1926.351(b): Welding Cables and Connectors
Employers must use completely insulated, flexible arc welding and cutting cables that can handle the job's maximum current and duty cycle. Cable must be free from repairs or splices for at least 10 feet from the electrode holder end, except with standard insulated connectors or splices of equal insulation. Splices need insulated connectors of at least equal capacity, cables in need of repair must not be used, and worn spots exposing bare conductors must be insulated.
Key takeaways
- 1926.351(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 26 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $35,223 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (5), VA (4), NV (4).
- Related part: 1926.351(b)(4) (14 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.351(b) ("Welding cables and connectors") is one requirement inside 1926.351 Arc welding and cutting, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart J). It includes 4 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
(b) Welding cables and connectors. 26 citations
(1) All arc welding and cutting cables shall be of the completely insulated, flexible type, capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress, taking into account the duty cycle under which the arc welder or cutter is working. 4 citations
(2) Only cable free from repair or splices for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the cable end to which the electrode holder is connected shall be used, except that cables with standard insulated connectors or with splices whose insulating quality is equal to that of the cable are permitted. Open (b)(2) 8 citations
(3) When it becomes necessary to connect or splice lengths of cable one to another, substantial insulated connectors of a capacity at least equivalent to that of the cable shall be used. If connections are effected by means of cable lugs, they shall be securely fastened together to give good electrical contact, and the exposed metal parts of the lugs shall be completely insulated. Open (b)(3)
(4) Cables in need of repair shall not be used. When a cable, other than the cable lead referred to in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, becomes worn to the extent of exposing bare conductors, the portion thus exposed shall be protected by means of rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation. Open (b)(4) 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.351.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.351(b).
At 12:11 p.m. on May 8, 2024, Employee #1 was installing insulation to ductwork while working on a ladder and using a stud welder. The employee received an electrical shock while using the stud welder, causing him to fall off the ladderto the ground. Emergency…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: MD (5), VA (4), NV (4), AK (4), TX (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DELTABJDS, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,292 |
| ALLIED TANK & CONSTRUCTION LLC | PLAINVIEW, NE | $4,850 |
| JNBA CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING | FREDERIKSTED, VI | $4,194 |
| TIGER STAR CORPORATION | SEALY, TX | $3,178 |
| RHS STEEL CONSTRUCTORS, LLC. | PECOS, TX | $2,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.351(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of portable arc welding machines in inclement weather. (2010-04-30)
- Whether under 1926.550, a crane may be left unattended with its spreader bar suspended; where in 1926.550 of Subpart N, other than in 1926.550(g), is the use of tag lines referenced; how are "cable lugs" used under 1926.351(b)(3). (2007-11-27)
- OSHA's General Industry standard requires damaged welding leads to be replaced and not to be repaired. (2005-04-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.351(b)(4) 14 citations
- 1926.351(b)(2) 8 citations
- 1926.351(b)(3)
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
How close to the electrode holder can a cable be spliced?
Cable must be free from repair or splices for a minimum of 10 feet from the electrode holder end, unless standard insulated connectors or equally insulated splices are used.
Can a damaged cable be used?
Cables in need of repair must not be used.
How are cable lugs connected?
Securely fastened for good electrical contact, with exposed metal parts completely insulated.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.351 (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 2026-10-19
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.