1926.402(a): Covered
Key takeaways
- 1926.402(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.402(a) ("Covered") is one requirement inside 1926.402 Applicability, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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
(a) Covered. Sections 1926.402 through 1926.408 contain installation safety requirements for electrical equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light at the jobsite. These sections apply to installations, both temporary and permanent, used on the jobsite; but these sections do not apply to existing permanent installations that were in place before the construction activity commenced.
If the electrical installation is made in accordance with the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70-1984, exclusive of Formal Interpretations and Tentative Interim Amendments, it will be deemed to be in compliance with §§ 1926.403 through 1926.408, except for §§ 1926.404(b)(1) and 1926.405(a)(2)(ii) (E), (F), (G), and (J).
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.402.
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.402(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. (2004-05-13)
- Relevance of NFPA 70E industry consensus standard to OSHA requirements; whether OSHA requirements apply to owners. (2003-07-25)
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Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.402 (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.