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Research Result Summaries

Privacy Fence

The simplest of pedestrian barriers that is mostly intended for residential applications. Where aesthetics is a priority, specific designs of more secure barriers are created to mimic a privacy fence while also providing force protection and ballistic protection.

Chain Link

The lowest cost (usually) pedestrian barrier that is the default choice for electrical substations and most commercial properties. Not difficult to breach or climb unless additional materials are added or specially designed for high security use.

Ornamental Aluminum/Iron/Steel

A pedestrian barrier commonly seen on commercial properties where aesthetics is a concern. More expensive than chain link fencing. Can be designed for higher security use by embedding a vehicle barrier cable, but not difficult to scale.

Decorative Steel

A customized pedestrian barrier that is sometimes seen on commercial properties where aesthetics is a concern. More expensive than chain link fencing. (Included only for reference).

Palisade

A specialized pedestrian barrier seen on commercial properties where aesthetics is a concern and higher security is needed compared to ornamental and decorative fencing. Can be designed for higher security use by embedding a vehicle barrier cable.

Welded Wire Mesh

A higher security pedestrian barrier solution that is becoming more commonly used due to manufacturing cost competitiveness and the ability to make it anti-scale if the mesh is tight enough. Also being used in combination with other types to address gaps in other types of barriers.

Perforated Aluminum

A highly customized pedestrian barrier where a specific aesthetic pattern is needed. Usually not used in high-security applications. (Included only for reference).

Louvered Steel

A high-security pedestrian barrier also used for privacy protection while still allowing for ventilation through the barrier.

Expanded Metal

A high-security pedestrian barrier that can be mass manufactured while still providing anti-scale properties. Fencing systems currently designed for substations. Current standard for new Duke substations.

Bar Grating

A unique high-security pedestrian barrier designed for wind load requirements and can be non-conductive as well. (Might be manufacturer specific).

Non-Conductive Mesh

Designed for purpose-specific barrier, usually temporary, to provide physical separation without introducing additional metal/conductive materials. Used at substations during construction and renovation.

Isolation Wall

A safety barrier primarily designed for hazard protection, such as fire, etc. Specifically designed for use in electrical substations.

Gabion Wall

A pedestrian (and vehicle) barrier used when raw materials (rocks, sand, etc.) can be easily found in the location and aesthetics are not an issue. Because of the sustainability factors, this option is being discussed more for commercial applications.

Riot Fence

A very specific type of temporary pedestrian barrier deployed when the risk of rioting is a concern. (Included only for reference).

Concrete Wall

A commonly used pedestrian barrier that used precast concrete forms which can be constructed by traditional contractors where privacy and/or noise abatement is desired. Commonly used on residential and commercial properties. May be used for substations to meet a specific aesthetic goal. Can meet ballistic ratings.

Aluminum / Concrete Noise Barrier Wall

Ballistic Blocks

A modular barrier product specifically designed for ballistic protection that be assembled as a pedestrian wall or other configuration. Usually complements an existing barrier (i.e., chain link fence, traditional wall, etc.).

Ballistic Panel

A barrier panel product pedestrian barrier product specifically designed for ballistic protection that be attached to an existing fence (i.e., chain link fence, expanded metal, wire mesh, etc.).

Ballistics Testing

Research related to testing various substation barriers and equipment, as well as overhead conductors and ancillary equipment.

Counter-UAS

R&D for detecting and identifying unwanted drones in an electric utility environment

Intrusion Detection & Copper Theft

Tasks related to improving the detecting unauthorized access

Improving Perimeter Physical Security at Utility Sites: Examining the Possibilities of Electric Security Fencing for Deterrence and Defense (3002023256)

Robots for Security

Thought leadership and evaluation reports for using robots in substations to enhance physical security

Applying Robots to Improve Physical Security at Utility Sites: Evaluation Results (3002023258)

Electromagnetic Threats

This area included research related to certain electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI).