1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E): No Flexible Cords Hidden in Walls, Ceilings or Floors
Unless specifically permitted, employers must not use flexible cords and cables where they are concealed behind building walls, ceilings or floors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (5), TN (2), CT (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)(iv)(E) 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
(E) Where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors; or 12 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: VA (5), TN (2), CT (2), MD (1), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CRAFT MACHINE WORKS INC | HAMPTON, VA | $0 |
| CUMBERLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - PHOENIX SCHOOL | CROSSVILLE, TN | $0 |
| CARROLL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | WESTMINSTER, MD | $0 |
| A A GIBBS LUMBER CO | STONY CREEK, VA | $0 |
| JORDI CONSTRUCTION, LLC | STONY CREEK, VA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E).
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)(i) 20 citations
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) 14 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 extension cords be run inside walls?
No. Unless specifically permitted, flexible cords may not be used where concealed behind building walls, ceilings or floors.
Why are hidden cords a problem?
Damage to a hidden cord cannot be seen, so it can overheat or shock someone.
Is a flexible cord a substitute for permanent wiring?
Hiding cords in walls, ceilings or floors is a prohibited use unless specifically permitted.
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.