Transformer substations are used to convert the high voltage levels of electrical distribution systems to lower voltage levels for use by homes and businesses. Locating substations can be difficult however, as many people believe they are unsightly and that they reduce property value.

There are many factors that contribute to production uptime, but one that may not be top of mind during network design or upgrades is the importance of cabling. Research shows that the majority of industrial network failures are due to signal transmission issues, which makes selecting the right type of cable for the job critical.

Recently a previously identified malware, named Duqu, re-emerged in a very surprising way. It was detected attacking the systems of Kaspersky Lab, one of the leading cyber security firms in the world. And, it wasn’t just that it went after the experts’ systems that is amazing, what is also amazing is how it did it.

Many North American power utilities have large numbers of electrical substations that operate well but are not connected to a central Energy Management System (EMS). These islands of critical infrastructure are equipped with legacy devices running on proprietary protocols. Impossible to monitor without someone physically visiting them, such substations prevent utilities from delivering on the promise of the smart grid.

The adoption of new technologies in  electrical substations has improved communications, but it has also made these networks more vulnerable to cyber threats. In the past, electrical substations were designed to be safe, easy to use and reliable. Security wasn’t a concern. As the substations have become more complex in their design, cyber security became a priority.