IEEE Approves Substation Data File Standard, Begins Standard For Substation Cyber-Security

Piscataway, NJ - The IEEE has approved a standard on naming time sequence data files during events at substations. It also has begun work on a new substation standard for cyber-security devices and the revision of its guide for temporary protective grounding systems in substations. IEEE has approved IEEE C37.232™, "Recommended Practice for Naming Time Sequence Data Files", a new substation standard that provides for naming time sequence data (TSD) files, event sequences and periodic logs. It was written to resolve problems associated with reporting, saving, exchanging, archiving and retrieving large numbers of files. The practice in this standard has been adopted by utilities and manufactures and is recommended by the National Energy Regulatory Commission and the Northeast Power Coordinating Council.

The new standards project is for IEEE P1711™, "Trial Use Standard for a Cryptographic Protocol for Cyber Security of Substation Serial Links," which will help utilities create procurement specifications for interoperable, open-system, cyber-security devices that protect asynchronous serial communications against cyber attack. At this time, serial SCADA (supervisory control data acquisition systems) and engineering access ports are not secure. IEEE P1711 will incorporate the American Gas Association cryptographic protocol, written to implement requirements in IEEE 1689™, and improvements in this protocol suggested by Sandia National Laboratories, as well as lessons learned from utility field testing.

Work has also begun to revise IEEE P1246™, "Guide for Temporary Protective Grounding Systems Used in Substations" to expand the use of multiple temporary protective grounding (TPG) systems and add material on inductive reactance and current heating effects. This guide covers the design, performance, use, testing and installation of TPG systems and suggests good practices, technical information and safety criteria as an aid in selecting and applying these systems.

SOURCE: IEEE