1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Where flexible cords may not be used
Unless the standard specifically allows it, flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for a building's fixed wiring, run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, run through doorways, windows or similar openings, attached to building surfaces, hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors, or installed in raceways.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 2,522 times in the last 3 years, in 2,174 inspections, with $2,048,747 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (403), MN (136), CT (131).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 6 sub-paragraphs. 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
(iv) Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used: 2,522 citations
(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure; Open (g)(1)(iv)(a) 1,437 citations
(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; Open (g)(1)(iv)(b) 267 citations
(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings; Open (g)(1)(iv)(c) 145 citations
(D) Where attached to building surfaces; Open (g)(1)(iv)(d) 225 citations
(E) Where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors; or Open (g)(1)(iv)(e) 12 citations
(F) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this subpart.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(g)(1)(iv).
At 9:00 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 exited the forklift without setting the parking brake. The forklift rolled and trapped the employee's foot, pinning him between the forklift and the container. Employee #1 was found unconscious after he fell backwards striking his head.…
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 | 195 |
| 2024 | 844 |
| 2025 | 911 |
| 2026 | 572 |
Top states: TN (403), MN (136), CT (131), VA (130), MD (127)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN ACORN CASINO & TRAVEL CENTER | CAMPO, CA | $17,420 |
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| QUALITY MANUFACTURING CORP. | URBANDALE, IA | $16,550 |
| GILTON SOLID WASTE | JOPLIN, MO | $16,131 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(1)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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
- 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
Can an extension cord run under a door?
No. Cords may not be run through doorways, windows or similar openings.
Is using an extension cord as permanent power a violation?
Yes. Flexible cords may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.
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.