1910.303(e): Electrical Equipment Markings
Electric equipment may not be used unless it is marked with the manufacturer's name, trademark or other identifying mark, and with voltage, current, wattage or other ratings as needed. The markings must be durable enough to withstand the environment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.303(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 183 times in the last 3 years, in 173 inspections, with $264,153 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NM (34), TX (19), KY (18).
- Related part: 1910.303(e)(1) Identification of manufacturer and ratings (169 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.303(e) ("Marking") is one requirement inside 1910.303 General, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(e) Marking — 183 citations
(1) Identification of manufacturer and ratings. Electric equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment: Open (e)(1) 169 citations
(i) The manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified; and Open (e)(1)(i) 17 citations
(ii) Other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. Open (e)(1)(ii) 132 citations
(2) Durability. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.303.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 51 |
Top states: NM (34), TX (19), KY (18), TN (16), VA (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| THE PICTSWEET COMPANY | BRIDGEVILLE, DE | $14,187 |
| KEECO, LLC | DALLAS, TX | $13,631 |
| K&N ENGINEERING INC | GRAND PRAIRIE, TX | $11,823 |
| THE HOME DEPOT | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $11,611 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.303(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA requirements for warning signs and protection from electric-arc-flash hazards and compliance with NFPA 70E-2004. (2006-11-14)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.303(e)(1) Identification of manufacturer and ratings 169 citations
- 1910.303(e)(1)(ii) 132 citations
- 1910.303(e)(1)(i) 17 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
What markings must electric equipment have?
The manufacturer's name, trademark or other descriptive marking, and voltage, current, wattage or other ratings as necessary.
Can unmarked equipment be used?
No. Electric equipment may not be used unless the required markings are on it.
How durable must the markings be?
Durable enough to withstand the environment involved.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.303 (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.