1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I): Protect Flexible Cords on Construction Sites
Construction employers must protect flexible cords and cables from damage and avoid sharp corners and projections. Cords may pass through doorways or other pinch points only if protection is provided to avoid damage.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 117 times in the last 3 years, in 117 inspections, with $140,945 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (14), TN (12), PR (9).
- 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)(I) 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
(I) Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from damage. Sharp corners and projections shall be avoided. Flexible cords and cables may pass through doorways or other pinch points, if protection is provided to avoid damage. 117 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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 37 |
Top states: VA (14), TN (12), PR (9), NV (8), NC (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED | FARMVILLE, VA | $9,635 |
| HITT CONTRACTING INC | CHESTERFIELD, VA | $8,715 |
| EMC MECHANICAL SERVICES LLC | CHESTERFIELD, VA | $8,715 |
| DIMENSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LLC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $6,452 |
| DOBCO, INC. | DOVER AFB, DE | $6,384 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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)(B) 14 citations
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G)
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Can extension cords run through doorways on a construction site?
Yes, if protection is provided to avoid damage.
What must be avoided?
Sharp corners and projections.
What is the general rule?
Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from damage.
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.