1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(E): Protecting Temporary Light Bulbs
All lamps for general illumination must be protected from accidental contact or breakage, and metal-case sockets must be grounded.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(E) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $15,337 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (5), NY (3), ND (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)(E) 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
(E) All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage. Metal-case sockets shall be grounded. 20 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: VA (5), NY (3), ND (2), GU (2), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MAGNUM ELECTRIC INC | GRAND FORKS, ND | $4,018 |
| NORTHRIDGE CONSTRUCTION INC. | GRAND FORKS, ND | $2,812 |
| PINE STREET DEVELOPMENT LLC | PAWTUCKET, RI | $2,765 |
| DBK BUILDERS LLC | SHORT HILLS, NJ | $2,074 |
| KODRA CONSTRUCTION CORP. | ASTORIA, NY | $1,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(E), 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)(E).
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)(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
Do temporary light bulbs need protection?
Yes. All lamps for general illumination must be protected from accidental contact or breakage.
What about metal-case sockets?
They must be grounded.
Why protect lamps?
To prevent accidental contact with or breakage of the lamp.
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.