How TransGard works
Patented, proven protectionOverview: Patented protection, proven in the field
Every year, animals cause hundreds of substation power outages that leave thousands without power—and cost millions in repairs. TransGard manufactures and installs the only substation fencing that delivers a humane—but effective—electric shock that deters climbing animals, an approach the IEEE calls the most effective barrier against animal incursion.
The TransGard system was designed exclusively for substations: it’s modular, durable, and installs in half a day without any interruption to power. To date, TransGard has installed fencing at more than 2,500 North American substations—substations operated by dozens of major utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and other power generators.
A track record of success
TransGard manufactures substation fencing developed exclusively to eliminate substation outages caused by squirrels, raccoons, snakes and other climbing animals. TransGard holds the patent on the only substation fencing that delivers a humane—but effective—electric shock that deters animals. To date, the company has installed its fencing at more than 3,000 substations in every region and climate in North America—substations operated by dozens of major utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and other power generators.
At a Glance: A unique solution to substation outages
TransGard’s specially engineered substation fencing system offers significant advantages to substation operators:
Easy installation
A crew of three can complete a 300-foot TransGard enclosure in just four hours with basic tools—no special training, no heavy equipment, and no power interruption required during installation.
Freestanding protection
TransGard fencing installs on the ground, requiring no postholes, foundation or concrete. TransGard requires far less material, expense and time than a perimeter fence.
Modular design
Construction using a series of panels enables a modular design–any section can be used as hinged gateway, providing quick maintenance access. Substations can easily reuse panels, reconfigure a fence, or add new panels to expand a system.
Engineered entryway
The system offers substation access through a non-electrified entry system, designed with a smooth finish and tight clearances to prevent animal intruders.
Prevents incursion from a wide range of species
Squirrels, raccoons, opossums, cats, iguanas, frogs, snakes and other climbing animals–none can breach the TransGard fence.
Durable materials
TransGard’s PVC and steel construction requires minimal maintenance and offers the advantage of a 20-year track record of protection in snow, ice, high winds and other weather conditions.
Galvanized steel bases
Specially designed circular stand bases create a strong, level fencing system.
Snake protection
TransGard’s optional snake prevention panels deter snakes as small as 1/4″ in diameter.
At a Glance: Ease of installation
As we’ve noted above, one of the biggest assets of a TransGard fence is how quickly it can be installed. A team of just 2-3 people can place a fence around a substation in less than a day, without the need for specialized equipment, and without having to power down the substation.
To see just how easy this installation is, click on the short video below.
FAQ: answers to common questions
Are animal-caused outages really that big of a problem?
Yes. Next to weather-related damage, animal intrusions are the most common causes of substation outages. Animal incursions—from squirrels, raccoons, snakes, domestic cats and other climbing animals—cause substation outages in urban, suburban and remote locations from Maine to California. Outages can lead to thousands of frustrated customers, damage to a power provider’s reputation, and unplanned expenses. In fact, a single outage can involve tens of thousands of dollars in equipment, man-hours and other repair costs—and with more substations employing sophisticated automation equipment, those costs are on the rise.
Why should our utility choose a TransGard fence over other animal deterrent methods?
TransGard was created exclusively to solve the growing problem of animal incursions at substations. Developed by a team of engineers and scientists with 60 years of background in animal containment and exclusion, the TransGard fence has undergone extensive research and field-testing. These fences have a 20-year track record of keeping climbing animals away from more than 2,500 locations at dozens of utilities in North America.
What kind of animals does this fence repel?
TransGard fences prevents incursion from a wide range of species of climbing animals including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, cats, iguanas, frogs, snakes and others. The fence improves overall substation security—including repelling potential copper thieves.
Is it difficult to install?
No. A crew of three can complete a 300-foot TransGard enclosure in just four hours with basic tools—no special training, no heavy equipment, and no power interruption required. TransGard requires no postholes, foundation or concrete to anchor the fencing components—each fence panel is secured via a specially designed circular galvanized stand base.
Is there a minimum or maximum size?
No. The system’s basic building block, the 4′ x 10′ panel, creates a modular design—it can be as large or as small as your substation requires. Substations can easily reconfigure a fence, or add new panels to expand a system, and any section can be used as hinged gateway, providing quick maintenance access. The system also offers substation access through a non-electrified entry system, designed with a smooth finish and tight clearances to prevent animal intruders.
Could the fence be dangerous to animals or people?
No. TransGard fences deliver a mild, non-lethal electric shock to anything that comes in contact with fence panels. This safe, humane approach instructs animals to keep away, protecting wildlife from electrocution within a substation. According to an IEEE survey, this form of substation protection provides the most effective barrier against animal incursion.
How will a fence hold up in harsh climates?
The durable PVC and steel fence materials are designed to be resistant to high winds, cold and bad weather. Most notably, the zig-zag pattern of panel installation adds overall fence stability and resistance to wind.
Is fence maintenance difficult?
No. TransGard recommends an annual maintenance check that takes about 30 minutes to perform. That maintenance includes things like keeping the fence area clear from vegetation overgrowth or downed branches. Maintenance teams are also instructed to make sure no gaps appear between fence panels or between the fence and the ground.
Components: Elements of a TransGard Fence
Full-door entryway
Offers means of entry to the system enclosure; features durable aluminum construction; houses the system’s Control Center.
Step-plate entryway
Offers means of entry to the system enclosure; features durable aluminum construction; houses the system’s Control Box. The removable step plate shown enables the door to open during deep snow conditions.
Full-door gateway
Offers a secondary entrance; used for enclosures that require multiple access points or additional exits; durable aluminum construction.
Step-plate gateway
Offers a secondary entrance; used for enclosures that require multiple access points or additional exits; durable aluminum construction. The removable step plate shown enables the door to open during deep snow conditions.
System control center
Houses the system’s electronic components: digital volt meter, alert strobe system, on/off switch, LED indicator, power supply and SCADA contact module.
Pole wrap
Mechanical barrier; prevents animals from climbing utility poles.
Full panel
The largest modular panel, 4′ x 10′; forms the fence perimeter; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals.
2/3 panel
The 2/3-sized modular panel, 4′ x 6.6′; forms the fence perimeter; smaller size enables design flexibility; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals.
1/3 panel
The 1/3-sized modular panel, 4′ x 3.3′; forms the fence perimeter; smaller size enables design flexibility; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals.
Full panel with snake guard
The largest modular panel, 4′ x 10′; forms the fence perimeter; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals; optional snake guard prevents incursion from snakes as small as ¼” in diameter.
2/3 panel with snake guard
The 2/3-sized modular panel, 4′ x 6.6′; forms the fence perimeter; smaller size enables design flexibility; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals; optional snake guard prevents incursion from snakes as small as ¼” in diameter.
1/3 panel with snake guard
The 1/3-sized modular panel, 4′ x 6.6′; forms the fence perimeter; smaller size enables design flexibility; features durable PVC, steel and wire-mesh construction; delivers deterrent shock to climbing animals; optional snake guard prevents incursion from snakes as small as ¼” in diameter.