During substation maintenance, is back-feed ever a hazard?

Back-feed can indeed pose significant hazards during substation maintenance. When maintenance is being performed on a section of a power system, it is possible for electricity to reverse its normal path and supply power back to the area being worked on, often due to improperly disconnected circuits or unforeseen configurations in the grid. This unintended flow of electricity can lead to electrical shocks, equipment damage, and unsafe working conditions for maintenance personnel.

The always-present risk attributed to back-feed underscores the importance of thorough safety protocols, such as lockout/tagout procedures, to ensure that all sources of electrical power have been identified and controlled before any maintenance work is initiated. Because power systems can be interconnected in complex ways, the potential for back-feed exists in various circumstances, highlighting its persistent risk factor during maintenance activities.