1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Strain Relief for Flexible Cords
Employers must make sure flexible cords and cables are connected to devices and fittings with strain relief. This keeps a pull on the cord from being passed directly to the wire joints or terminal screws, where it could loosen connections.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 997 times in the last 3 years, in 997 inspections, with $1,020,416 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (100), MN (90), TX (87).
- 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)(2)(iii) 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
(iii) Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. 997 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(g)(2)(iii).
At 11:30 a.m. on December 9, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborerfor an excavation and site preparation contractor was moving equipment. The employee was using a remote control to move a stationary stockpile material conveyor machine to a safe location for delivery to…
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 | 70 |
| 2024 | 364 |
| 2025 | 350 |
| 2026 | 213 |
Top states: TN (100), MN (90), TX (87), MD (77), VA (77)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALBERTSON'S LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $39,012 |
| NEXTRISE USA INC. | SEALY, TX | $21,000 |
| CZT ENERGY USA, INC. | SEALY, TX | $21,000 |
| HBD THERMOID, INC. | BELLEFONTAINE, OH | $16,000 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
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)(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
What is strain relief?
A way of connecting the cord so a pull on it does not transfer directly to the joints or terminal screws.
Where is strain relief required?
Where flexible cords and cables connect to devices and fittings.
Why does it matter?
Pull on terminal screws can loosen or break connections and expose live parts.
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.