1926.400: Electrical Rules Overview
This section introduces the construction electrical subpart, which has four main parts plus definitions. Installation safety requirements are in 1926.402 through 1926.408, safety-related work practices in 1926.416 and 1926.417, maintenance and environmental considerations in 1926.431 and 1926.432, special equipment in 1926.441, and definitions in 1926.449.
Key takeaways
- 1926.400 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- Most-cited part: 1926.400(b) Safety-related work practices.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.400, "Introduction", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It has 5 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.400 (5 paragraphs)
This subpart addresses electrical safety requirements that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees involved in construction work and is divided into four major divisions and applicable definitions as follows:
(a) Installation safety requirements. Installation safety requirements are contained in §§ 1926.402 through 1926.408. Included in this category are electric equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light on jobsites.
(b) Safety-related work practices. Safety-related work practices are contained in §§ 1926.416 and 1926.417. In addition to covering the hazards arising from the use of electricity at jobsites, these regulations also cover the hazards arising from the accidental contact, direct or indirect, by employees with all energized lines, above or below ground, passing through or near the jobsite. Open (b)
(c) Safety-related maintenance and environmental considerations. Safety-related maintenance and environmental considerations are contained in §§ 1926.431 and 1926.432.
(d) Safety requirements for special equipment. Safety requirements for special equipment are contained in § 1926.441.
(e) Definitions. Definitions applicable to this subpart are contained in § 1926.449.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.400, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicable standards to protect employees, not engaged in electrical work, operating an aerial lift within 10 feet of overhead electrical lines. (2001-09-25)
- Safety and health standards pertaining to the electrical trades. (1986-01-08)
- Applicability of Ground-fault Protection Standards When Extension Cords are Plugged into Permanent Wiring at Construction Sites. (1985-10-28)
- Construction electrical safety. (1982-02-14)
- Ground Fault Protection. (1979-01-12)
- Double-insulated tools and ground-fault protection on construction sites. (1977-10-07)
- Request for clarification on ground fault circuit interrupters on portable generators forwarded to the national office. (1977-08-24)
- Double insulated tools on construction sites. (1977-02-03)
Most-cited parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
Where are electrical installation requirements for construction?
In 1926.402 through 1926.408.
Do the electrical rules cover contact with energized lines near the site?
Yes. The work practice rules cover accidental direct or indirect contact with all energized lines, above or below ground, passing through or near the jobsite.
Where are the electrical definitions?
In 1926.449.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.400 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.