1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F): Do Not Hang Temporary Lights by Their Cords
Temporary lights must not be suspended by their electric cords unless the cords and lights are designed to be hung that way.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F) 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 $25,409 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (9), NV (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)(F) 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
(F) Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension. 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 | 10 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: VA (9), NV (3), ND (2), KY (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SCOTT ELECTRIC COMPANY | GOLIAD, TX | $10,214 |
| FREEMAN & ASSOCIATES OF VIRGINIA INC. | SUFFOLK, VA | $4,215 |
| HIGHLEVEL GROUP INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $3,687 |
| SHARLEN ELECTRIC CO. | HOMEWOOD, IL | $2,750 |
| CLOUSE ELECTRIC, INC. | FINDLAY, OH | $2,742 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F), 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)(F).
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)(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
Can temporary lights be hung by their cords?
Not unless the cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension.
Why is this a hazard?
Hanging by the cord can strain it when it is not designed for that use.
What should be used instead?
Hang lights by means they are designed for, unless the cord and light are made for cord suspension.
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.