Secondary distribution

protection relays
Are you familiar with:
c the precautions to be taken in installing them?
c in commissioning and maintaining them?

WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER

There are two types of protection device on the market:
c protection relays without auxiliary power supply
which are generally integrated in breaking devices and require
specific sensors and trip units.
c protection relays with auxiliary power supply
which are used with standard sensors and trip units.
The implementation and use of these protection chains involve
several phases:
c installation;
c setting;
c commissioning;
c operation and maintenance.
The approaches differ according to whether or not the relays have
an auxiliary supply.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITHOUT AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY

They are simple to implement and use, but still require

a few precautions.
THE PROTECTION CHAINS ARE GENERALLY INTEGRATED
IN THE BREAKING DEVICES
There are two types of protection chain according to the type
of protection (phase-to-phase fault, phase-to-earth fault).

Breaking device

Breaking device
Core
balance
CT

Trip unit
Sensors

Trip unit

Sensors
Relay

Phase-to-phase fault

Relay

Phase-to-earth fault

The relays are designed to be integrated in the breaking devices

in the factory. They are insensitive to electromagnetic disturbances.
The power needed to operate the relays is supplied by the network
itself via specific current sensors.
The low-power trip unit fits the characteristics of the output relay.

The trip units must match the characteristics

of the relays and breaking devices, or else there is
a risk of a failure to trip.
The sensors are suited to the protection system (relays and
trip units); these sensors are capable of delivering the power
needed to operate the trip unit. Their transformation ratios fit
the relay settings.
The sensor (current transformer) characteristics are defined to protect
the relays when short-circuits occur.

Only specific sensors may be used. The use of

conventional sensors is liable to destroy the relay
inputs when a mains short-circuit occurs.
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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITHOUT AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

THIS TYPE OF PROTECTION CHAIN IS SIMPLE TO INSTALL

Installation precautions
The devices are simple to install, however we advise you to take
the following precautions:
c follow the connection instructions and recommended wire positioning;
c comply with grounding connections when necessary;
c check the choice of low-power trip unit and sensor connection mode
(according to ratings);
c check the crimping of lugs and clips, tightening of the screws and
presence of all the protection accessories supplied with the relay.
This guarantees resistance to vibrations and disturbances;
c and, of course, comply with the protective relay installations rules
(refer to the installation manual of the relay concerned).

THE PROTECTION CHAIN IS FACTORY-TESTED IN TWO STEPS

1 - Checking of the sensors
The installation, connection and operation
of the sensors are checked by injecting
current into the primary circuit.

Trip unit
Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay
Core
balance
CT

Test
zone

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

2 - Checking of the operation of

the protective relay and trip unit
The injection of current at the relay
terminals simulates a fault.

Test
zone
Core
balance CT

Chronometer

Trip unit

Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

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The tests are carried out in the factory using specific test facilities
(particular current injection boxes). Generally speaking, the tests
take into account the tolerance limits of the sources, measuring
instruments and protection chain.
The calibration and appropriate choice of test facilities are essential.
The factory tests guarantee the quality of the protection chain.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITHOUT AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE SETTINGS IS A JOB FOR SPECIALISTS

To correctly define the relay settings for an installation, it is essential
to call in a protection specialist (network protection study,
see appendix 2).
Setting of the protection chain:
The protection settings must take into account:
c operating conditions of the network to be protected;
c standards in effect in secondary distribution;
c discrimination requirements;
c protection chain tolerances;
c transient phenomena or interference (transformer no-load energising
currents, parallel transformers or networks,....);
c technical characteristics of the components to be protected
(overheating, harmonics, non-sine wave currents, altitude derating,);
c
The protective devices are implemented in 4 steps:
c definition of sensor ratings;
c determination of sensor wiring;
c choice of types of protection curves and values
(setting current and time delay);
c saving of the parameter settings of each relay to facilitate
maintenance.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITHOUT AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

COMMISSIONING IS QUICK
Since the protection chain is factory-tested with the switchgear,
commissioning operations are limited to:
c checking of protective relay tripping at characteristic points
according to the specified settings by injecting current into the
secondary circuits of the sensors.
At the same time, the installation of the protection chain, the set
points, time delays and circuit breaker tripping times are checked.
The checking measurements must take into account the tolerance
limits of the sources, measuring instruments and protection chain.
The calibration and appropriate choice of test facilities are vital.
(Block diagram similar to the second factory test).
c added to this check are the tests stipulated by local procedures.

Test
zone
Core
balance CT

Chronometer

Trip unit

Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

Warning! Relays do not have the same dielectric

withstand conditions as switchgear. It is important
to comply with the test conditions announced,
which may require disconnection of the protection
chain during switchgear testing.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITHOUT AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ARE SIMPLIFIED

The protective relays are simple to use. If tripping occurs,
the relay is simply charged again after the origin of the fault
has been eliminated. When a fault occurs, the simultaneous opening
of the 3 phases guarantees effective protection of the loads.
Maintenance tests are generally carried out an a yearly basis.
Specific equipment is used to test the relays without disconnection
or tripping of the circuit breaker.
If a relay is faulty, it should be replaced by an equivalent relay, taking
the usual safety precautions. The precautions depend on the utility,
for example: de-energising of switchgear and protected equipment,
customary complete isolation of feeder ways and earthing rules,
For information purposes, current sensor secondary circuits
should never be disconnected on load (i.e. with the MV network
energised).
The commissioning procedures described above are necessary
after all operations on switchgear relating to the protection chain.

Please note: this type of self-powered relay requires a minimum

of operating power, which is attained for a sensor primary
current of between 10 and 20 Amps depending on the model.
This criterion must be taken into account in the test values.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY

THESE PROTECTION CHAINS ARE MADE UP OF STANDARD

COMPONENTS
Our digital relays are designed to be mounted very quickly on all types
of cubicles. Digital relays accept signals from standard current
sensors. Sensor performance affects the performance of the entire
protection system. These relays are insensitive to electromagnetic
disturbances.

Monitoring
and
control system

Trip unit
Sensors

Communication
Relay
Core balance CT

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

All types of sensors

To guarantee optimal performance of the protection system sensors,
please refer to the CG0021X document (medium voltage protection
guide) and MT Partenaire: folder B.
The design of our relays allows negligible consumption of the sensor
secondary circuits (1 to 25 mVA), but be careful not to overlook
the consumption of the wiring. The use of a special current sensor
connection accessory enables the sensors to be disconnected
on load (i.e. with the MV network energised) and without any other
short-circuiting system. A wide range of CT and core balance CT
sensors may be connected to our relays.
The factors which determine the choice of current sensors are:
accuracy, current rating, power and size.
For further information on the sensors, please refer to chapter B-1-3
of MT Partenaire.
Trip unit
Our relays operate with all types of trip coils. The choice of the type
of control, by shunt trip or undervoltage coil, may be parameterised.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

THIS TYPE OF PROTECTION CHAIN IS QUICKLY INSTALLED

Installation precautions
These devices are simple to install; all it takes is a simple rectangular
cut-out in the door of the LV compartment of the cubicle.
However, we recommend that the following precautions be taken:
c comply with the connection instructions, type and positioning of the
recommended wires;
c comply with the grounding connections when necessary;
c check the choice of connection mode in accordance with
the desired setting ranges and the types of sensors used;
c check the crimping of lugs and clips, tightening of screws and
presence of all the protection accessories supplied with the relay.
This guarantees resistance to vibrations and disturbances;
c and, of course, comply with the protective relay installations rules
(refer to the installation manual of the relay concerned).
Disconnectable relays enable prefabricated cabling and immediate
installation of the relay in the cubicle.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

THE PROTECTION CHAIN IS TESTED IN TWO STEPS

1 - Checking of the sensors
The installation, connection and operation of the sensors are checked
by injecting current into the primary circuit.

Trip unit
Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay
Core
balance
CT

Test
zone

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

2 - Checking of the operation of the protective relay and trip unit

The injection of current at the relay terminals simulates a fault.
Test
zone
Core
balance CT

Chronometer

Trip unit

Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

Generally speaking, the checking measurements must take into account

the tolerance limits of the sources, measuring instruments and protection
chain. The calibration and appropriate choice of test facilities are
essential. The writing of a test procedure based on the commissioning
principle described above improves the quality of commissioning.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE SETTINGS IS A JOB FOR SPECIALISTS

