1910.305(b)(1)(iii): Securing Cable to Cabinets and Boxes
Employers must secure each cable to its cabinet, cutout box or meter socket enclosure. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable entering the top of a surface-mounted enclosure through nonflexible raceways not less than 18 inches nor more than 10 feet long need not be secured if all listed conditions are met, such as fastening within 12 inches of the raceway end, fittings on each end, a sealed outer end and continuous sheath.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(b)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 21 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $34,052 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NE (13), MD (2), NY (1).
- Related part: 1910.305(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings (2,745 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(iii) 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 7 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
(iii) Where cable is used, each cable shall be secured to the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure. However, where cable with an entirely nonmetallic sheath enters the top of a surface-mounted enclosure through one or more nonflexible raceways not less than 457 mm (18 in.) or more than 3.05 m (10.0 ft) in length, the cable need not be secured to the cabinet, box, or enclosure provided all of the following conditions are met: 21 citations
(A) Each cable is fastened within 305 mm (12 in.) of the outer end of the raceway, measured along the sheath;
(B) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure and does not penetrate a structural ceiling;
(C) A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to protect the cable from abrasion, and the fittings remain accessible after installation;
(D) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end using approved means so as to prevent access to the enclosure through the raceway; 7 citations
(E) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway and extends into the enclosure not less than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) beyond the fitting;
(F) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at other points as necessary; and 8 citations
(G) Where installed as conduit or tubing, the allowable cable fill does not exceed that permitted for complete conduit or tubing systems.
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(b)(1)(iii).
At 12:00 a.m. on January 13, 2024, an employee was cleaning the car wash tunnel and equipment. The employee was cleaning the passenger side exit Top Mount Side Washer referred to as a "wrap." The wraps are 6 feet tall and 42 inches in diameter…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NE (13), MD (2), NY (1), IA (1), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE JAMES SKINNER LLC | OMAHA, NE | $9,000 |
| FIRSTAR FIBER, INC. | OMAHA, NE | $6,128 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $5,022 |
| BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY | COLUMBUS, NE | $4,305 |
| KUGLER OIL COMPANY | CULBERTSON, NE | $4,218 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(b)(1)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(b)(1)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings 2,745 citations
- 1910.305(b)(2) Covers and canopies 1,373 citations
- 1910.305(b)(2)(i) 1,349 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings 1,314 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1)(ii) 1,058 citations
- 1910.305(b)(1)(i) 202 citations
- 1910.305(b)(3) Pull and junction boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal 58 citations
- 1910.305(b)(3)(ii) 46 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
Must cable be secured to the enclosure?
Yes, each cable shall be secured to the cabinet, cutout box or meter socket enclosure, except under the listed conditions.
What raceway length allows the exception?
Nonflexible raceways not less than 457 mm (18 in.) nor more than 3.05 m (10.0 ft) in length.
How far into the enclosure must the sheath extend?
Not less than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) beyond the fitting.
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.