1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J): Hard-Usage Extension Cords
Construction employers must make sure extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances are three-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Flexible cords used with temporary and portable lights must also be designed for hard or extra-hard usage.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 33 inspections, with $12,000 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IN (19), VA (6), GU (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)(J) 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
(J) Extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances shall be of three-wire type and shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Flexible cords used with temporary and portable lights shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. 33 citations
The National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, in Article 400, Table 400-4, lists various types of flexible cords, some of which are noted as being designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Examples of these types of flexible cords include hard service cord (types S, ST, SO, STO) and junior hard service cord (types SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO).
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: IN (19), VA (6), GU (3), NY (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PFM/VERTEX JV | MANGILAO, GU | $3,387 |
| E.C.R CONSTRUCTION LLC | MIDLOTHIAN, VA | $2,490 |
| KINGSPORT ARMATURE & ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. | BRISTOL, VA | $1,516 |
| JS CONSTRUCTION, LLC | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $1,200 |
| CASEROS CONSTRUCTION LLC | CHESAPEAKE, VA | $720 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Compliance of type SJTW flexible cords with 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) and use on construction sites. (2004-03-29)
- Temporary lighting strings used on construction sites. (1981-09-16)
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)(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
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 extension cord is required for portable tools?
Three-wire type cords designed for hard or extra-hard usage.
What about cords for temporary lights?
Flexible cords for temporary and portable lights must be designed for hard or extra-hard usage.
What are examples of hard-usage cords?
Hard service cord types S, ST, SO, STO and junior hard service cord types SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO.
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.