Utility Substations: choosing the right security fence
- IronSite Education
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Key considerations and best practices to follow to maximize protection without sacrificing visibility
Introduction:
Critical infrastructure within the power grid is essential to transmitting electricity across the world. Unfortunately, it makes these utility substations prime targets for vandalism, theft, and even terrorism. Determining the best fencing solutions for substations is crucial for maximizing protection, but it can easily become a complex decision that utilities have to make. This article highlights considerations and other key factors for Utilities to consider when choosing security fencing for their next project or site upgrade.
Your first line of defense: security assessments
Before determining the right security fencing for your utility site, understanding the threats to substations and carefully assessing them is critical. Assessments should consider a variety of factors, such as location of the substation, the historical security incidents in the area, and the value of assets being housed within the facility. Understanding potential threats allows facilities to more effectively mitigate risks and better tailor their security measures, including what type of security fencing they should use and how exactly they should use it.
Different types of security fences
Security fences share a common goal: to keep unauthorized personnel out of a facility, site, or any given area. While all security fences act as a physical barrier that deters unauthorized access and intrusion, no two types of security fences are made the same:
Anti-climb fencing: uses tight mesh to prevent scaling, offering high-security perimeter protection
Anti-cut fencing: takes advantage of heavy-gauge mesh for cut resistance, preventing tampering
Welded Wire fencing: made up of steel wires that have been welded together to provide stronger perimeter protection, offering additional tampering and cutting protection
Crash-Rated fences: DoD and ASTM-certified fencing that offers reliable protection in high-risk areas against vehicle collisions or attacks.
Ballistic-Rated fencing: able to withstand ballistic impacts, these fences utilize reinforced posts and panels to provide advanced protection against firearm projectiles
SloanSecure™ fencing: a type of welded wire fence with increased anti-cut and anti-climb capabilities designed specifically for critical infrastructure
Key Considerations when selecting a fencing solution
The height and visibility of a security fence plays a critical role in a successful perimeter security design. Generally, the taller the fence, the more effective they are at preventing climbing or scaling attempts. Additionally, visibly seeing how tall a fence is can act as a bigger deterrent; so opting for a fence that isn’t as easy to climb, such as an anti-climb fence, can enhance security measures without sacrificing visibility into the site.
High-security fences can be made up of a variety of materials, each with their own strengths and shortcomings. Common choices include chain-link fencing, welded-wire mesh, steel palisade fencing, and fencing with integrated crash-barriers. Evaluating different options in terms of strength, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness are all important to developing a perimeter security plan that works best for your substation.
Another layer of security fencing includes access control and developing a plan for all account points within the perimeter fencing. Different access control components, such as surveillance cameras, automated gates, and electronic access systems, provide an additional layer of security when regulating entry and exit of the utility site or facility.
No amount of fencing or access control can prevent unauthorized access without proper integration with other security systems. Integrating fencing solutions with other security systems like crash-rated barriers, intrusion detection, and personnel and vehicle gates provides additional layers of protection and improves response capabilities in the event a security breach occurs. Choosing a fencing system that’s capable of housing electrical conduits, camera poles, and other mountable surfaces can streamline integration and greatly improve overall security. Security fencing shouldn’t be viewed as a standalone solution, it should be considered as one part of a comprehensive security strategy.
Another important consideration is regulatory compliance. Utility companies must ensure their fencing solutions comply with the relevant regulations and standards. Government agencies and industry associations, such as the UL325 Safety Standard and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Compliance, are designed to help mitigate potential liabilities while ensuring adequate and reliable security measures are in place. Working with a professional service to assist in meeting these regulations can save time and reduce unnecessary changes in the future.
Scenario: a new substation in a high-risk area
To illustrate the importance of choosing the right security fencing solutions, let’s go through a hypothetical evaluation. Imagine a Utility company is implementing security measures for a brand-new substation in an area that’s been deemed as high-risk.
First, the utility company performs a risk assessment to identify potential security risks such as intrusion, vandalism, and theft. Since it’s a high-risk area, the risk assessment findings determined that a fencing solution with superior strength, durability, and the ability to provide both security and visibility is essential. Ultimately, they decide on welded-wire fencing due to its protection capabilities and ability to still provide visibility. The chosen fencing also meets relevant regulatory standards and is installed in compliance with local ordinances and industry best practices.
The welded-wire fencing is then integrated into a comprehensive security system that leverages crash-rated barriers, automated gates, surveillance cameras, and secure access control measures. This integration enhances the overall effectiveness of the fencing by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities.
Finally, a proper maintenance plan is established with regularly scheduled maintenance to inspect and repair the fence as needed, ensuring its continued effectiveness over a long period of time. By performing all the above steps, the Utility company experiences 24/7 protection and peace of mind from security breaches.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right security fencing solution for utility substations requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. Determining necessary perimeter protection, choosing the proper materials, developing an effective access control plan, and ensuring regulatory compliance are all important when determining what fencing solutions should be implemented. By conducting a thorough risk assessment and implementing the appropriate security measures, utility organizations can effectively safeguard critical infrastructure against almost all security threats.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.
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Terin Pickett
IronSite
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