Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Operational Excellence in Power Systems through Rigorous Testing and Certification

Substation automation and communication solutions play a critical role in modern power grids by enabling automated protection, monitoring, and control of both substation infrastructure and grid-level systems. Key components include:

  • Ethernet Switches & Routers – Ensure high-speed, secure, and redundant communication
  • RTUs & Gateways – Enable remote monitoring, automation, and protocol conversion
  • MPLS-TP Multiplexers – Optimize bandwidth usage and facilitate long-distance data transmission
  • Bay Controllers – Manage and automate substation equipment, ensuring reliable power system operation and fault isolation
  • Industrial Computers – Provide real-time data processing, edge computing, and centralized control for industrial automation
  • Teleprotection Systems – Safeguard power grids by enabling ultra-fast fault detection and isolation, preventing cascading failures

Testing and certification of these components is of paramount importance. It ensures the safety and robustness of the products, verifies compliance with global standards, and showcases quality and innovation, providing a competitive advantage in the market:

  • For manufacturers – Validates that products are market-ready, meet regulatory requirements, and will operate reliably in demanding substation and industrial environments

For Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) – Ensures that critical grid infrastructure functions efficiently, safely, and without disruption, even under extreme conditions or fault scenarios

KEMA Labs – Your trusted partner for testing and certification 

KEMA Labs promotes IEC 61850-3 certification under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation as a must-have for substation automation and communication equipment. IEC 61850-3 validates device safety and reliability in harsh operating conditions, confirming that the products are fit for use in industrial and substation environments.

KEMA Labs provides a comprehensive, one-stop service package for substation automation and communication equipment —an ideal solution for those targeting the global market. Our services include:

  • Hardware / environmental type tests: type testing and certification according to IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards. This includes electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, product safety tests, climatic tests, mechanical tests and others (contact performance, burden, dimensions, markings, etc.)
  • Functional testing: functional tests for Ethernet Switches/Routers according to IEC 61850-90-4
  • Teleprotection systems: addition of IEC 60834-1 for teleprotection systems

Communication protocol conformance: protocol certification for IEC 61850 Edition 2.1, IEC 61850 Edition 2, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3