1910.305(g)(2): Flexible Cord Marking, Splices and Strain Relief
Employers must make sure flexible cords and cables have a clearly distinguishable grounding or grounded conductor, and that listed cord types are durably marked with type, size and number of conductors at least every 24 inches. Cords must be used in continuous lengths without splices or taps, except allowed repairs to heavy cords, and must have strain relief at connections.
Key takeaways
- 1910.305(g)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 1,172 times in the last 3 years, in 1,132 inspections, with $1,267,436 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (109), TX (99), MN (97).
- 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) ("Identification, splices, and terminations") 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 3 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
(2) Identification, splices, and terminations. 1,172 citations
(i) A conductor of a flexible cord or cable that is used as a grounded conductor or an equipment grounding conductor shall be distinguishable from other conductors. Types S, SC, SCE, SCT, SE, SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, and STOO flexible cords and Types G, G-GC, PPE, and W flexible cables shall be durably marked on the surface at intervals not exceeding 610 mm (24 in.) with the type designation, size, and number of conductors.
(ii) Flexible cords may be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard-service cord and junior hard-service cord No. 14 and larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced. Open (g)(2)(ii) 173 citations
(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. Open (g)(2)(iii) 997 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.305(g)(2).
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 | 79 |
| 2024 | 422 |
| 2025 | 409 |
| 2026 | 262 |
Top states: TN (109), TX (99), MN (97), MD (89), VA (84)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALBERTSON'S LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $39,012 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $29,290 |
| NUMEAT PACKING INC | SAN JUAN, PR | $25,536 |
| NEXTRISE USA INC. | SEALY, TX | $21,000 |
| CZT ENERGY USA, INC. | SEALY, TX | $21,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.305(g)(2), 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
Can I splice an extension cord?
Generally no. Cords must be used in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard-service and junior hard-service cords No. 14 and larger may be spliced only if the splice keeps the cord's insulation, outer sheath and usage characteristics.
What is strain relief?
A fitting or clamp that keeps a pull on the cord from being transmitted directly to the joints or terminal screws inside a plug or device.
How often must cord markings appear?
Listed cord and cable types must be durably marked on the surface at intervals not exceeding 24 inches with the type designation, size and number of conductors.
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.