1926.416(e): Rules for Cords and Cables
Employers must not allow worn or frayed electric cords or cables to be used on construction sites. Extension cords must not be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended by wire.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 409 times in the last 3 years, in 408 inspections, with $493,159 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (75), NC (43), TX (39).
- Related part: 1926.416(e)(1) (397 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(e) ("Cords and cables") is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 2 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
(e) Cords and cables. 409 citations
(1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. Open (e)(1) 397 citations
(2) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire. Open (e)(2) 12 citations
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 55 FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 35179, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9251, Mar. 7, 1996; 61 FR 41738, Aug. 12, 1996]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(e).
At 12:11 p.m. on May 8, 2024, Employee #1 was installing insulation to ductwork while working on a ladder and using a stud welder. The employee received an electrical shock while using the stud welder, causing him to fall off the ladderto the ground. Emergency…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 155 |
| 2025 | 150 |
| 2026 | 75 |
Top states: MD (75), NC (43), TX (39), NY (38), VA (27)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CONWAY-PHILLIPS HOLDING, LLC | PETROLIA, PA | $16,550 |
| DELTABJDS, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,292 |
| CHAMPION PAINTING SPECIALTY SERVICES CORP. | NEW YORK, NY | $10,140 |
| DEFALCO CONSTRUCTION INC. | REGO PARK, NY | $9,218 |
| DIAMA SHIELD LLC | YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY | $9,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(e)(1) 397 citations
- 1926.416(e)(2) 12 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can a frayed cord be used if it still works?
No. Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used.
Can extension cords be hung on nails?
No. Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended by wire.
Does this apply to cables too?
Yes. The rule covers worn or frayed cords and cables.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.416 (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.