1926.405(j)(1): Lighting Fixtures, Lampholders and Receptacles
Employers must make sure fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes and receptacles have no live parts normally exposed to contact, except certain ones at least 8 feet above the floor, and are securely supported. Portable lamps need flexible cord with a polarized or grounding plug, handlamps need insulated handles and guards with grounded metal guards, and items in wet or damp locations must be weatherproof or identified for the purpose.
Key takeaways
- 1926.405(j)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 94 times in the last 3 years, in 90 inspections, with $99,685 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (23), VA (18), IN (16).
- Related part: 1926.405(j) Equipment for general use (96 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.405(j)(1) ("Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles") is one requirement inside 1926.405 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 9 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) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles — 94 citations
(i) Live parts. Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles shall have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact. However, rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 8 feet (2.44 m) above the floor may have exposed parts. Open (j)(1)(i) 72 citations
(ii) Support. Fixtures, lampholders, rosettes, and receptacles shall be securely supported. A fixture that weighs more than 6 pounds (2.72 kg) or exceeds 16 inches (406 mm) in any dimension shall not be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder. Open (j)(1)(ii) 20 citations
(iii) Portable lamps. Portable lamps shall be wired with flexible cord and an attachment plug of the polarized or grounding type. If the portable lamp uses an Edison-based lampholder, the grounded conductor shall be identified and attached to the screw shell and the identified blade of the attachment plug. In addition, portable handlamps shall comply with the following: 1 citations
(A) Metal shell, paperlined lampholders shall not be used;
(B) Handlamps shall be equipped with a handle of molded composition or other insulating material;
(C) Handlamps shall be equipped with a substantial guard attached to the lampholder or handle;
(D) Metallic guards shall be grounded by the means of an equipment grounding conductor run within the power supply cord.
(iv) Lampholders. Lampholders of the screw-shell type shall be installed for use as lampholders only. Lampholders installed in wet or damp locations shall be of the weatherproof type.
(v) Fixtures. Fixtures installed in wet or damp locations shall be identified for the purpose and shall be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.405.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: NY (23), VA (18), IN (16), PR (6), GU (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ISLAND INTERIORS DESIGN LLC | BROOKLYN, NY | $4,610 |
| WRIGHT & MORRISSEY INC | BURLINGTON, VT | $4,128 |
| GUIDRY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. | HOUMA, LA | $3,972 |
| RLJ ELECTRIC CORPORATION | SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY | $3,972 |
| NORTHPOINT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | HUDSON, NH | $3,907 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.405(j)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Can energized electrical outlets and switches be taped when rooms are painted (2015-11-02)
- Protection of employees from exposure to live electrical parts with plastic switch plates/receptacle cover and non-conductive screws. (2004-09-17)
- Electrical standard requirements concerning covers for electrical pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings. (2002-10-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.405(j) Equipment for general use 96 citations
- 1926.405(j)(1)(i) Live parts 72 citations
- 1926.405(j)(1)(ii) Support 20 citations
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 handlamps use metal shell, paper-lined lampholders?
No. They shall not be used.
What must metallic handlamp guards have?
They must be grounded by an equipment grounding conductor run within the power supply cord.
What lampholders are required in wet or damp locations?
Weatherproof type.
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.