1910.305(a)(2)(i): Allowed Uses of Temporary Wiring
Temporary electrical power and lighting installations of 600 volts, nominal, or less may be used only during remodeling, maintenance or repair of buildings, structures or equipment and similar work; for no more than 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals and similar purposes; or for experimental or development work and during emergencies.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 77 times in the last 3 years, in 77 inspections, with $88,145 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (23), MI (11), NJ (9).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 3 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
(i) Temporary electrical power and lighting installations of 600 volts, nominal, or less may be used only as follows: 77 citations
(A) During and for remodeling, maintenance, or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment, and similar activities; 4 citations
(B) For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes; or Open (a)(2)(i)(b) 10 citations
(C) For experimental or development work, and during emergencies.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: OR (23), MI (11), NJ (9), NC (8), MA (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MFA INC. | AURORA, MO | $11,823 |
| LARK HOTELS, LLC | SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY | $7,093 |
| PAVERO COLD STORAGE CORP. | HIGHLAND, NY | $6,775 |
| VALLEY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | PENNSVILLE, NJ | $6,000 |
| DO & CO BOSTON CATERING, INC. | BOSTON, MA | $6,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of the Electrical Standard as it applies to flexible power cords on appliances. (1997-09-09)
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)(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)(i)(B) 10 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
When can temporary wiring be used?
During remodeling, maintenance or repair and similar activities; up to 90 days for holiday lighting, carnivals and similar; or for experimental work and emergencies.
How long can holiday lighting stay up as temporary wiring?
For a period not to exceed 90 days.
What voltage does this cover?
Temporary installations of 600 volts, nominal, or less.
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.