Prima Auxiliary Relays

T&D
Energy Automation & Information

>

Prima
Plug-in Rapid-wire Integrated
Multi-mount Auxiliary Relays

Captive nut

Relay
contacts

Wire
placed on
screw

Relay
connector

Snap lock
feature

Snap lock
feature

Coding
plug

Figure 1: Relay and cross section of socket shown actual size

Features
Compact design
12 relays per 19 inch rack

Models Available
PRE electrical reset relays

Wide operative voltage range

PRH hand/electrical reset

relays

Optional test feature

PRS self reset relays

Self-reset flag as standard

Optional timer
Built-in snap lock feature
automatically locks the relay to
its socket
Unique terminal design ensures
rapid wiring (time saving of up
to 75%)
Choice of two types of terminal
DIN rail, panel or rack mounting
Simple mechanical coding for
relay to socket connection
Manufactured from flameretardant materials

Application

Description
Ease of installation is ensured by the
two-part design in which the relay
plugs into a socket which may be
specified with front or rear
connected terminals. A snaplock
feature between relay and socket,
eliminates the need for separate wire
clips. The front-connected socket,
mainly for DIN rail mounting, may
alternatively be mounted on a solid
panel via a single fixing screw,
whilst the rear- connected design
clips or screw fixes to suitable panel
cut-outs or may be accommodated
on a special rack mounting frame.
The two types of terminal available
include a unique captive nut design
which makes for wiring time
reductions of up to 75%.
The relays are available as either
self-reset, electrical reset or
hand/electrical reset types. The
range includes a mechanical
operation indicator as standard and

P941, P942, P943

Prima, is a compact, voltageoperated, attracted armature

auxiliary relay with instantaneous
and time delayed auxiliary functions.
It has been designed to fulfil the
need for contact multiplication in
protection and control environments,
from a brief developed as a result of
worldwide market studies. Great
emphasis has been placed on
making it as easy as possible to
specify, order, configure and install.

an optional integrated timer to

minimise panel space requirements.
All the contacts are changeover type,
designed to the latest IEC 255
standards, ensuring maximum
flexibility with simplified ordering.
Relay
Contacts
Self reset (PRS) models have 4
changeover contacts except those
with delayed drop-off timer which
have only 3 contacts.
Hand/electrical reset models (PRH)
and electrical reset models (PRE)
have 3 changeover contacts. All
have silver contact tips to provide
long life and reliability over a wide
range of duties.
Optional magnetic blow-out contacts
are recommended for heavy or
highly inductive loads.
See Technical Data for contact ratings.
Operation indicators
All relays are fitted with an operation
indicator that follows the contact
operation, with the exception of selfresetting instantaneous relays type
PRS which, when required, can be
fitted with a hand reset indicator.
Test/reset buttons
Relays other than the electrical reset
model are available with an optional
test button to check contact and
following indicator operation.
A reset button is fitted on all models
except the electrical reset and self
reset relays with a following flag.

Figure 2: Timer control adjustment

Both test and reset buttons are flush

with the cover and cannot be
accidentally operated.
Time delays
The dc self-reset relays can be fitted
with adjustable timers for delayed
operation or delayed reset. These
have a wide range, from 0.1 to
270s, to be set by the customer in 4
ranges with overlapping adjustment.
By installing rectifier type PA01 in
series with a dc relay, time delayed
relays can be used on ac supplies.
Timers are supplied set to their
minimum values.
The controls are behind a hinged
cover. Adjustment is by screwdriver,
see Figure 2. The rotary switch, on
the right hand side, allows the
customer to select from 4 timing
ranges. The trimpot is then used for
adjustment within the time range
selected, (see Technical Data).

Relay
coding
plug

1. Insert relay plug (part way)

2. Rotate plug anti-clockwise
3. Pull assembly out (3mm)

4. Rotate assembly to achieve

the desired setting

Figure 3: Operation of relay to socket coding

3

5. Push assembly home

6. Insert relay into socket

P941, P942, P943

DC Inductive
load breaking
capacity

10
100W

Current (Amperes)

50W

Inductive L/R ratio 40ms.

Magnetic blow-out contacts

Standard duty contacts

0.1
100
Applied Voltage (Volts)

10

DC Resistive
load breaking
capacity

1000

100

Current (Amperes)

500W
10
100W

1
Magnetic blow-out contacts
Standard duty contacts
0.1
10

100
Applied Voltage (Volts)

1000

Figure 4: DC breaking duties

The cover has provision for the

customer to affix an identification
label.
Socket

Both M3 and cage clamp terminals

will accept two standard crimped
wired connectors per way.
Terminals will accept wire sizes of
0.5 - 2.5mm2.

Relay connector

Mounting

Connection between the relay

blades and the socket input and
output terminals is by means of preformed phosphor bronze strips.

PRIMA relays are generally suitable

for mounting side by side, with no
gap between adjacent sockets. This
allows multiple schemes to be
installed in the minimum of panel
space. However, PRIMA relays which
are permanently energised at
elevated ambient temperature
(greater than 40C) should have a
vacant space, equivalent to the width
of one PRIMA, between adjacent
relays. Panels designed should
always consider thermal gradients,
and where PRIMA relays are installed
near the top of non-ventilated panels,
at least 100mm air gap must be
allowed between the top of the relays
and the underside of panel roof.

Terminal options:
M3 screw suitable for crimped preinsulated ring tongue connectors
Cage clamp, suitable for crimped
pre-insulated connectors (flat
blade or boot-lace ferrule) or
wires with stripped ends are
considered to be the least
preferred due to wire settlement
with time. Where two wires are
used in the same terminal they
must be of the same size.

Front-connected
This is designed primarily for DIN
rail mounting. The wire clip area of
the socket must first be hooked onto
the DIN rail. Pressure should then
be applied to the top of the socket
until the bottom of the socket clips
into place. To remove the socket,
pressure should be applied to the
top of the socket; the bottom of the
socket can then be pulled away
from the DIN rail and lifted off. It
can also be panel mounted using a
single No 6 self-tapping screw. Two
location pegs are moulded into the
housing to prevent rotation. See
Figure 11.

12
14
11

V
Vx

22
24
21

32
34
31

42
44
41

V
Vx

+
RL1
4
1

Initiate
contact

32
34
31

42
44
41

A2

10

xt
secs
ZG1078

Initiate
contact

ZG1074

RL1
4
3

A1

A2

10

22
24
21

A1

12
14
11

Front connected socket

terminal layout

Rear connected socket

terminal layout

Front connected socket

terminal layout

44

12

42

44

34

24

14

12

22

32

42

42

32

22

12

14

24

34

4
44

A2

A1

11

21

31

41

31

21

A1

A
A2

42

41

34

24

32

22

A2

A1

31

21

14
12

11

Viewed from front

22

32

14

24

34

44

11

21

31

41

A1

A
A2

41

11

Viewed from front

Viewed from rear

Viewed from rear

Output contacts

Output contacts
Break
Make
Common +

Rear connected socket

terminal layout

Break
Make
Common +

12 22 32 42
14 24 34 44
11 21 31 41

Figure 5:
Type PRS Instantaneous self reset relay

12 22 32 42
14 24 34 44
11 21 31 41

Figure 6:
Type PRS Self reset relay with time delayed operation

Rear-connected

Relay to socket coding

This is designed to be rack

mounted using the clip-on mounting
feature as follows: The wire clip
area of the socket must be placed
on the rack first, and pressure
should then be applied to the top
of the socket until it clips into place.
To remove the socket, apply
pressure to the top of the socket
and push away from the rack.
Alternatively, it may be panel
mounted using two No 6 selftapping screws or the clip-on
mounting feature as described
above. The socket can then be
lifted from the rack. See Figure 10
for details of the required cut-outs.

A simple mechanical relay to

socket coding system offering
twelve combinations is employed to
prevent the relay being plugged
into the wrong socket.

In the most onerous application of

relays being mounted directly on
swing-frame cubicle doors, it is
strongly recommended that any
"break to alarm" circuits utilise 1VA
load for better contact wetting.

See Figure 3.

Rectifier Units

Contact wetting

A PA01 rectifier unit may be used

with relays with timer or the

A custom designed 483mm (19

inch) rack is available into which
12 relays will fit. See Figure 9 for
rack assembly and blanking plate
details.

In SCADA or alarm applications,

the minimum recommended
"wetting" values to ensure reliable
making of contacts are 24V and
0.5VA. Where PRiMA relays are
installed such that breaking of
contacts will initiate the alarm,
it is recommended that the SCADA
has an alarm initiation delay of
at least 2ms.
This prevents spurious alarming
when cubicle doors are closed,
and continuity may be broken for a
fleeting instant due to the
transmitted mechanical shock.
5

24/27V rated relays to allow their

use on ac supplies. The PA01 is
housed in a standard Prima case
and must be used in conjunction
with a socket suitable for the
application.

P941, P942, P943

12
14
11

V
Vx

22
24
21

32
34
31

42
44
41

V
Vx

+
6
7

A1

Initiate
contact

42

41

34

24

32

22

A2

A1

31

21

6
7

A2

10

ZG1074

Rear connected socket

terminal layout

Front connected socket

terminal layout

14

12

22

32

42

44

34

24

14

12

22

32

42

12

14

24

34

44

42

32

22

12

14

24

34

44

11

21

31

41

A2

A1

21

31

41

41

31

21

A1

A2

Front connected socket

terminal layout
44

42
44
41

RL1
3
1

14

Operate A1

A2

10
xt
secs
ZG1078

32
34
31

Reset

RL1
3
3

22
24
21

14

12
14
11

A
A2

A1

11

11
11

Viewed from front

Viewed from rear

Viewed from front

Rear connected socket

terminal layout

Viewed from rear

Output contacts

Output contacts
Break
Make
Common +

Break
Make
Common +

22 32 42
24 34 44
21 31 41

Figure 7:
Type PRS Self reset relay with time delayed reset

12
14
11

V
Vx

22
24
21

32
34
31

22 32 42
24 34 44
21 31 41

Figure 8: Types PRH Hand and electrically reset and

PRE Electrically reset

V
Vx

42
44
41

14

12
14
11

22
24
21

32
34
31

42
44
41

RL1
4
3

1
A1

A2

xt
secs

32
A1

External
AC Unit
PA01

Front connected socket

terminal layout

Initiate
Contact

6
A1

22

32

A2

A1

Rear connected socket

terminal layout

Front connected socket

terminal layout

RL1
3
3

A2

xt
secs

External
AC Unit
PA01

22
A2
Rear connected socket
terminal layout

44

34

24

14

12

22

32

42

44

34

24

14

12

22

32

42

42

32

22

12

14

24

34

44

42

32

22

12

14

24

34

44

A2

A1

21

31

41

A2

A1

21

31

41

31

21

A1

A
A2

A1

A
A2

41

11
11

Viewed from front

41

Viewed from rear

21

11

Viewed from front

Output contacts
Break
Make
Common +

31

11

Viewed from rear

Output contacts

12 22 32 42
14 24 34 44
11 21 31 41

Break
Make
Common +

22 32 42
24 34 44
21 31 41

Figure 10: Types PRS and PA Self reset ac relay

Figure 9:
Types PRS and PA Self reset ac relay with time delayed reset

with time delayed operation

The polarity indicated for the output contacts is recommended where magnetic blow-out contacts are used.
6

Technical Data
All models are for ac/dc operation except for the following which are dc
only:
self reset relays with timers
24/27V hand/electrical reset models
The use of rectifier unit PA01 will allow all dc only models to be used on ac
supplies.
Standard coil ratings

24/27V, 30/34V, 48/54V,

110/125V, 220/250V

PA01

24/250V ac

Operative ranges

Voltage
rating
(V)
24/27
30/34
48/54
110/125
220/250

Frequency

50/60Hz

Burdens

Operate

(specified at lower rated voltage)

Self reset
Hand/electrical reset
Self-reset timer - DPU
Self-reset timer - DDO

DC(W)
<3
<4
<4
<4

Continuous
operating
voltage
range (V)
19 - 32.4
24 - 41
37.5 - 65
87.5 - 150
175 - 275

Maximum
DC + peak
ripple
voltage
35.5V
45V
71.5V
165V
330V

Reset/timing
AC(VA)
<3
<4
n/a
n/a

DC(W)
n/a
<12*
<1
<3

AC(VA)
n/a
<12
n/a
n/a

*Cut-off after approximately 30ms.

Operating time
For a normally open contact to 30ms typically for ac operated relays
close at lower rated voltage 25ms typically for dc operated relays
Reset time
For a normally closed contact to reset

<100ms typically

Timer range
(seconds)
The timer ranges shown here are approximate, and for the lower rated voltage
Switch position DPU mode
1
0.10 - 0.15
2
0.13 - 1.6
3
1.0 - 17.0
4
16.0 - 270.0

DDO mode
0.10 - 0.20
0.18 - 2.0
1.2 - 20.0
16.0 - 270.0

Note1: Timer setting instructions on reverse of blank identification labels

provided with each relay.
Note 2: Adjustments to the potentiometer and switch should be made using
an insulated tool.
7

P941, P942, P943

Ratings

P941, P942, P943

Repeatability

2%

Variation of timing over

the operative voltage range
Variation of timing with
temperature over the operative
temperature range

