1910.304(f)(1)(iv): Access to Overcurrent Devices
Employers must make sure overcurrent devices, such as breakers and fuses, are readily accessible to each employee or authorized building management staff. They may not be located where they will be exposed to physical damage or near easily ignitable material.
Key takeaways
- 1910.304(f)(1)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 101 times in the last 3 years, in 101 inspections, with $169,069 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (25), VA (18), HI (18).
- Related part: 1910.304(f)(1) 600 volts, nominal, or less (136 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.304(f)(1)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.304 Wiring design and protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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) Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible to each employee or authorized building management personnel. These overcurrent devices may not be located where they will be exposed to physical damage or in the vicinity of easily ignitable material. 101 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.304.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: NY (25), VA (18), HI (18), TX (16), PR (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FAMILY DOLLAR STORES OF VIRGINIA INC. | COVINGTON, VA | $25,519 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $10,220 |
| PYRAMID SPA PRODUCTS, LLC. | BROOKSHIRE, TX | $10,141 |
| CHART INC. | BEASLEY, TX | $7,835 |
| WEST MILFORD DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | WEST MILFORD, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.304(f)(1)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.304(f)(1)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.304(f)(1) 600 volts, nominal, or less 136 citations
- 1910.304(f) Overcurrent protection 136 citations
- 1910.304(f)(1)(viii) 31 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
Who must be able to reach overcurrent devices?
Each employee or authorized building management personnel.
Where may they not be located?
Where they will be exposed to physical damage or in the vicinity of easily ignitable material.
What does readily accessible mean in practice?
Workers or authorized building staff can reach them without obstacles.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.304 (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 2026-10-21
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.