment's rating. Listed, labeled or certified equipment must be installed and used following the instructions that come with that listing, labeling or certification.
Key takeaways
- 1926.403(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 523 times in the last 3 years, in 504 inspections, with $654,529 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GA (117), VA (59), TN (48).
- Related part: 1926.403(b)(2) Installation and use (290 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.403(b) ("Examination, installation, and use of equipment") is one requirement inside 1926.403 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 9 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
(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment — 523 citations
(1) Examination. The employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined on the basis of the following considerations: Open (b)(1) 233 citations
(i) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart. Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing, labeling, or certification for that identified purpose. Open (b)(1)(i) 9 citations
(ii) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided. 3 citations
(iii) Electrical insulation. Open (b)(1)(iii) 18 citations
(iv) Heating effects under conditions of use. 1 citations
(v) Arcing effects. 1 citations
(vi) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, specific use.
(vii) Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. 1 citations
(2) Installation and use. Listed, labeled, or certified equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling, or certification. Open (b)(2) 290 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.403.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 155 |
| 2025 | 206 |
| 2026 | 121 |
Top states: GA (117), VA (59), TN (48), PR (33), MD (33)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PARAMOUNT BUILDERS, LIMITED | PAGO PAGO, AS | $35,110 |
| CONWAY-PHILLIPS HOLDING, LLC | PETROLIA, PA | $16,550 |
| THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP | SHELDON, IA | $16,550 |
| SURFACE SOLUTIONS CONSULTING, LLC | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY | $11,349 |
| VA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LLC | TRINITY, AL | $11,292 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.403(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Extension cord manufacturers warning and compliance with electrical equipment - Installation and use. (2015-09-28)
- Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. (2004-05-13)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.403(b)(2) Installation and use 290 citations
- 1926.403(b)(1) Examination 233 citations
- 1926.403(b)(1)(iii) 18 citations
- 1926.403(b)(1)(i) 9 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What makes electrical equipment safe under 1926.403(b)?
It must be free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm, judged by suitability, mechanical strength, insulation, heating effects, arcing effects, its type, size, voltage and current rating, and other safeguarding factors.
Does listed or labeled equipment matter?
Yes. Listing, labeling or certification for a purpose can show the equipment is suitable for that use.
Do I have to follow the instructions that come with the equipment?
Yes. Listed, labeled or certified equipment must be installed and used according to the instructions included with that listing, labeling or certification.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.403 (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.