1910.334(a)(2)(i): Inspecting Cords and Plug-In Equipment
Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and extension cords must be visually inspected before use on any shift. Look for external defects like loose parts, deformed or missing pins, or jacket or insulation damage, and signs of internal damage like a pinched or crushed jacket. Items that stay connected and are not exposed to damage need not be inspected until relocated.
Key takeaways
- 1910.334(a)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 344 times in the last 3 years, in 344 inspections, with $454,422 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (28), TX (27), CT (24).
- Related part: 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment (956 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.334 Use of equipment, 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
(i) Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket). Cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) which remain connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage need not be visually inspected until they are relocated. 344 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.334.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.334(a)(2)(i).
At 12:00 a.m. on August 15, 2024, Employee #1 was working alone at a residentialproperty, performing drain cleaning services using a pipe cleaning snake auger. The owner of Rapid Rooter attempted to contact Employee #1 multiple times throughout the day without success. Upon arriving at…
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 | 23 |
| 2024 | 143 |
| 2025 | 121 |
| 2026 | 57 |
Top states: VA (28), TX (27), CT (24), TN (20), NE (16)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CALGON CARBON CORPORATION | BLOOMFIELD, NM | $13,660 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $13,415 |
| CRESCO LABS, INC. | FALL RIVER, MA | $11,585 |
| GEORGIA-PACIFIC BROADWAY LLC | GREEN BAY, WI | $9,679 |
| CHART, INC. | BEASLEY, TX | $9,218 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.334(a)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.334(a)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.334(a) Portable electric equipment 956 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2) Visual inspection 830 citations
- 1910.334(a)(2)(ii) 484 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3) Grounding-type equipment 80 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(i) 52 citations
- 1910.334(a)(1) Handling 29 citations
- 1910.334(a)(3)(ii) 26 citations
- 1910.334(a)(4) Conductive work locations 15 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How often must extension cords be inspected?
Visually before use on any shift.
What defects should I look for?
Loose parts, deformed and missing pins, damage to the outer jacket or insulation, and pinched or crushed jackets.
Is there an exception?
Equipment and cords that remain connected once in place and are not exposed to damage need not be inspected until they are relocated.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.334 (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.