OSHA 1926.405(b)(2): covers on pull, junction and outlet boxes
Under 29 CFR 1926.405(b)(2), all pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings must have covers, metal covers must be grounded, and in energized installations each outlet box must have a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy.
Official text
(b)(2) Covers and canopies. All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In energized installations each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings. Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall also be effectively closed.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Every pull box, junction box and fitting is provided with a cover.
- Metal covers are grounded.
- In energized installations, each outlet box has a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy, and holes for flexible cord pendants have bushings or smooth, well-rounded surfaces.
- Under 1926.405(b)(1), conductors entering boxes are protected from abrasion, and unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings are effectively closed.
Where it shows up on site
- Junction boxes left open in ceilings and walls after rough-in, with conductors exposed
- Missing faceplates on live receptacles and switches during finishes
- Knockouts left open in temporary panels and boxes
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- Is the box energized, or has the circuit been deenergized and tagged out?
- Is someone actively working in the box, or was it left open between tasks?
- Is the cover metal, and if so, is it grounded?
- Could employees contact the exposed conductors in the course of their work?
Typical corrective actions
- Install covers on pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings, and a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy on each energized outlet box.
- Close unused openings and knockouts in cabinets, boxes and fittings.
- Deenergize and tag the circuit if the box has to stay open for ongoing work.
- Check that metal covers are grounded.
Common questions
Do junction boxes need covers during construction?
Yes. 1926.405(b)(2) says all pull boxes, junction boxes and fittings shall be provided with covers. For outlet boxes, the cover, faceplate or fixture canopy requirement applies in energized installations.
Is a missing receptacle faceplate an OSHA issue?
It can be. In energized installations, each outlet box must have a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy under 1926.405(b)(2). Verify whether the circuit is energized before treating a missing faceplate as a finding.
Turn the observation into a notice
Record what the photo shows, confirm the on-site checks above, and identify the responsible company and due date. Use the fillable construction safety notice template or follow aworked example from observation to verified fix. Cirqify can draft the notice from your circled photo for you to review.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.