IEC 61850-3 Ethernet switches for substations

Hardened switching for reliable communications in demanding substation environments
IEC 61850-3 Ethernet switches for substations from Westermo.

Designed for IEC 61850 substation automation networks, Westermo's IEC 61850-3 certified Ethernet switches provide dependable communications for power utility applications. Available as Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, with HSR/PRP redundancy options, they connect protection, control and monitoring systems in networks where communication failures are not an option.

Engineered for critical power infrastructure, Westermo IEC 61850-3 switches combine environmental robustness, secure and reliable communications, and proven software capabilities to help maintain network availability in demanding substation applications.

Explore IEC 61850-3 switches

FAQs about IEC 61850-3 switches

An IEC 61850-3 Ethernet switch is a networking device that meets the environmental and EMC requirements for equipment installed in electrical substations. These switches connect protection, control and monitoring systems in substation automation networks, where electromagnetic interference, voltage transients and temperature variations would disrupt standard network equipment.

IEC 61850 is the international standard for communication in substation automation systems. It defines how devices exchange data across the network. IEC 61850-3 is one part of that standard and sets the general requirements for the hardware, including environmental conditions, EMC immunity and reliability. A switch certified to IEC 61850-3 is designed to operate in the conditions found inside substations.

Both standards define environmental and EMC requirements for communications equipment in electric power substations. IEC 61850-3 is the international standard and is widely used in Europe and other global markets. IEEE 1613 is the North American equivalent and is often required by utilities in the United States and Canada. Many substation switches are tested against both.

Substations expose network equipment to strong electromagnetic fields, voltage surges, switching transients and wide temperature ranges. Standard commercial switches can suffer communication errors, resets or failures under these conditions. Hardened switches are designed and tested to keep communicating through these disturbances, so protection and control systems stay connected when it matters most.

High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) send duplicate data frames over two independent paths. If one path fails, the data still arrives through the other without any recovery time. This zero-switchover redundancy suits time-critical substation applications, such as protection signalling, where even brief communication interruptions are unacceptable.

Layer 2 switches suit networks that need segmentation, redundancy and reliable traffic handling within a substation. Layer 3 switches add routing between VLANs, subnets and network segments, which helps when substation networks connect to wider utility infrastructure. Learn more about our Layer 2 managed Ethernet switches and Layer 3 managed Ethernet switches.

How to choose an IEC 61850-3 Ethernet switch


When choosing an IEC 61850-3 Ethernet switch for a substation, start with its role in the network. Consider the number and type of connected devices, fibre and copper port requirements, and whether you need Layer 2 switching or Layer 3 routing. Time-critical protection applications may also need zero-switchover redundancy such as HSR or PRP. Check that the power supply matches the substation's auxiliary voltage, and decide between DIN-rail and 19" rack mounting depending on the cabinet or control room.

Use the filters above to narrow the range by connectivity, speed, input voltage, mounting option and supported standards, including IEEE 1613 for North American utility projects.

Need help specifying switches for a substation project? Contact us for product advice and application support from our industrial networking specialists.

Planning a larger substation or control room network? Explore our industrial rackmount Ethernet switches.

Carl de Bruin

International Sales

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