1926.417(b): Tagging Deenergized Circuits
Equipment or circuits that are deenergized must be made inoperative and must have tags attached at all points where they can be energized.
Key takeaways
- 1926.417(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $117,443 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: FL (5), TX (4), MD (4).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.417(b) ("Equipment and circuits") is one requirement inside 1926.417 Lockout and tagging of circuits, 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
(b) Equipment and circuits. Equipment or circuits that are deenergized shall be rendered inoperative and shall have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized. 38 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.417.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.417(b).
At 3:15 p.m. on December 13, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractor was working inside a commercial building installing wiring for lighting fixtures. The employee was working from a ladder when he fell and grabbed energized electrical wires trying to stop his fall.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: FL (5), TX (4), MD (4), WI (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EDDY COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY | CARLSBAD, NM | $16,554 |
| VEOLIA SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS USA EAST, INC. | ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL | $14,518 |
| SETTLE-MUTER ELECTRIC, LLC | BYESVILLE, OH | $11,823 |
| ALEXANDER ELECTRIC, INC. | LUFKIN, TX | $7,813 |
| PETERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | KERRVILLE, TX | $7,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.417(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Lockout and tagging of circuits; §1926.417 (2006-09-28)
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done to deenergized equipment?
It must be rendered inoperative and have tags attached at all points where it can be energized.
Where do the tags go?
At all points where the equipment or circuits can be energized.
Is turning it off enough?
No. The rule requires it to be rendered inoperative and tagged.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.417 (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.