1926.403(a): Approved Electrical Conductors and Equipment
Employers on construction sites must make sure all electrical conductors and equipment are approved.
Key takeaways
- 1926.403(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $24,075 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NV (4), PR (3), TX (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.403(a) ("Approval") is one requirement inside 1926.403 General requirements, 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) Approval. All electrical conductors and equipment shall be approved. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.403.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NV (4), PR (3), TX (2), MD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CFR OPERATING, LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,937 |
| JOSE C. MALDONADO RUIZ | CELINA, TX | $4,965 |
| ANCHORSTONE BUILDERS LLC | PONCE, PR | $3,799 |
| ADVANTAGE ELECTRIC LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $3,086 |
| GU?NICA STEEL LLC | GUANICA, PR | $1,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.403(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether extension cords may be repaired and returned to use. (2010-04-04)
- Whether electric hand tools disassembled and deemed irreparable by a tool repair service are required to be returned disassembled. (2009-03-16)
- Use of caution tape or rope to barricade a crane's swing radius; guarding of lug connectors on portable welders (2004-03-10)
- Repair requirements for the cord plug (attachment plug) of double-insulated tools. (2003-05-19)
- Electric power tools: grounding, NRTL approval, and suitable circuit connection. (2000-06-12)
- Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. (1998-12-16)
- All electric tools need to be tested by a qualified national testing laboratory and be listed and labeled (1994-01-28)
- Tunnel boring machine equipment. (1993-12-09)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
- Approval of temporary power for a construction site. (1992-01-08)
- Approval of extension cords by a NRTL. (1991-06-12)
- Clarification of revised Subpart K, Electrical Standard for Construction, 1926.403(a). (1987-09-24)
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
Does all electrical equipment on a construction site need to be approved?
Yes. All electrical conductors and equipment shall be approved.
Does this include cords and wiring?
Yes. It covers all electrical conductors as well as equipment.
What should I do with equipment that is not approved?
Do not use it, and report it to your supervisor.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.403 (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.