1926.405(g)(1)(iii): Prohibited Uses of Flexible Cords
Unless needed for a permitted use, flexible cords and cables must not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring, run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, run through doorways, windows or similar openings except as permitted in (a)(2)(ii)(I), attached to building surfaces, or concealed behind building walls, ceilings or floors.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 77 times in the last 3 years, in 74 inspections, with $32,204 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (30), MD (17), VA (13).
- 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) ("Prohibited uses") is one requirement inside 1926.405 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 5 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
(iii) Prohibited uses. Unless necessary for a use permitted in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, flexible cords and cables shall not be used: 77 citations
(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure; 6 citations
(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; Open (g)(1)(iii)(b) 27 citations
(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings, except as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(I) of this section; Open (g)(1)(iii)(c) 12 citations
(D) Where attached to building surfaces; or 3 citations
(E) Where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Top states: PR (30), MD (17), VA (13), DE (3), IL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED | FARMVILLE, VA | $7,340 |
| EUGENIO LARA | LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD, OH | $6,453 |
| SJ INVERSIONES Y DESARROLLOS LLC | ARECIBO, PR | $2,550 |
| ENVIRO-TAB, INC. | MANATI, PR | $2,550 |
| R SOLIS CONSTRUCTION LLC | NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR | $2,128 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(1)(iii), 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)(2)(iii) Splices 57 citations
- 1926.405(g)(1)(iii)(B) 27 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
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can cords be stapled to a wall?
No. Flexible cords shall not be used where attached to building surfaces.
Can cords run through a doorway?
Not except as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(I) of 1926.405.
Can cords be hidden above a ceiling?
No. They shall not be concealed behind building walls, ceilings or floors.
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.