IEEE 1686-2007

IEEE 1686-2007 is a technical standard for substation intelligent electronic devices, defining cyber security capabilities relevant to power system equipment. It addresses the functions IEDs may provide to support secure operation, configuration, and access control in substation environments. For utilities, manufacturers, and engineers working in power, energy, and industry applications, this specification helps establish a consistent basis for evaluating device security features and supporting more controlled integration within critical electrical infrastructure.

IEEE 1686-2007 overview

This standard focuses on cyber security capabilities for substation intelligent electronic devices, or IEDs, which are commonly used in protection, control, monitoring, and automation tasks. IEEE 1686-2007 helps define what security-related functions a device may need to support, such as access management and operational safeguards, within the context of substation equipment. As a superseded document, it remains relevant for understanding earlier requirements and for comparing device designs or legacy procurement specifications.

Typical use cases

IEEE 1686-2007 is typically referenced when specifying or reviewing IEDs used in substations, feeder automation systems, protection relays, and related power infrastructure. It may also be useful during product selection, acceptance testing, and maintenance planning where cyber security capability is part of the equipment requirement. In practice, the standard supports teams that need to compare device features across control rooms, remote terminal environments, and utility communication networks.

Why this standard matters

For organizations responsible for electrical assets, the standard helps bring more consistency to how IED security capabilities are defined and assessed. That can support procurement decisions, reduce ambiguity in technical requirements, and improve alignment between design expectations and delivered equipment. IEEE 1686-2007 can also aid testing and documentation by providing a clearer reference point for device security functions, which is important when managing operational risk in substation and power delivery applications.

• Substation IED cyber security capabilities
• Protection and control device requirements
• Access and configuration safeguards
• Legacy specification and comparison reference