Is it safe to live near a substation?
It is safe to live near a substation. Substations are a vital part of how we get electricity to our homes, schools, and businesses. They're like electrical hubs where electricity is received from distribution lines at high voltage and changed to low voltage so that it's ready for us to distribute to homes and businesses around the state.
You'll find them in cities, in the suburbs and in regional areas.
Like with any infrastructure, people sometimes have questions about safety. This page provides answers to some of the common concerns we get asked about and helps explain why it is safe to live near substations.
Common concerns about living near substations
Expand each section below to learn more.
What are EMFs?
EMFs are invisible fields of energy that happen naturally anywhere electricity is. This means they're around lots of things we use every day, like lamps, TVs and mobile phones as well as powerlines and substations.
Picture: EMFs are invisible fields of energy that happen naturally anywhere electricity is.
Are EMFs from substations harmful?
Scientists have studied EMFs for many years, and so far, they haven't found any proof that the EMFs we experience in our daily lives cause health problems.
Substations do produce EMFs, but it's important to know that the strength of EMFs gets much weaker as you move away from the source and studies show that the EMFs from near a substation are much lower than the EMFs from things like mobile phones, which actively send out radiation.
Do substations make a lot of noise?
We make sure all newly installed assets comply with the Australian noise standard of lower than 50dB, and:
- Ensure cooling fans only operate during hot weather.
- Enclose equipment inside sound absorbing buildings.
- Replace aging equipment.
- Use designs that reduce mechanical noise, such as quieter fans.
We can conduct sound measurements if required by customers.
Picture: Glenelg North substation is enclosed within a sound wall.
Will a substation look ugly?
We understand that maintaining a neat and tidy yard greatly contributes to safety, and we’ve been consistently committed to doing that. Other than that, we have also worked with local artists to transform substation walls into community-inspired artwork.
Pictures: Various substations around Adelaide.
Will substation work cause traffic problems?
Sometimes, we need to work on substations, which can involve vehicles.
- We work with the local council to minimize disruption for residents and commuters.
- We provide proactive communication with neighbours via major project letter drops.
- We limit noisy tasks and major asset delivery to specific hours.
Picture: Traffic outside a substation in Adelaide's Whitmore Square.
Can I share a boundary with a substation?
It is perfectly safe to live right next to a substation where your property shares a boundary. Like every owner/occupier of private property, you will need to keep plants and vegetation trimmed to prevent them from growing into restricted zones and keep a clearance rules in mind:
Vegetation
The owner/occupier of private property is responsible for keeping the required clearance zone free of planted or nurtured vegetation around their property.
Read Vegetation around Powerlines to read more about our tree trimming program and your responsibilities around tree trimming and planting.
Clearance
Even minor digging can potentially damage underground power and other infrastructure.
If you’re installing a fence or mailbox, laying a driveway, doing some landscaping or having a pool installed, you need to use Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) to ensure you can excavate safely.
Visit the Underground assets - before you dig for more information about working safely near underground assets.
SA Power Networks' commitment to safety
Safety is our top priority. Never enter a substation, as this can be dangerous. To keep the community safe we take the following measures:
- Heat flag zones and fire walls – We have identified heat flag zones and constructed fire walls to contain potential fires. This minimise the chance of a secondary fire hazard affecting neighbours.
- Fencing and warning signs – we install secure fencing and warning signs to effectively prevent accidental entry.
- Routine inspection and maintenance – conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure equipment are operating safely and efficiently.
- Monitoring and alarms 24/7 – our facilities are equipped with 24/7 monitoring systems and alarms, allowing us to respond timely to defects.
- Emergency response procedures – our emergency response plans ensure personnel are equipped to handle various emergency situations.
Substations are essential for reliable electricity and it is safe to live near substations.
More information
For additional information, follow the links below: