1926.405(g): Flexible Cords and Cables on Construction Sites
Employers must use flexible cords and cables only for permitted uses, such as connecting portable lamps or appliances, and never as a substitute for fixed wiring, run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, attached to building surfaces or hidden behind walls. Cords must be marked with their type, used in one piece without splices except allowed repairs on hard-service cords No. 12 or larger, and have strain relief.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(g) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 476 times in the last 3 years, in 444 inspections, with $407,718 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (72), PR (59), NC (52).
- Related part: 1926.405(g)(2) Identification, splices, and terminations (397 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(g) ("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 23 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
(g) Flexible cords and cables — 476 citations
(1) Use of flexible cords and cables — Open (g)(1) 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.
(2) Identification, splices, and terminations — Open (g)(2) 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).
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 | 40 |
| 2024 | 162 |
| 2025 | 173 |
| 2026 | 101 |
Top states: MD (72), PR (59), NC (52), VA (43), NY (33)
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), 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)
- Acceptable uses of flexible temporary cords/cables on construction sites. (2003-01-16)
- Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. (1998-12-16)
- Use of flexible cords for connection of appliances; scaffold base plates. (1998-07-20)
- Acceptable job-made extension cords. (1992-06-17)
- Contractor shop-made extension cords. (1992-03-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
Can an extension cord replace permanent wiring?
No. Flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.
Can flexible cords be spliced?
They must be used in continuous lengths without splice or tap, except hard service cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired if the splice keeps the cord's insulation, sheath and usage properties.
What marking must cords have?
Types such as SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO, S, SO, ST and STO must be durably marked with type, size and number of conductors.
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.