1926.405(g)(2)(iii): No Splices in Flexible Cords
Employers must use flexible cords only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired by splicing only if the splice keeps the insulation, outer sheath properties and usage characteristics of the cord.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 57 times in the last 3 years, in 57 inspections, with $77,699 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (14), TX (6), PR (5).
- Related part: 1926.405(g) Flexible cords and cables (474 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(g)(2)(iii) ("Splices") 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
(iii) Splices. Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced. 57 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.405(g)(2)(iii).
At 9:00 a.m. on April 2, 2024, an employee working as a field service technicianfor an electrical contractor was working at a city water plant. The employee wasback feeding a variable frequency drive (VFD) using 480 volts to reform cell capacitors. The work environment had…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: NY (14), TX (6), PR (5), AS (4), GU (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INNOMOTICS, LLC. | CHICAGO, IL | $9,500 |
| FMS CONSTRUCTION | TAMUNING, GU | $5,530 |
| ENOC TEJADA | FORNEY, TX | $4,839 |
| METRO CITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC. | NEW YORK, NY | $4,435 |
| HIGHLEVEL GROUP INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $3,687 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether an employer can repair an extension cord under 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. (2010-04-12)
- Repair requirements for the cord plug (attachment plug) of double-insulated tools. (2003-05-19)
- Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. (1998-12-16)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(g) Flexible cords and cables 474 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations 397 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iv) Strain relief 335 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 77 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii) Prohibited uses 75 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B) 27 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C) 12 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(v) Cords passing through holes 5 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(H)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(G)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(A)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i) Permitted uses
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 flexible cords be spliced?
Generally no; they must be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap.
Is there an exception?
Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be spliced if the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties and usage characteristics of the cord.
Are taps allowed?
No. Flexible cords must be used without splice or tap.
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.