1910.305(g)(1)(i): Approved Flexible Cords and Cables
Flexible cords and cables must be approved for the conditions of use and location.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $29,595 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (3), MA (3), PR (2).
- Related part: 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables (3,738 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(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) Flexible cords and cables shall be approved for conditions of use and location. 20 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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: VA (3), MA (3), PR (2), IL (2), MN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VEEPAK OHIO, LLC, DBA VOYANT BEAUTY | NEW ALBANY, OH | $7,449 |
| MODERN PLATING CORPORATION | FREEPORT, IL | $5,170 |
| BOROUGH OF BEACH HAVEN WATER DEPARTMENT | BEACH HAVEN, NJ | $4,200 |
| PRESTIGE MARBLE & GRANITE INC. | EMMAUS, PA | $3,869 |
| MUNICIPIO DE GUANICA | GUANICA, PR | $2,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for the use of flexible cords and cables. (2015-07-02)
- Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories (2004-03-31)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables 3,738 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 2,566 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv) 2,522 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) 1,437 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations 1,172 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(iii) 997 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B) 267 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D) 225 citations
- 1910.305(g)(2)(ii) 173 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(C) 145 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E) 12 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
What kind of flexible cords may be used?
Cords and cables approved for the conditions of use and location.
Does location matter?
Yes. The cord must be approved for both how and where it is used.
Does this cover cables too?
Yes. It covers flexible cords and cables.
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.