1926.405(j)(1)(ii): Supporting Light Fixtures and Receptacles
Fixtures, lampholders, rosettes and receptacles must be securely supported. A fixture that weighs more than 6 pounds or exceeds 16 inches in any dimension must not be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(j)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $27,708 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (10), IN (5), VT (2).
- Related part: 1926.405(j) Equipment for general use (96 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(j)(1)(ii) ("Support") 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
(ii) Support. Fixtures, lampholders, rosettes, and receptacles shall be securely supported. A fixture that weighs more than 6 pounds (2.72 kg) or exceeds 16 inches (406 mm) in any dimension shall not be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder. 20 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NY (10), IN (5), VT (2), NH (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WRIGHT & MORRISSEY INC | BURLINGTON, VT | $4,128 |
| RLJ ELECTRIC CORPORATION | SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY | $3,972 |
| NORTHPOINT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | HUDSON, NH | $3,907 |
| ELECTRIC ESSENTIALS CORP | SCARSDALE, NY | $3,629 |
| MCS ELECTRIC LLC | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT | $3,457 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(j)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.405(j)(1)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(j) Equipment for general use 96 citations
- 1926.405(j)(1) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles 94 citations
- 1926.405(j)(1)(i) Live parts 72 citations
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 a heavy fixture hang from a lampholder screw shell?
Not if it weighs more than 6 pounds or exceeds 16 inches in any dimension.
What must be securely supported?
Fixtures, lampholders, rosettes and receptacles.
Does size matter even if the fixture is light?
Yes. A fixture that exceeds 16 inches in any dimension cannot be supported by the screw shell.
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.