Relay protection sensitivity is adjusted by setting the relay pickup current, plug setting multiplier (PSM), and time settings to ensure accurate fault detection while avoiding nuisance trips.

Key Concepts in Sensitivity Adjustment

1. Plug Setting Multiplier (PSM): PSM defines how many times the actual current exceeds the relay's pickup current. It is crucial for inverse definite minimum time (IDMT) relays, as it determines the operating speed based on the fault current magnitude. A higher PSM results in faster tripping, while a lower PSM increases selectivity for downstream relays ( ). 2. Time Setting Multiplier (TSM): TSM scales the base operating time derived from the relay's characteristic curve. Adjusting TSM ensures proper coordination between upstream and downstream relays, allowing the upstream relay to act as backup. Lower TSM values make the relay trip faster, while higher values delay operation to maintain selectivity ( ). 3. Earth Fault / Leakage Sensitivity: Earth fault relays detect ground currents and prevent insulation failures. Sensitivity is typically set between 10%–40% of the CT primary for medium-voltage relays. Proper adjustment ensures detection of low-level faults that might otherwise be missed ( ). 4. Multiplying Factor (MF): MF compensates for CT/PT ratios and measurement scaling. Correct MF settings ensure that the relay interprets secondary currents accurately, which directly affects the pickup and sensitivity ( ).

Practical Steps for Sensitivity Adjustment

1. Determine Maximum Load and Minimum Fault Currents: Calculate the expected load currents and the lowest fault currents that must be detected ( ).
2. Set Pickup Current: Choose a pickup current slightly above the maximum load to avoid nuisance tripping but below the minimum fault current to ensure detection.
3. Adjust PSM and TSM: Use PSM to define the relative fault current threshold and TSM to coordinate timing with other relays.
4. Verify Earth Fault Settings: Ensure EL/EF relays are sensitive enough to detect single-phase-to-ground faults without false trips.
5. Test Under Contingencies: Simulate N-1 and N-0 scenarios to confirm that sensitivity and coordination are maintained under different system conditions ( ).

Coordination Considerations

• Upstream vs. Downstream Relays: Downstream relays should have faster tripping (lower TSM) to clear local faults, while upstream relays act as backup.
• Transformer and Line Protection: Differential and distance relays require careful sensitivity adjustment to avoid misoperation during inrush or load encroachment ( ).
• System Reliability: Proper sensitivity adjustment improves both dependability (tripping for real faults) and security (avoiding false trips) ( ). By carefully configuring pickup current, PSM, TSM, and MF, and validating settings under real and simulated conditions, relay protection systems can achieve optimal sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability.