Electrical substations can be found commonly in many areas, with them being a standard sight in cities, residential areas and even rural areas. As they handle high-voltage electricity, you may be concerned as to whether they’re safe to be around, and whether you need to exercise caution. In this blog, we cover whether electrical substations are harmful, what they do, and what the best ways to remain safe are.
What Are Electrical Substations?
Electrical substations are a key part of electricity distribution networks – the systems that transport electricity from its source to its destination. Their purpose is to transform voltage levels, either increasing voltage to travel across long distances or decreasing it so electricity can be safely used in homes and businesses.
The most common type of transformer that you are likely to come across is a local distribution substation, which is the type that decreases voltage for safe use as described above. These are commonly situated near residential and other populated areas. These will typically be responsible for powering several hundred houses within an area.
Are Electrical Substations Harmful?
Electrical substations are designed to handle high-voltage electricity, which can cause serious injury or be fatal when exposed to it. To keep the public safe, several safety measures are implemented to prevent such incidents. As a result, the risk of danger is generally very low, as substations are designed with strict safety measures. These include:
- Secure fencing and locked gates
- Clear warning signs to deter trespassing
- Regular maintenance and safety inspections
- Earthing systems to prevent dangerous voltage levels at the surface
As a result, people are prevented in many ways from being harmed by electrical substations. Members of the public aren’t permitted to enter a substation without authorisation, which ensures that only professionals who are aware of the systems, protocols, and risks have access to them.
Electromagnetic Fields and Safety
On the subject of ‘are electrical substations dangerous’, some people express concern about the safety of being exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These are invisible areas of energy and a form of radiation that are produced by electrical equipment.
EMFs from substations are very low-level and decrease sharply with distance. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of low-level EMFs on human health, and they generally aren’t believed to be harmful. In the day-to-day exposure to EMFs that people will experience, everyday devices like mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and microwaves actually emit higher levels of EMFs than a nearby substation would emit.
Is It Safe to Live Near an Electrical Substation?
Small substations can be commonly found near housing estates. While you may initially have some concern, they pose no harm in living nearby to them. These substations are:
- Heavily insulated and shielded
- Designed to emit very low noise
- Built to strict electrical and fire safety codes
In addition to the low risks of harm of electrical substations as mentioned above, there is no cause for concern if you live in a home near to one as a result of these safety measures.
Tips on Substation Safety
Though electrical substations are generally considered safe when people obey the safety measures that have been implemented, there are some important tips to bear in mind. To keep yourself and others safe around electrical substations, you should:
- Never climb fences or enter substations under any circumstances.
- Teach children to stay away from electrical equipment.
- Report any damaged fences, broken locks, or exposed wires to your local energy provider immediately.
In Conclusion – Are Electrical Substations Dangerous?
While electrical substations may look alarming at first, they have been designed to be safely situated near populated areas through their many protections. They pose no harm in being nearby to them and are well-protected to prevent people from accessing areas where they could be at risk. Only trained professionals, such as our experienced engineers, are able to access substations and are knowledgeable about how to protect themselves.
Electrical Connection Advice and Support at Serconnect
If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Are electrical substations safe?’, you now know they’re nothing to worry about as a result of the many safety implementations that they’re designed with.
If you require support with substation installation or substation maintenance, our expert team can help. Our engineers are highly experienced and fully capable of installing or maintaining your substation efficiently and with quick turnaround times.
We also provide an extended range of services, including electrical connection upgrades, electrical emergency response and more as a trusted Independent Connection Provider. If you require any of our services, get in touch with us today, and we can discuss the best solution for you.
