Prevent Critters from Accessing Substations

Stability in your commercial and residential electric service is of the utmost importance. Customers and homeowners often take electricity for granted, never questioning where the power lines that supply that all-important commodity lead. Understanding the elements of your local power grid is essential so that you can better protect power in your area. One of the most important components in your town or county's power grid is a substation.

What Are Substations?

According to OSHA, "A substation is a high-voltage electrical system facility.” It’s job it is to act as a switching station for multiple components of the grid, such as generators, lines, and circuits. It also converts alternating current into direct current. In consumer terms, this means that a substation facilitates the transfer of electricity of differing type, delivery method, and intensity.

There are a number of different categories and types of substation. OSHA defines four major sub-types:

1. Step-up Transmission Substations. A step-up transmission station employs transformers to increase, or "step-up," the voltage of an in-bound current in order to send it to a distant location.
2. Step-down Transmission Substations. A step-down transmission station is used to connect transmission lines to other elements in the grid, and to further prepare the current for the distribution substation.
3. Distribution Substations. Distribution substations serve to reduce the incoming voltage for use in business or residential properties.
4. Underground Substations. Underground stations serve a similar purpose as distribution centers but are located underground in tightly populated areas, close to the customer.

What Can a Squirrel Do to a Substation?

Squirrels and other small animals pose an under-the-radar threat to your local power grid. Most customers equate power outages to severe weather like thunderstorms and blizzards, but small animals are just as big a hazard. A squirrel's teeth and nails create undo wear and tear on the power lines themselves, but the real danger lies in the critter making contact with conductors. Not only does this kill the animal, but it also results in a potential power outage for the customer's area.

How to Prevent Squirrels From Accessing Substations

Given the substantial risk of power interruptions posed by wildlife, it's important to protect your local substations from pesky critters. The most humane way to protect your municipal serving system is with Critter Guard's Line Guard and Pole Guard deterrent systems, allowing you to safely and humanely divert unwanted animals away from your local substations. Our products use easily detachable polypropylene rollers and wheels to prevent squirrels from gaining access to the electrical equipment. For more information about our Line Guard and Pole Guard systems and how these products can help protect your power, contact us today.