1926.405(g)(2)(iv): Strain Relief for Flexible Cords
Flexible cords on construction sites must be connected to devices and fittings with strain relief. The strain relief must keep pull from being transmitted directly to joints or terminal screws.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 335 times in the last 3 years, in 335 inspections, with $287,997 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (53), NC (47), VA (29).
- 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)(iv) ("Strain relief") 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
(iv) Strain relief. Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. 335 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 | 25 |
| 2024 | 122 |
| 2025 | 118 |
| 2026 | 70 |
Top states: MD (53), NC (47), VA (29), TN (25), PR (23)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MARCO CONSTRUCTION, LLC | OLATHE, KS | $13,827 |
| ALDRIDGE ELECTRIC, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $11,524 |
| MAGNUM ELECTRIC, INC. | BISMARCK, ND | $9,930 |
| CFR OPERATING, LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,937 |
| WESTERN SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS | KANSAS CITY, MO | $6,913 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
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)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 77 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii) Prohibited uses 75 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iii) Splices 57 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
What is strain relief for?
To prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.
Where is strain relief required?
Where flexible cords connect to devices and fittings.
Is a knot in the cord strain relief?
The rule requires strain relief that prevents pull on joints or terminal screws; use devices and fittings that provide it.
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.