1926.405(d): Switchboards and Panelboards on Construction Sites
Switchboards with exposed live parts must be in permanently dry locations and accessible only to qualified persons. Panelboards must be mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes or enclosures designed for the purpose and be dead front, though other types are allowed where only qualified persons can reach them. Exposed knife switch blades must be dead when open.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 35 times in the last 3 years, in 35 inspections, with $65,786 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (10), TN (5), PR (4).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(d) ("Switchboards and panelboards") 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
(d) Switchboards and panelboards. Switchboards that have any exposed live parts shall be located in permanently dry locations and accessible only to qualified persons. Panelboards shall be mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes, or enclosures designed for the purpose and shall be dead front. However, panelboards other than the dead front externally-operable type are permitted where accessible only to qualified persons. Exposed blades of knife switches shall be dead when open. 35 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: VA (10), TN (5), PR (4), NY (4), KY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NANA'S CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PAGO PAGO, AS | $12,421 |
| MALDONADO CONSTRUCTION CORP. | NEW YORK, NY | $6,620 |
| TOTAL BUILDER CORP. | NEW YORK, NY | $4,965 |
| BRITTAIN ELECTRIC, LLC | KENNEBUNK, ME | $4,965 |
| 68843 - J - L ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LLC | GLENDALE, KY | $4,900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Flexible corrugated plastic covers for temporary use to cover live electric parts in switch and panel boxes. (2002-06-17)
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
Where can switchboards with exposed live parts be located?
In permanently dry locations, accessible only to qualified persons.
Must panelboards be dead front?
Yes, except panelboards other than the dead front externally-operable type are permitted where accessible only to qualified persons.
What about knife switches?
Exposed blades of knife switches shall be dead when open.
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.