1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C): Daily Visual Inspection of Cords and Tools
Each cord set, plug, receptacle of cord sets, and cord-and-plug equipment must be visually inspected before each day's use for external defects like deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and for signs of internal damage. Fixed cord sets and receptacles not exposed to damage are excepted, and damaged equipment must not be used until repaired.
Key takeaways
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 42 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $44,973 in current penalties.
- Most citations: SC (7), VA (6), PR (5).
- Related part: 1926.404(b) Branch circuits (138 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C) is one requirement inside 1926.404 Wiring design and protection, 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
(C) Each cord set, attachment cap, plug and receptacle of cord sets, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage, shall be visually inspected before each day's use for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and for indications of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or defective shall not be used until repaired. 42 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.404.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: SC (7), VA (6), PR (5), TX (4), MD (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| POWER COMPONENT SYSTEMS INC. | GREENWOOD, DE | $5,745 |
| CHETO'S ROOFING | KANSAS CITY, MO | $4,839 |
| D & R TANK | PECOS, TX | $4,000 |
| TOMAS ATLAHUA | FORNEY, TX | $3,972 |
| VIANE BRITO | PROSPER, TX | $3,405 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Replacing electrical cords (2014-04-18)
- Whether extension cords may be repaired and returned to use. (2010-04-04)
- Repair requirements for the cord plug (attachment plug) of double-insulated tools. (2003-05-19)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.404(b) Branch circuits 138 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1) Ground-fault protection 137 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) Ground-fault circuit interrupters 50 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii) Assured equipment grounding conductor program 42 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(i) General 41 citations
- 1926.404(b)(2) Outlet devices 1 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(G)
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(E)
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(D)
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
How often must cords be inspected?
Before each day's use.
What defects are looked for?
External defects such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and indications of possible internal damage.
Which items are excepted?
Cord sets and receptacles that are fixed and not exposed to damage.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.404 (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.