1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B): 90-Day Limit on Holiday and Carnival Temporary Wiring
Temporary electrical power and lighting is permitted for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals and similar purposes for a period not to exceed 90 days.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $18,598 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ME (2), VT (2), NY (2).
- Related part: 1910.305(a) Wiring methods (382 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, 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
(B) For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes; or 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: ME (2), VT (2), NY (2), MA (1), NE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MFA INC. | AURORA, MO | $11,823 |
| WELLFLEET HARBOR SEAFOOD COMPANY INC | WELLFLEET, MA | $3,938 |
| SHOWPLACE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER | STATEN ISLAND, NY | $2,837 |
| TOWN OF DENMARK | DENMARK, ME | $0 |
| TEMPURTECH MANUFACTURING LLC | BENNINGTON, VT | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(a) Wiring methods 382 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2) Temporary wiring 358 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(x) 123 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ix) 100 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i) 77 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1) General requirements 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(1)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(xi) 11 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v)(C) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(3) Cable trays
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
How long can temporary wiring stay up for holiday lights?
For a period not to exceed 90 days.
What uses does this cover?
Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals and similar purposes.
What happens after 90 days?
The 90-day period cannot be exceeded under this paragraph, so the temporary installation must not stay in place longer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.305 (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.