1910.305(g)(1): Allowed and prohibited uses of flexible cords
Flexible cords and cables must be approved for the conditions and location where they are used, and may be used only for the purposes listed, such as pendants, fixture wiring, portable lamps and appliances, crane and hoist wiring, equipment that is moved often, and permitted temporary wiring. Cords for portable lamps, frequently moved equipment and removable appliances need an attachment plug and must be powered from a receptacle. Unless specifically allowed, cords may not replace fixed wiring, run through walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or windows, be attached to or hidden behind building surfaces, or be run in raceways.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 2,566 times in the last 3 years, in 2,212 inspections, with $2,141,278 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (403), MN (138), VA (134).
- 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) ("Use of flexible cords and cables") 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 23 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
(1) Use of flexible cords and cables. 2,566 citations
(i) Flexible cords and cables shall be approved for conditions of use and location. Open (g)(1)(i) 20 citations
(ii) Flexible cords and cables may be used only for: Open (g)(1)(ii) 9 citations
(A) Pendants; 5 citations
(B) Wiring of fixtures;
(C) Connection of portable lamps or appliances; 1 citations
(D) Portable and mobile signs;
(E) Elevator cables;
(F) Wiring of cranes and hoists;
(G) Connection of stationary equipment to facilitate their frequent interchange;
(H) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration;
(I) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair;
(J) Data processing cables approved as a part of the data processing system;
(K) Connection of moving parts; and
(L) Temporary wiring as permitted in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(iii) If used as permitted in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(C), (g)(1)(ii)(G), or (g)(1)(ii)(I) of this section, the flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from an approved receptacle outlet. Open (g)(1)(iii) 14 citations
(iv) Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used: Open (g)(1)(iv) 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.
(v) Flexible cords used in show windows and showcases shall be Type S, SE, SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJOO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, or STOO, except for the wiring of chain-supported lighting fixtures and supply cords for portable lamps and other merchandise being displayed or exhibited.
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).
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 | 201 |
| 2024 | 862 |
| 2025 | 923 |
| 2026 | 580 |
Top states: TN (403), MN (138), VA (134), CT (132), 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), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for the use of flexible cords and cables. (2015-07-02)
- Use of flexible cords and cables for wiring in permanent or temporary installations. (2006-05-05)
- Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories (2004-03-31)
- Compliance requirements for relocatable power taps or "power strips" (2002-11-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.305(g) Flexible cords and cables 3,738 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
- 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E) 12 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Can a power strip or extension cord be stapled to the wall?
No. Flexible cords may not be attached to building surfaces unless specifically permitted.
Do cords for portable appliances need a plug?
Yes. They must have an attachment plug and be energized from an approved receptacle outlet.
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.