Working near a substation
Electricity substations are connected to the network through overhead lines, underground cables or a combination of both. Often they also have a communications connection (a telecom connection) through separate overhead lines or underground cables, which allows a connection to the control room or other substations for safety reasons. If you need to excavate near a substation you should follow the same process as for underground cables, but beware that cables may rise as they enter the site.
Storage of spoil or excavated materials, cable drums, containers, etc. near the fence could allow easy access for children, vandals or thieves and should be avoided. Tools and equipment that could be used to breech the substation security measures should be locked away or made inoperable and there is a legal requirement to ensure that the public is not affected by your works. As a guide, we would not expect materials to be stored within 2 meters of the fence.
Storage of spoil or excavated materials, cable drums, containers, etc. near the fence could allow easy access for children, vandals or thieves and should be avoided. Tools and equipment that could be used to breech the substation security measures should be locked away or made inoperable and there is a legal requirement to ensure that the public is not affected by your works. As a guide, we would not expect materials to be stored within 2 meters of the fence.
Working inside a substation
We know there will be occasions when you will need access to our substations, such as repairs to a party wall or to pipework or drainage, and we are able to support you in doing this. We are able to provide attendance by one of our authorised personnel so that they can supervise the electrical aspects of the work and help keep you and your workforce safe.
To help us to get you the right level of support, you’ll need to tell us:
- What site you need access to;
- The type of work you need to carry out (scaffolding, wall repairs);
- How long you need access for.
We can then work with you to develop a plan and help your teams stay safe
Do you require our assistance?
It is important to understand where our cables lie when working near our substations. If you're working close to our sites or network, or need us to check our equipment you can raise a job with us online on our services page.
Our Services