15% or 20ms whichever is

the greater

10% or 20ms whichever is

the greater

Contacts
All relay types are fitted with
changeover contacts (break before
make) only. The number of contacts
available for customer use varies
with relay type. See Figures 5 - 8.
Number of output contacts
Self reset relay
Hand /electrical reset relay
Electrical reset relay
Self reset timer - DPU
Self reset timer - DDO

4
3
3
4
3

Contact ratings
Contact
type
Standard

Current
AC

DC

Magnetic DC
blow-out

Make and carry

continuously
1250VA with
maxima of 10A
and 300V
1250W with
maxima of 10A
and 300V

Make and
carry for 3s
7500VA with
maxima of 30A
and 300V
7500W with
maxima of 30A
and 300V

1250W with
maxima of 10A
and 300V

7500W with
maxima of 30A
and 300V

Break
1250VA with
maxima of
10A and 300V
120W (resistive)
30W* (inductive)
at 100V.
L/R = 40ms
See Figure 4
for curves
350W (resistive)
50W*
(inductive) at

100V.
L/R = 40ms
See Figure 4
for curves
* Normally closed contacts breaking with positive potential applied to
the moving contacts
Contacts in use
1
2
3
4

Continuous rating per contact (amps)

10
10
5
5

Maximum rate of operation, 600 per hour

Durability
Loaded contact 100,000 operations
Unloaded contact
1,000,000 operations

High voltage withstand

Dielectric withstand

ANSI/IEEE
C37.90:1989

2kV rms for 1 minute between all

terminals and case earth.
2kV rms for 1 minute
between terminals of independent
circuits including contact circuits, with
terminals on each independent circuit
connected together.
1kV rms for 1 minute across
open contacts of output relays.
1.5kV rms across open outgoing
contact pairs.

High voltage impulse

IEC 60255-5:1977

Insulation resistance
IEC 60255-5:1977

Three positive and three negative

impulses of 5kV peak, 1.2/50 s, 0.5J
between all independent circuits and
between all terminals and earth.
>100MV when measured at 500V dc

Electrical environment
DC supply interruption
IEC 60255-11:1979

The unit will withstand a 10ms

interruption in the auxiliary supply,
under normal operating conditions,
without de-energising.

High frequency disturbances

IEC 60255-22-1:1988 Class III

Fast transient disturbance

IEC 60255-22-4: 1992 Class IV
EMC Compliance
89/336/EEC
Commission

2.5kV peak between independent

circuits and case.
1.0kV peak across terminals of the
same circuit.
Applied directly to auxiliary supply.
Compliance to the European
Directive on EMC is claimed via the
Technical Construction File route.

EN 50081-2:1994
EN 50082-2:1995

Generic Standards were used to establish

conformity.

Product safety
72/23/EEC

Compliance with the European

Commission Low Voltage Directive.

EN61010-1: 1993/A2:1995
EN60950: 1992/A11: 1997

Compliance is demonstrated by
reference to generic safety standards.

File No. E194075

UL Recognised component for the US

and Canada.

P941, P942, P943

IEC 60255-5: 1977

P941, P942, P943

Atmospheric environment
Temperature
BS EN 60068-2-1:1983
IEC 68-2-2:1974

Storage and transit -25C to +70C

Operating -25C to +55C

Humidity
IEC 68-2-3:1969

56 days at 93% RH and 40C

Enclosure protection
BS EN 60529:1993
Relay

IP50 (dust protected)

Socket

IP20

Mechanical environment
Vibration
IEC 60255-21-1:1988
Shock and bump
IEC 255-21-2:1988

Seismic
IEC 255-21-3:1993

Response Class I
Endurance Class I
Shock response Class I
Shock withstand Class I
Bump Class I
Class I

Weight
Relay

190g

Front-connected socket

125g

Rear-connected socket

90g

Housings
See Figures 10 and 11 for details of relay and socket outlines. Rack and
DIN rail mounting details will be provided upon request.
Dimensions

Relay
Front connected socket
Rear connected socket
Moulding material identity

Height
(mm)

Depth
(mm)

Width
(mm)

65
115
75

85
50
56

34
34
34

Relay cover

All materials are flame retardant

to specification UL94 (V-O). All
major mouldings have their
material identity moulded into them.
polycarbonate >PC<

Relay

polyphenylene oxide >PPO GF20<

Socket

polyphenylene oxide> PPO GF20<

How to order
Relays and sockets may be ordered separately using the form on Page 13.
10

The rack PR0025 001 will hold up to 12 Prima relays. Unused positions may be blanked off using blanking
plate shown opposite. This may be mounted either side of rack as shown.

