Protection Relay: An Important Electric Equipment

The components of transmission and distribution systems are exposed to overcurrent flow. When an electric current flows through a conductor in an electric power system in excess of what is intended, there is a risk of fire or equipment damage, as well as excessive heat generation. Overcurrent may be caused by short circuits, an excessive load, a transformer's inrush current, the start of a motor, poor design, or a ground fault. It is advised to use a ground fault locator. Tools like demand-side management, load shedding, and soft motor starting can be used to prevent overload when the system is operating normally.

This article discusses some tips for choosing the right protection relays:

- The first issue concerns voltages that drive loads: The voltage rating of a relay must be greater than or equal to the voltage driving the load. Another critical factor is the frequency of the switched voltage. Because the alternating current fluctuates from positive to negative while crossing through zero, the switched voltage will fluctuate between the maximum voltage and zero. Conversely, because DC voltage is always at its maximum, each switch results in maximum contact wear. A 240 Vac relay is typically rated for only 24 Vdc.

- The required current varies depending on the type of load: The vast majority of loads do not draw a constant current. In reality, the current demand for most loads varies in a somewhat predictable manner.

- Avoid switching currents that are too low will ensure that the relay operates properly: A certain minimum current must be switched in order for a switch to operate properly. Because it burns off any contaminants that may have accumulated on the relay contacts, this current is also referred to as a wiping current. The contact material, the contact geometry, and the mechanical sliding of the contact surfaces all affect the lowest current that can be switched with reliability.

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