1926.405(b)(2): Covers on Electrical Boxes
On construction sites, all pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must have covers, and metal covers must be grounded. In energized installations each outlet box needs a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy. Outlet box covers with holes for flexible cord pendants must have bushings made for the purpose or smooth, well-rounded surfaces.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 168 times in the last 3 years, in 168 inspections, with $232,601 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (25), VA (20), IN (16).
- Related part: 1926.405(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings (233 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(b)(2) ("Covers and canopies") 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
(2) Covers and canopies. All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In energized installations each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear. 168 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 | 9 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: MD (25), VA (20), IN (16), NY (12), PR (11)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE OSCAR W. LARSON COMPANY | GROVE CITY, OH | $16,550 |
| EUGENIO LARA | LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD, OH | $11,292 |
| DIVERZIFY PRO, LLC | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 |
| DOBCO, INC. | DOVER AFB, DE | $8,511 |
| PARAMOUNT BUILDERS, LIMITED | PAGO PAGO, AS | $7,022 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Electrical standard requirements concerning covers for electrical pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings. (2002-10-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings 233 citations
- 1926.405(b)(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings 63 citations
- 1926.405(b)(3) Pull and junction boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal 2 citations
- 1926.405(b)(3)(ii) Covers
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Do junction boxes need covers?
Yes. All pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings shall be provided with covers.
Must metal covers be grounded?
Yes. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded.
What about cords passing through cover holes?
The holes need bushings designed for the purpose or smooth, well-rounded surfaces.
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.