1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B): Temporary Wiring Branch Circuits
For temporary wiring, branch circuits must start at a power outlet or panelboard, and conductors must be run as cord or cable assemblies, open conductors, or in raceways, protected by overcurrent devices at their ampacity. Open conductors must be protected from damage and fastened at intervals not exceeding 10 feet, branch-circuit conductors must not be laid on the floor, and open-conductor circuits feeding receptacles or fixed equipment need a separate equipment grounding conductor.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $34,893 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (3), VA (2), TN (2).
- Related part: 1926.405(a) Wiring methods (235 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B) is one requirement inside 1926.405 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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) Branch circuits shall originate in a power outlet or panelboard. Conductors shall be run as multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or open conductors, or shall be run in raceways. All conductors shall be protected by overcurrent devices at their ampacity. Runs of open conductors shall be located where the conductors will not be subject to physical damage, and the conductors shall be fastened at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3.05 m). No branch-circuit conductors shall be laid on the floor. Each branch circuit that supplies receptacles or fixed equipment shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor if the branch circuit is run as open conductors. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B).
At 9:00 a.m. on April 2, 2024, an employee working as a field service technicianfor an electrical contractor was working at a city water plant. The employee wasback feeding a variable frequency drive (VFD) using 480 volts to reform cell capacitors. The work environment had…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MD (3), VA (2), TN (2), NH (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INNOMOTICS, LLC. | CHICAGO, IL | $9,500 |
| WEAVER BROS., INC. | VERSAILLES, OH | $8,275 |
| INTERIOR SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR CORP. | MANATI, PR | $8,275 |
| DELTA WELDING CORP. | CANAL STREET, NY | $4,965 |
| ROTTEN ROCK CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, LLC | NORTH CONWAY, NH | $3,228 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of compressed air above 30 p.s.i. for cleaning purposes;nonmetallic-sheathed cable for temporary wiring. (2000-10-04)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(a) Wiring methods 235 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2) Temporary wiring 234 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii) General requirements for temporary wiring 234 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I) 117 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) 33 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(C) 23 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(E) 20 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F) 20 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G)
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
Where must temporary branch circuits start?
In a power outlet or panelboard.
Can branch-circuit conductors lie on the floor?
No. No branch-circuit conductors shall be laid on the floor.
How often must open conductors be fastened?
At intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3.05 m).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.405 (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.