1926.403(b)(1): Examining Electrical Equipment for Hazards
Employers must make sure electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Safety is judged on suitability for its use, which may be shown by listing, labeling or certification, along with mechanical strength and durability, insulation, heating effects, arcing effects, classification by type, size, voltage and capacity, and other safeguarding factors.
Key takeaways
- 1926.403(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 233 times in the last 3 years, in 230 inspections, with $268,371 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GA (117), VA (25), PR (9).
- Related part: 1926.403(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment (523 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.403(b)(1) ("Examination") is one requirement inside 1926.403 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 7 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
(1) Examination. The employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined on the basis of the following considerations: 233 citations
(i) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart. Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing, labeling, or certification for that identified purpose. Open (b)(1)(i) 9 citations
(ii) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided. 3 citations
(iii) Electrical insulation. Open (b)(1)(iii) 18 citations
(iv) Heating effects under conditions of use. 1 citations
(v) Arcing effects. 1 citations
(vi) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, specific use.
(vii) Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.403.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 90 |
| 2026 | 50 |
Top states: GA (117), VA (25), PR (9), NY (9), TX (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP | SHELDON, IA | $16,550 |
| VA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LLC | TRINITY, AL | $11,292 |
| INTERIOR SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR CORP. | MANATI, PR | $8,275 |
| RAMBO B4D CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BURLESON, TX | $7,744 |
| HOURIGAN CONSTRUCTION CORP. | RICHMOND, VA | $7,280 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.403(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. (2004-05-13)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.403(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment 523 citations
- 1926.403(b)(2) Installation and use 290 citations
- 1926.403(b)(1)(iii) 18 citations
- 1926.403(b)(1)(i) 9 citations
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
What must electrical equipment be free from?
Recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
How can suitability of equipment be shown?
By listing, labeling or certification for that identified purpose.
What factors determine equipment safety?
Suitability, mechanical strength and durability, insulation, heating effects, arcing effects, classification and other safeguarding factors.
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.