Substation Physical Security

Physical protection at transmission and distribution substations can be a significant factor in minimizing or deterring various types of threats.

Attacks on substations and other critical utility infrastructure are increasing in frequency and have the potential to cost the utility hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial losses, result in damage to equipment, theft of materials or equipment, and/or power outages.

Around-the-clock centralized monitoring and alerts offer early awareness and visibility into problems enabling the utility to respond. Physical security requires a reliable, secure, high-performance communications network between security devices (sensors, cameras, key pads, lights, etc.) and computers located in the utility’s operations center.

Adding network communications to existing substations to extend reach to the various security devices around the yard is often physically or financially prohibitive. As wireless networks require no trenching, they are typically the most cost-effective solution for existing substations. Some of the physical security applications commonly used are video surveillance cameras; access control using biometrics, keypads, etc.; perimeter sensors that detect thermal/motion; and gunshot detection, alerting and location identification.