1926.404(b)(2): Outlet devices
Key takeaways
- 1926.404(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- 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)(2) ("Outlet devices") is one requirement inside 1926.404 Wiring design and protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 3 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
(2) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served and shall comply with the following: 1 citations
(i) Single receptacles. A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating of not less than that of the branch circuit.
(ii) Two or more receptacles. Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to the values listed in Table K-4. 1 citations
(iii) Receptacles used for the connection of motors. The rating of an attachment plug or receptacle used for cord- and plug-connection of a motor to a branch circuit shall not exceed 15 amperes at 125 volts or 10 amperes at 250 volts if individual overload protection is omitted.
| Circuit rating amperes | Receptacle rating amperes |
|---|---|
| 15 | Not over 15. |
| 20 | 15 or 20. |
| 30 | 30. |
| 40 | 40 or 50. |
| 50 | 50. |
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.404.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.404(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(C) 42 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii) Assured equipment grounding conductor program 42 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(i) General 41 citations
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(G)
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(E)
- 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(D)
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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 2026-10-20
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.