1910.305(b)(2)(i): Box covers and faceplates
All pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must have covers identified for the purpose, and metal covers must be grounded. In completed installations, every outlet box must have a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy, and covers with holes for flexible cord pendants need bushings or smooth, well-rounded surfaces.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(b)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 1,349 times in the last 3 years, in 1,345 inspections, with $1,958,702 in current penalties.
- 11 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (133), OR (85), PR (81).
- 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)(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). 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) All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In completed installations, each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear. 1,349 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
11 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(b)(2)(i).
At 7:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 entered a grain bin while operating an auger and became caught in the sweep auger. The employee was fatally injured.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 525 |
| 2025 | 423 |
| 2026 | 312 |
Top states: TN (133), OR (85), PR (81), NV (81), NY (77)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LOWE'S HOME CENTERS LLC | HONOLULU, HI | $23,646 |
| THE NEW PIONEER | LAUGHLIN, NV | $23,045 |
| AVI CASINO ENTERPRISES, INC. | LAUGHLIN, NV | $18,087 |
| FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC | FLORENCE, WI | $17,189 |
| TRDI MAINTENANCE, INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(b)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(b)(2)(i).
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)(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
- 1910.305(b)(1)(iii) 21 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
Can a junction box be left open after work?
No. Pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must have covers identified for the purpose.
What about cords passing through a box cover?
The hole needs a bushing designed for the purpose or a smooth, well-rounded surface for the cord to bear on.
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.