1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B): No Flexible Cords Through Wall, Ceiling or Floor Holes
Employers must not run flexible cords and cables through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, unless another part of the rule specifically permits it.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $2,500 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (12), MD (6), VA (3).
- Related part: 1926.405(g) Flexible cords and cables (476 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B) 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
(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: PR (12), MD (6), VA (3), DE (2), TN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOP CONSTRUCTION & MORE LLC | LAS PIEDRAS, PR | $1,250 |
| ARENA KAIROS LLC | MANATI, PR | $1,250 |
| D&D CONSTRUCTION LLC | WILKES BARRE, PA | $0 |
| MEC, INC. | FREDERICK, MD | $0 |
| MECHANICAL DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC. | FREDERICK, MD | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(g) Flexible cords and cables 476 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations 397 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iv) Strain relief 335 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1) Use of flexible cords and cables 79 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii) Prohibited uses 77 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(iii) Splices 57 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C) 12 citations
- 1926.405(g)(2)(v) Cords passing through holes 5 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(H)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(G)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i)(A)
- 1926.405(g)(1)(i) Permitted uses
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Can extension cords be run through holes in walls?
No. Flexible cords and cables must not be used where run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors unless specifically permitted elsewhere in the rule.
Does this include ceilings and floors?
Yes, the rule names walls, ceilings and floors.
Why is this not allowed?
Holes can rub and damage the cord jacket where you cannot see it.
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.