1926.405(g)(1): Permitted and Prohibited Uses of Flexible Cords
Flexible cords and cables must suit the conditions and location and be used only for listed purposes such as pendants, fixtures, portable lamps or appliances, cranes and hoists, and frequently swapped stationary equipment. They must not replace fixed wiring, run through holes, doorways or windows except as permitted, attach to building surfaces, or be hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 79 times in the last 3 years, in 76 inspections, with $38,293 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) ("Use of flexible cords and cables") is one requirement inside 1926.405 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 16 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
(1) Use of flexible cords and cables — 79 citations
(i) Permitted uses. Flexible cords and cables shall be suitable for conditions of use and location. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for: Open (g)(1)(i)
(A) Pendants; Open (g)(1)(i)(a)
(B) Wiring of fixtures; Open (g)(1)(i)(b)
(C) Connection of portable lamps or appliances; Open (g)(1)(i)(c)
(D) Elevator cables; Open (g)(1)(i)(d)
(E) Wiring of cranes and hoists; Open (g)(1)(i)(e)
(F) Connection of stationary equipment to facilitate their frequent interchange; Open (g)(1)(i)(f)
(G) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration; or Open (g)(1)(i)(g)
(H) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair. Open (g)(1)(i)(h)
(ii) Attachment plugs for cords. If used as permitted in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(C), (g)(1)(i)(F), or (g)(1)(i)(H) of this section, the flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet. 2 citations
(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: Open (g)(1)(iii) 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 | 16 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 20 |
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 |
| FLUSHING METAL WORK & SUPPLY INC | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $4,839 |
| SJ INVERSIONES Y DESARROLLOS LLC | ARECIBO, PR | $2,550 |
| ENVIRO-TAB, INC. | MANATI, PR | $2,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(1), 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)(iii) Prohibited uses 77 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can extension cords replace permanent wiring?
No. Unless necessary for a permitted use, flexible cords shall not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.
Can cords be run through walls or doorways?
They shall not be run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, or through doorways, windows or similar openings, except as permitted in (a)(2)(ii)(I).
When must a cord have a plug?
When used for portable lamps or appliances, frequently interchanged stationary equipment, or removable appliances, it must have an attachment plug and be energized from a receptacle.
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.