Article Overview

Relay protection correspondence tables map protective relay functions to standard device numbers, helping engineers identify, select, and apply relays according to ANSI/IEEE or IEC standards.

Overview of Relay Device Numbering

Protective relays are commonly identified by standard device numbers defined by ANSI/IEEE C37.2 in North America and by IEC 60617/617 internationally . These numbers correspond to specific relay functions, making it easier to design, document, and maintain protection schemes. Letters or suffixes are often added to indicate application-specific variations (e.g., 86T for a transformer lockout relay, 59B for bus overvoltage, 50N for instantaneous overcurrent), .

Common ANSI/IEEE Device Numbers

Device NumberFunctionExample Application
50Instantaneous OvercurrentLine or feeder protection
51Time-OvercurrentPhase or ground protection
50N / 51NNeutral Instantaneous / Time-OvercurrentGround fault protection
27UndervoltageBus or transformer undervoltage
59OvervoltageBus or transformer overvoltage
46Negative SequenceUnbalanced load or phase loss
87DifferentialTransformer, generator, or bus differential protection
86LockoutTrip and lockout of equipment
81FrequencyOver/under frequency protection
32Directional PowerDirectional power or reverse power protection

Suffixes like T (transformer), B (bus), or N (neutral) specify the application context .

IEC Device Numbering

IEC standards use different symbols and terminology but serve the same purpose: to identify relay functions consistently across diagrams and documentation . IEC numbers are often accompanied by graphical symbols in schematics, which are standardized under IEC 60617.

Practical Use in Protection Schemes

Relay protection correspondence tables are used to:

  • Select appropriate relays for generators, transformers, lines, and capacitor banks .
  • Design protection circuits including trip, close, indication, and alarm functions.
  • Ensure coordination between relays for selective tripping and system reliability.
  • Reference in testing and commissioning procedures for substations .

Additional Notes

  • Modern relays include electromechanical, digital, and electronic types, with timing, monitoring, and interface functions .
  • Tables often include time ranges, operating characteristics, and terminal connections for practical implementation .
  • Using a correspondence table ensures reliability, selectivity, and speed in isolating faults while minimizing disruption to the rest of the system .

In summary, a Relay Protection Correspondence Table provides a standardized mapping of relay functions to device numbers, facilitating proper selection, application, and documentation of protective relays in power systems according to ANSI/IEEE or IEC standards .

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