1910.305(c)(4): Faceplates for Flush-Mounted Snap Switches
Snap switches mounted in boxes must have faceplates installed so they completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(c)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 121 times in the last 3 years, in 121 inspections, with $173,933 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (14), MI (12), OR (10).
- Related part: 1910.305(c) Switches (121 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(c)(4) ("Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches") 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
(4) Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches. Snap switches mounted in boxes shall have faceplates installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface. 121 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Top states: PR (14), MI (12), OR (10), VA (8), NJ (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $13,415 |
| NATIONAL VISION, INC. | LINCOLN, NE | $8,296 |
| WALMART, INC. | NEW CASTLE, DE | $7,604 |
| DE | PATILLAS, PR | $7,093 |
| AEP - CUARTEL DE DISTRITO DE MANAT? | MANATI, PR | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(c)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(c)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(c) Switches 121 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
Are switch faceplates required?
Yes. Snap switches mounted in boxes must have faceplates.
How must the faceplate fit?
It must completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface.
Is a cracked faceplate acceptable?
The faceplate must completely cover the opening, so a broken one that leaves gaps does not meet the rule.
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 2026-10-21
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.