IEEE 1379-1997

IEEE 1379-1997 is a recommended practice for data communications between intelligent electronic devices and remote terminal units in a substation. It addresses how these power-system devices exchange information, supporting more consistent monitoring, control, and interoperability in utility environments. For power, energy, and industry applications, this kind of guidance matters because communication mismatches can affect data quality and operating reliability. IEEE 1379-1997 provides a technical reference for planning and evaluating substation communication arrangements.

About IEEE 1379-1997

This standard focuses on the communication interface between intelligent electronic devices and remote terminal units, two core elements often found in substation automation. As a recommended practice, IEEE 1379-1997 helps define a common technical approach to exchanging operational data, status signals, and control-related information. It is relevant where dependable data transfer is needed to support coordinated substation functions. The document is useful when engineers need a clearer basis for system design, integration, or compliance review in electrical power applications.

Where is IEEE 1379-1997 used?

IEEE 1379-1997 is commonly used in substation communication planning, particularly where protective relays, monitoring units, and remote terminal units must share information reliably. It is relevant to utility substations, industrial power distribution sites, and control architectures that depend on remote supervision of field equipment. The standard may also be referenced during integration work for legacy automation systems, when communication behavior between devices must be understood and aligned with the expected substation workflow.

Importance in practice

In practice, IEEE 1379-1997 helps reduce ambiguity in how substation devices communicate, which can support better consistency during design, testing, and procurement. Clear communication expectations are important when multiple vendors or device types are involved, because even small interface differences can lead to integration issues. Using a defined practice can improve coordination between engineering teams, support safer operational behavior, and lower the risk of misinterpreted data in power-system environments. IEEE 1379-1997 is therefore valuable for controlled and dependable substation communication.

• Substation data communication
• IED-to-RTU interface guidance
• Power and energy applications
• Integration and interoperability checks
• Legacy automation support