To correctly define the setting characteristics, it is essential to call
in a protection specialist (network protection study, see appendix 2).
Setting of the protection chain:
The protection settings must take into account:
c operating conditions of the network to be protected;
c standards in effect in secondary distribution;
c discrimination requirements;
c protection chain tolerances;
c transient phenomena or interference
(transformer no-load energising currents,
parallel transformers or networks,) ;
c technical characteristics of the components to be protected
(overheating, harmonics, non-sine wave currents, altitude derating,);
c
Proper use of our protection systems is made by:
c the choice of the performance of the sensors and connection wiring;
c the choice of sensor ratings;
c the choice of the sensor connection mode
(sum of currents or residual current measurements via specific core
balance CTs,);
c the choice of types of curves according to the application and
protection values;
c the choice of the operation of any indication/automation/discrimination
digital inputs/outputs (program logic suited to the application:
transformer, motor);
c the saving of the parameter settings of each relay to facilitate
maintenance.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

COMMISSIONING IS EASY
Commissioning operations are reduced since our digital relays
perform all the metering and protection calculations with analog
input values, which are continuously self-calibrated, to confirm the
operation of the entire protection system. At the same time, the set
points, time delays and circuit breaker tripping times are checked,
within the announced tolerance limits. The calibration and appropriate
choice of test facilities are vital.

Test
zone
Core
balance CT

Chronometer

Trip unit

Sensors
Current
injection
box

Relay

These sensors are optional, see MT Partenaire C.3.1

Warning! Relays do not have the same dielectric

withstand conditions as switchgear. It is important
to comply with the test conditions announced,
which may require disconnection of the protection
chain during switchgear testing.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

PROTECTION RELAYS
WITH AUXILIARY
POWER SUPPLY (contd)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ARE SIMPLIFIED

The relays are easy to use. If tripping occurs, the relay is simply
charged again after the origin of the fault has been eliminated.
Optional settings may be used to latch fault tripping and for remote
relay resetting.
Depending on the model, integrated metering functions provide
information on currents, tripping currents,
These measurements may be accessed directly with the related
measurement units (current in A, breaking current in kA,).
The presence of an integrated, continuous self-testing system
improves relay up-time through real time indication of failures.
If a failure occurs, the relay may be very quickly and simply
replaced by an equivalent relay, taking the customary safety
precautions. The precautions depend on the utility, for example:
de-energising of switchgear and protected equipment, customary
complete isolation of feeder ways and earthing rules,
Systematic relay checking procedures can therefore be lightened.
The commissioning procedures described above are necessary
after all operations on switchgear relating to the protection chain.

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Secondary distribution protection relays

APPENDIX 1
PROTECTION STUDY
PRINCIPLE

Training courses are available,

the references of which you may find
on the MV INTRANET site. They cover:
c protection plan study;
c protection coordination;
c MV network calculation using
SELENA software.

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Protection studies are carried out in two steps:

c a protection plan study, prior to the order;
c a protection coordination study, generally carried out when
the order is placed.
1 - Protection plan study
This preliminary study consists of proposing protective devices
which meet the needs of the electrical network. It includes:
c the limits of the study, according to the elements available;
c the overall philosophy of the protection plan, which may be based
on assumptions when applicable;
c a list of the protective relays required, accompanied by operating
recommendations.
It is very important for the protection plan study to be carried out as
early as possible in a project since it provides the information needed
to choose the appropriate protective devices and may indicate
operating assumptions linked to the particular characteristics of the
network. In addition, it is a powerful specification tool for Schneider.
It may be carried out using:
c a single-line diagram of the electrical network;
c a description of the installation operating conditions and constraints;
c technical characteristics of the network components when available:
cables, transformers, generators, motors;
c and may be accompanied by a technical sales proposal
for a protection coordination supply.
2 - Protection coordination study
This study gives a comprehensive description of the protection
settings to be made in order to guarantee tripping of the breaking
device closest to the fault, while keeping the fault-free parts energised.
It is used to complete the choices of protective devices made
at the time of the protection plan study, by:
c a presentation of the objectives and limits of the study;
c a technical description of the network to be designed, with the
proposal of operating assumptions or characteristics when applicable;
c calculation of short-circuit currents at characteristic points;
c a presentation of the protection plan with the fault discrimination
principles;
c the protection setting chart: curves, set points, time delays,
It is carried out in several chronologically complementary steps:
c collection of technical data relating to all the network components
and operating modes;
c calculation of short-circuit currents at different points in the network;
c determination of the setting values;
c a report comprising: calculation assumptions, curves, operation
simulations and protection setting sheets.
This study, which represents a commitment on Schneiders part
and entails a large investment, must be valued in the framework
of the project order.

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