1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C): No Flexible Cords Through Doorways or Windows
Unless specifically permitted, construction employers must not use flexible cords where they are run through doorways, windows or similar openings, except as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(I) of 1926.405.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $2,128 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (7), MD (2), NY (1).
- 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)(C) 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
(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings, except as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(I) of this section; 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: VA (7), MD (2), NY (1), AR (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| R SOLIS CONSTRUCTION LLC | NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR | $2,128 |
| COLT BUILDERS CORP | BALTIMORE, MD | $0 |
| CHRISTIAN SIDING LLC. | HYATTSVILLE, MD | $0 |
| RINGENBERG CONSTRUCTION LLC | SUFFOLK, VA | $0 |
| CURRENT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING LLC | SUFFOLK, VA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(C).
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)(B) 27 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can extension cords run through doorways on a construction site?
Not as a general use; flexible cords may not be run through doorways, windows or similar openings except as permitted in 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I).
Why is running cords through doors a problem?
Doors and windows can pinch and damage cords.
Is there an exception?
Yes, the use permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(I) of 1926.405.
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.