1926.405(b)(1): Protecting Conductors at Boxes
Employers must protect conductors entering boxes, cabinets or fittings from abrasion and effectively close the openings where conductors enter. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings must also be effectively closed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 63 times in the last 3 years, in 63 inspections, with $61,415 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (10), NY (9), SC (7).
- Related part: 1926.405(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings (233 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(b)(1) ("Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings") is one requirement inside 1926.405 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, 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
(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings. Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall also be effectively closed. 63 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.405(b)(1).
At 9:00 a.m. on April 2, 2024, an employee working as a field service technicianfor an electrical contractor was working at a city water plant. The employee wasback feeding a variable frequency drive (VFD) using 480 volts to reform cell capacitors. The work environment had…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: MD (10), NY (9), SC (7), PR (6), IL (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COLLARD ENTERPRISES INC. | WARWICK, RI | $4,729 |
| SHARLEN ELECTRIC CO. | HOMEWOOD, IL | $4,250 |
| MDM & SONS CONSTRUCTION, LLC | PERRYSBURG, OH | $3,803 |
| C & S SERVICES INC | EWA BEACH, HI | $3,795 |
| AHLBORG CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | WARWICK, RI | $3,289 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.405(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings 233 citations
- 1926.405(b)(2) Covers and canopies 168 citations
- 1926.405(b)(3) Pull and junction boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal 2 citations
- 1926.405(b)(3)(ii) Covers
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 protection do conductors need at boxes?
They must be protected from abrasion where they enter boxes, cabinets or fittings.
What about unused openings?
Unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings must be effectively closed.
Must the entry opening be closed too?
Yes. Openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.405 (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.