A power distribution system may have source, switching and load components, wherein at least one of the source, switching and load components has a wireless communication capability such that it is operable to act as a wireless communication access point. A mobile station seeking to associate with the one component may use a secure access protocol to gain such access. The secure access protocol may provide for receiving at the one component a management message from the mobile station. From the management message the component may obtain mobile identification information used to verify the identity of the mobile station and to initiate communication by sending an association message. Until after successful verification of the mobile station identity the component remains radio silent.