1910.305(b)(3)(ii): Covers on Electrical Boxes
Electrical boxes must be closed with suitable covers securely fastened in place. Underground box covers that weigh over 100 pounds meet this requirement.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(b)(3)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $63,664 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (16), TX (10), SD (4).
- 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)(3)(ii) 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
(ii) Boxes shall be closed by suitable covers securely fastened in place. 46 citations
Underground box covers that weigh over 45.4 kg (100 lbs) meet this requirement.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: VA (16), TX (10), SD (4), NV (4), KY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MITRA QSR KNE, LLC | CAMDEN WYOMING, DE | $9,104 |
| IMPERIAL GROUP MANUFACTURING, INC. | DUBLIN, VA | $8,684 |
| USC BAGS MANUFACTURING LLC | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $7,500 |
| LAWLESS WELDING & FABRICATIONS, INC | MARTINSVILLE, VA | $5,365 |
| PEPPERMILL CASINOS, INC. | WEST WENDOVER, NV | $5,025 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(b)(3)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(b)(3)(ii).
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)(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
Must electrical boxes have covers?
Yes. Boxes must be closed by suitable covers securely fastened in place.
Do heavy underground box covers need to be fastened?
Underground box covers that weigh over 100 pounds (45.4 kg) meet this requirement.
What should I do if a cover is missing?
Report it so a suitable cover is installed and fastened.
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.