Substations are part of the electrical generation, transmission and distribution system. Transformers are contained inside many of them, and their job is to transform voltage from high to low or vice versa, depending on their location within the distribution path.
Besides transformers, substations usually house switches, protective devices and control equipment. In large substations, circuit breakers are used to interrupt any short circuits or overloads that may occur.
No one should approach a substation, touch the fence or enter the gate unless they are authorized to do so.
Paying attention to individuals and activity around substations and other utility equipment helps keep everyone safe. Here are some things to look for:
- Take notice of individuals in street clothes working near or on utility equipment; if you see this, please report it immediately.
- Notice whether individuals are dressed in proper personal protective gear or have utility identification badges.
- Check vehicles or work trucks in the area for utility-branded logos or information.
- Report any suspicious behavior you see, including non-utility employees tampering with utility poles, meters, padmount transformers or other equipment.
- If you notice anything unusual at a substation, please report it to PPEC. Examples include the following:
- An open or unlocked gate.
- A damaged fence.
- Obvious damage to equipment inside the fence.
- Call 9-1-1 and then PPEC if you see the following:
- Smoke or fire.
- Non-utility workers inside the substation fence.
Never try to address an issue yourself. Please report any suspicious activity or damage to the police and PPEC.
First responder safety
First responders should always wait for the go-ahead from the electric utility before addressing a fire or vandalism at a substation, power plant or solar farm. First responders should also communicate with and wait for the utility before approaching a downed power line or damaged padmount transformer.
General substation safety
PPEC reminds you to:
- Never go near a substation.
- Teach children to never go near a substation or climb its fence to retrieve a ball or pet. Let them know they should always stay away and tell a parent or adult, who should call us to report the incident at 1-800-686-2357.
- Teach children about the dangers of electricity from an early age.
- Never try to extinguish a transformer that is on fire since water and electricity do not mix. Call 9-1-1 to report the fire.
- If you see an issue with or notice something unusual about a substation, transformer or power line, contact PPEC. Never try to address a problem yourself.
For more information about substations, transformers or anything else concerning electricity, call 1-800-686-2357. For more information about electrical safety, visit safeelectricity.org.
