1910.269(w)(7): Protect Against Voltage Backfeed
When voltage backfeed is possible from cogeneration or the secondary system, employers must apply the requirements of paragraph (l) if lines or equipment will be worked as energized, and the requirements of paragraphs (m) and (n) if they will be worked as deenergized.
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(w)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $4,839 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.269(w) Special conditions (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(w)(7) ("Backfeed") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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
(7) Backfeed. When there is a possibility of voltage backfeed from sources of cogeneration or from the secondary system (for example, backfeed from more than one energized phase feeding a common load), the requirements of paragraph (l) of this section apply if employees will work the lines or equipment as energized, and the requirements of paragraphs (m) and (n) of this section apply if employees will work the lines or equipment as deenergized. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.269(w)(7) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.269(w)(7).
At 7:00 p.m. on November 12, 2023, an employee climbed a ladder to access the top of an electrical transformer. The employee was verifying the test equipmentwas hooked up appropriately and turned around to exit on the ladder. The employee came into contact with electricity,…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(w)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(w) Special conditions 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Where can backfeed come from?
From sources of cogeneration or from the secondary system, such as more than one energized phase feeding a common load.
Which rules apply for energized work with backfeed possible?
The requirements of paragraph (l) of 1910.269.
Which rules apply for deenergized work?
The requirements of paragraphs (m) and (n) of 1910.269.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (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 2026-11-06
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.