Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Energy and utilities automation

Substation automation

Also known as: Substation automation system (SAS)

German: Substation Automation

In power systems, substation automation is the use of intelligent electronic devices, communication networks and control systems to protect, control, monitor and record the operation of an electrical substation. IEC 61850 is the international standard for communication in power utility automation, including substations.

  • Energy
  • Standards

In one sentence

Substation automation uses intelligent electronic devices and networks to protect, control and monitor electrical substations, often per IEC 61850.

Example

In the new 110 kV substation, protection relays exchange trip signals as IEC 61850 GOOSE messages, and the station controller reports to the grid control center.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Substation automation systems are engineered with configuration files that describe devices, functions and communication, which supports multi-vendor interoperability.
  • Operation: Operators monitor and switch remotely; protection functions act automatically on faults.
  • Security: Substations are critical infrastructure; network segmentation, access control and monitoring are essential. IEC 62351 addresses security for power system communication, and IEC 62443 is also applied.
  • Documentation: Documentation includes single-line diagrams, device settings, communication configuration and switching procedures. Switching instructions must stay consistent with the actual configuration, and work in substations requires strict electrical safety procedures.

Substation automation vs. industrial automation

Industrial plants may operate their own substations, but substation automation follows power-system standards such as IEC 61850 and focuses on protection and switching. Process and machine automation typically use IEC 61131-3 controllers and industrial fieldbuses.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: IEC 61850, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation (multi-part standard)

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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