DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE

SUBSTATION FENCES
L1-NAM-INS-009 Version: 1 Effective from: 9th August 2013

Approval

Amendment Record

Approval Date Version Description

09/08/2013 1 Initial Issue under MTM

Approving Manager: Head of Network Asset Management Approval Date: 09/08/2013 Next Review Date: 09/08/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
SUBSTATION FENCES
L1-NAM-INS-009 Version: 1 Effective from: 9th August 2013

Table of Contents

1. Purpose......................................................................................................................... 3

2. Scope ............................................................................................................................ 3

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms...................................................................................... 3

4. Definitions and Responsibilities ................................................................................. 3

5. Background .................................................................................................................. 3

6. The Issue ...................................................................................................................... 4

7. MTM Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4

8. Type Approval .............................................................................................................. 4

9. Related Documents...................................................................................................... 4

10. References and Legislation ......................................................................................... 4

Approving Manager: Head of Network Asset Management Approval Date: 09/08/2013 Next Review Date: 09/08/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
SUBSTATION FENCES
L1-NAM-INS-009 Version: 1 Effective from: 9th August 2013

1. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to clearly define MTM requirements relating to fences
around substations and outdoor switchyards that do not form part of the substation building
structure.

2. Scope
The contents of this document are to be incorporated into all future design work or renewal
work.

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms

A – Amps
dc – Direct Current
MTM – Metro Trains Melbourne
mA – Milli Amps
mV – Milli Volts
MW - Megawatts

4. Definitions and Responsibilities

The following persons are to note and comply with the terms of this Design Practise Note;
 Substation Designers
o To incorporate requirements into all new designs
 Project Managers
o To ensure requirements are incorporated into all design scope of works.
 Electrical Network Staff
 Network Asset Managers
 Substation Design Reviewers
 Substation Design Approvers

5. Background
Traction substations contain high voltage apparatus which if contacted or interfered with
can be dangerous.
MTM has a responsibility under industry, safety and regulatory legislation to provide
measures that deter unauthorised access to high voltage installations and equipment.
To deter unauthorised entry fences are placed around substations or switch yards.

Approving Manager: Head of Network Asset Management Approval Date: 09/08/2013 Next Review Date: 09/08/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
SUBSTATION FENCES
L1-NAM-INS-009 Version: 1 Effective from: 9th August 2013

6. The Issue
All current new substation designs are expected to have a design life of at least 30 years.
In a large portion of cases the operational life goes far beyond 30 years.
A number of recent substations have had chain wire mesh fences installed around them for
security.
The use of chain wire fences has proven to be unsatisfactory and there have been a
number of instances of vandals either scaling or cutting the chain wire fences and spray
painting graffiti on substation walls. In one case forced entry into a new substation
occurred.

7. MTM Requirements
MTM has utilised the Securifor 358 & Fortis 358. fencing systems at a number of
substations and this material has been proven in service.
All future substations and open switchyards enclosures must be made out of this material
or an approved alternative material. The use of chain wire mesh is no longer permitted.
The absolute minimum height of the fence shall be 2.5 metres above ground level and
constructed in accordance with the requirements of AS 2067 except that razor wire shall be
used in place or barbed wire at the top of the fence.

8. Type Approval
Type Approval is not required where the design complies with this Design Practice note.

9. Related Documents
MEST 000002-01 – Engineering Standard – Design Traction Substations and Tie Stations

10. References and Legislation

AS/NZS 3000 – Electrical Wiring Rules
AS 2067 – High Voltage Installations

Approving Manager: Head of Network Asset Management Approval Date: 09/08/2013 Next Review Date: 09/08/2015
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