1926.403(h): Label Disconnects and Circuits
Each disconnecting means for motors and appliances, and each service, feeder and branch circuit at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, must be legibly marked to show its purpose unless its location and arrangement make the purpose evident. Markings must be durable enough for the environment.
Key takeaways
- 1926.403(h) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 37 times in the last 3 years, in 37 inspections, with $62,121 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (10), SC (10), KY (3).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.403(h) ("Identification of disconnecting means and circuits") 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
(h) Identification of disconnecting means and circuits. Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. These markings shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. 37 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: VA (10), SC (10), KY (3), PR (2), MD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FREEMAN & ASSOCIATES OF VIRGINIA INC. | SUFFOLK, VA | $16,100 |
| 68052 - LEE COMPANY OF TENNESSEE INC | FRANKLIN, KY | $7,000 |
| LUXTERRA ELECTRICAL INC | GLOUCESTER, VA | $5,365 |
| SEMINOLE MACHINE AND WELDING INC. | LARGO, FL | $4,286 |
| VOLMAR CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BRONX, NY | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.403(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Relevance of NFPA 70E industry consensus standard to OSHA requirements; whether OSHA requirements apply to owners. (2003-07-25)
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
Must every disconnect be labeled?
Each required disconnecting means must be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident.
Where are circuits marked?
At the disconnecting means or overcurrent device.
How durable must labels be?
Of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
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.