4 holes
2.6x34.2 pitch
102.6

40.4

4 holes
2.6x34.2 pitch
=
=
102.6

40.4

4 holes
2.6x34.2 pitch
102.6

74.0

85.0

Clearance
60.0
for
wiring
34.0
Blanking plate PR0026 001
Fixng screws 2 per plate
24 per bag ZA0005 093
28.0
4 off M6 mounting holes

76.2
88.1

63.0

465.1
482.6
All dimensions in mm

Figure 11: Outline and mounting details for rack and blanking plate

2.8 Hole

Projection detail for clip-on type mountings

47

94

Clearance hole
for No 6 self-tapping screw
53

2.8 Hole

75
CUSTOMERS
I.D. LABEL

34

51

Top of relay
viewed from rear
12 22 32 42

Sockets may also be

mounted in 19" racks

35

Panel cut-out for screw

fixing socket application

90

Projection detail for screw fixing type mountings

Terminal
Layout

64

69

Max
panel
thickness
1.2

Available Terminal Combinations

14 24 34 44

35

11 21 31 41
A1 A2

M3 Ring

Panel cut-out for clip-on

socket application

Cage Clamp

Figure 12: Case outline for rear connected relay

11

P941, P942, P943

443.0

P941, P942, P943

Clearance hole
for No 6 self-tapping screw

4.40 Hole

2.8 Hole
110

115
CUSTOMERS
I.D. LABEL

50

34

Top of relay
viewed from front

131

44 34 24 14

Available Terminal Combinations

Terminal
Layout

42 32 22 12
A2 A1
41 31 21 11

M3 Ring

Cage Clamp

Figure 13: Case outline for front connected relay

12

55

4.40 Hole
Panel drilling details for
screw mounting of sockets
35
7.5
Sockets may also be mounted
on DIN rail to specifications
EN50054, DIN46277- 3 & BS5884

Prima Relay Purchase Order Form

From:

Fax: (44) (0) 1785 236810

Date:

For: Contracts Department

Purchase Order No:

Relay

Message No:

Voltage
Electrical or
Self-reset ac/dc
Hand/electrical reset dc

Socket

Electrical or
Hand/electrical
reset ac

Terminal type

24/27

01

30/34

02

12

48/54

03

110/125

04

220/250

05

30/34

Cage clamp

13

48/54

M3 screw

14

110/125

15

220/250

Timer

Socket type
Self test

Front-connected

Rear-connected

Delay on drop-off (self-reset dc only)

Test button fitted

Delay on pick-up (self-reset dc only)

No test button

No delay (instantaneous)

Flag
Following flag

Hand-reset flag (self-reset instantaneous only)

Quantity

PS

Quantity

PS

Rack

Contacts
Standard contacts

Magnetic blow-out contacts

Quantity

3 hand/electrical-reset contacts

3 electrical-reset contacts

Quantity

PR

Quantity

PR

Quantity

PR

Company Name:

Quantity

(3 contacts DDO timer)

Quantity

A 0

Fixing screws
(24 screws per bag)

Quantity (bags)

Delivery Address:

Telephone No:
Invoice Address:

Required Delivery Date:

Signed:

Blanking Plate

Contact:

Fax No:

Rectifier

Contact Type (changeover)

4 self-reset contacts

Position:

13

P941, P942, P943

To: ALSTOM T&D Ltd, Energy Automation & Information

 2003 ALSTOM - 020300 - Electronic File

Publication: PRIMA/EN BR/Ka

Transmission & Distribution Energy Automation & Information, Le Sextant, 3 avenue Andr Malraux, 92300 Levallois-Perret. France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 49 20 00
Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 49 24 85
energy-automation.information@tde.alstom.com
www.tde.alstom.com
Contact Centre on line 24 hours a day : +44 (0) 1785 25 00 70
ALSTOM, the ALSTOM logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of ALSTOM.
MiCOM is a registered trademark of ALSTOM. Other names mentioned, registered or not, are the property of their respective companies.
Our policy is one of continuous development. Accordingly the design of our products may change at any time. Whilst every effort is made to produce up to date literature, this
brochure should only be regarded as a guide and is intended for information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute an offer for sale or advice on the application of any product
referred to in it. We cannot be held responsible for any reliance on any decisions taken on its contents without specific advice.