1910.304(f)(1)(viii): SWD Breakers for Fluorescent Lighting
Employers must make sure circuit breakers used as switches in 120-volt and 277-volt fluorescent lighting circuits are listed and marked SWD.
Key takeaways
- 1910.304(f)(1)(viii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $21,560 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (6), VA (5), IL (4).
- 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)(viii) 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
(viii) Circuit breakers used as switches in 120-volt and 277-volt, fluorescent lighting circuits shall be listed and marked “SWD.” 31 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: MI (6), VA (5), IL (4), DE (3), OR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RACK BUILDERS, INC. | QUINCY, IL | $7,661 |
| STEPHENS ENTERPRISES, INC. | BRIDGEVILLE, DE | $6,952 |
| STM INTERNATIONAL, LLC. | CAMDEN, NJ | $2,400 |
| CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY CO., INC. | OMAHA, NE | $2,383 |
| PARICON, LLC. | SOUTH PARIS, ME | $1,774 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.304(f)(1)(viii), 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)(viii).
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)(iv) 101 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 marking is required?
Circuit breakers used as switches must be listed and marked SWD.
Which circuits does this cover?
120-volt and 277-volt fluorescent lighting circuits.
Does it apply to all breakers?
It applies to circuit breakers used as switches in those lighting circuits.
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 2026-10-20
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.