1926.416(e)(2): Do Not Staple, Nail-Hang or Wire-Suspend Extension Cords
Construction employers must not fasten extension cords with staples, hang them from nails, or suspend them by wire.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(e)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $8,594 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CA (3), GU (2), MP (2).
- Related part: 1926.416(e) Cords and cables (409 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(e)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, 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) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire. 12 citations
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 55 FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 35179, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9251, Mar. 7, 1996; 61 FR 41738, Aug. 12, 1996]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: CA (3), GU (2), MP (2), ID (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DIVERZIFY+ LLC | CHICAGO, IL | $4,150 |
| J G CONTRACTING | EDWARDS AFB, CA | $2,954 |
| ANTELOPE VALLEY TILE REVIVAL | EDWARDS AFB, CA | $1,490 |
| FORGE BUILDING COMPANY, LLC | EAGLE, ID | $0 |
| ISAGANI B. BALUYUT CONSTRUCTION | HAGATNA, GU | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416(e)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(e) Cords and cables 409 citations
- 1926.416(e)(1) 397 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 I staple an extension cord to the wall?
No. Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples.
Can I hang a cord from a nail?
No. Extension cords shall not be hung from nails.
Can I hang a cord with wire?
No. Extension cords shall not be suspended by wire.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.416 (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.