1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(C): Grounding-Type Receptacles on Temporary Wiring
Employers must use grounding-type receptacles on construction temporary wiring. Unless in a complete metallic raceway, each branch circuit must have a separate equipment grounding conductor with all receptacles connected to it. Receptacles for uses other than temporary lighting may not be on branch circuits that supply temporary lighting or on the same ungrounded conductor of multiwire circuits that supply temporary lighting.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(C) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 23 times in the last 3 years, in 23 inspections, with $18,950 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (9), VA (8), IA (3).
- 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)(C) 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
(C) Receptacles shall be of the grounding type. Unless installed in a complete metallic raceway, each branch circuit shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor, and all receptacles shall be electrically connected to the grounding conductor. Receptacles for uses other than temporary lighting shall not be installed on branch circuits which supply temporary lighting. Receptacles shall not be connected to the same ungrounded conductor of multiwire circuits which supply temporary lighting. 23 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (9), VA (8), IA (3), NJ (2), VT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FLUSHING METAL WORK & SUPPLY INC | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $4,839 |
| LJ FRAMING LLC | JACKSON, NJ | $2,240 |
| DENISON DRYWALL CONTRACTING, INC. | SHELDON, IA | $1,951 |
| WITTBURN ENTERPRISES, INC. | NORTH TONAWANDA, NY | $1,499 |
| C&T DESIGN BUILD, LLC. | TARRYTOWN, NY | $1,484 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(C), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(C).
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)(E) 20 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F) 20 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B) 14 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
What type of receptacles are required on temporary wiring?
Receptacles of the grounding type.
Is a separate grounding conductor required?
Yes, unless installed in a complete metallic raceway, each branch circuit must contain a separate equipment grounding conductor.
Can tools be plugged into temporary lighting circuits?
Receptacles for uses other than temporary lighting shall not be installed on branch circuits which supply temporary lighting.
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.