1926.405(g)(2): Flexible Cord Identification, Splices and Terminations
In construction, the grounded or equipment grounding conductor in a flexible cord must be distinguishable, and listed cord types must be durably marked with type, size and number of conductors. Cords must be used in continuous lengths without splice or tap, except hard service cords No. 12 or larger may be spliced if the splice keeps the cord's properties. Strain relief and bushings or fittings at holes are required.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 397 times in the last 3 years, in 385 inspections, with $369,425 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (55), NC (50), NY (32).
- 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)(2) ("Identification, splices, and terminations") 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
(2) Identification, splices, and terminations — 397 citations
(i) Identification. A conductor of a flexible cord or cable that is used as a grounded conductor or an equipment grounding conductor shall be distinguishable from other conductors.
(ii) Marking. Type SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO, S, SO, ST, and STO cords shall not be used unless durably marked on the surface with the type designation, size, and number of conductors.
(iii) Splices. Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced. Open (g)(2)(iii) 57 citations
(iv) Strain relief. Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. Open (g)(2)(iv) 335 citations
(v) Cords passing through holes. Flexible cords and cables shall be protected by bushings or fittings where passing through holes in covers, outlet boxes, or similar enclosures. Open (g)(2)(v) 5 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(g)(2).
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 | 30 |
| 2024 | 146 |
| 2025 | 140 |
| 2026 | 81 |
Top states: MD (55), NC (50), NY (32), VA (30), PR (29)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MARCO CONSTRUCTION, LLC | OLATHE, KS | $13,827 |
| ALDRIDGE ELECTRIC, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $11,524 |
| MAGNUM ELECTRIC, INC. | BISMARCK, ND | $9,930 |
| INNOMOTICS, LLC. | CHICAGO, IL | $9,500 |
| CFR OPERATING, LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,937 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(g)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether an employer can repair an extension cord under 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. (2010-04-12)
- Repair requirements for the cord plug (attachment plug) of double-insulated tools. (2003-05-19)
- Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. (1998-12-16)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(g) Flexible cords and cables 476 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)(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 a flexible cord be spliced?
Only hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger, and only if the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties and usage characteristics of the cord.
What marking must cords have?
Types SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO, S, SO, ST and STO must be durably marked with the type designation, size and number of conductors.
What protects cords passing through holes?
Bushings or fittings where cords pass through holes in covers, outlet boxes or similar enclosures.
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.