1910.305(a)(2)(v): Branch Circuits for Temporary Wiring
For temporary wiring, branch circuits must start at an approved power outlet or panelboard and use multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or open conductors, with open conductors fastened at ceiling height every 10 feet. No branch circuit conductor may be laid on the floor, and open-conductor circuits supplying receptacles or fixed equipment need a separate equipment grounding conductor.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $25,268 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(v) 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 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
(v) The following requirements apply to branch circuits: 8 citations
(A) Branch circuits shall originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard.
(B) Conductors shall be multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or open conductors. If run as open conductors, they shall be fastened at ceiling height every 3.05 m (10.0 ft).
(C) No branch-circuit conductor may be laid on the floor. Open (a)(2)(v)(c) 8 citations
(D) Each branch circuit that supplies receptacles or fixed equipment shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor if run as open conductors.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(a)(2)(v).
At 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 2024, two employees (Employee #1 and Employee #2) were setting up the site to create another stack of steel pipes (30 inches in diameter by 40 feet long, weighing over 2,000 pounds each.) The employees removed the chock block…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(a)(2)(v), 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)(v).
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)(i)(B) 10 citations
- 1910.305(a)(2)(v)(C) 8 citations
- 1910.305(a)(3) Cable trays
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Where must temporary branch circuits start?
At an approved power outlet or panelboard.
How are open conductors supported?
Fastened at ceiling height every 10 feet.
Can branch circuit conductors lie on the floor?
No.
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.