OVERCURRENT RELAY PROTECTION.

Normally, failures in electrical power systems cause very high levels

elevated currents. These currents can be used to determine the presence of
the same and operate protective devices, which can vary in design
depending on the complexity and accuracy required.

The overcurrent relays that form the basis of this chapter are the most common.
protection used against excessive currents in 33kV power systems
and superiors, and as main protection for the feeder circuit in networks of
13.2kV distribution. They should not only be applied as a means of protection.
of the overload protection systems, which is associated with the thermal capacity of
machines or lines, but also as protection against overcurrents, mainly
that operate under failure conditions. However, the adjustment of a relay must be made
considering the commitment to be fulfilled by both, the excessive burden and conditions of
overcurrent.

3.1 Types of overcurrent relays

Based on the operating characteristics of relays, the overcurrent relays
they can be classified into three groups: defined current, defined time, and time
inverse. The characteristic curves of these three types are shown in fig. 3.1.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTIONS.

3.1. Introduction
One of the most common phenomena that occur during abnormalities in a
power electrical system and especially in short circuits, is the increase of the
current above the normal operating values. This increase is used to
discriminate the occurrence of failures, whether as primary protection or backup and the relay
it is called overcurrent. It is one of the simplest systems and is used
widely, especially in radial distribution feeders (10 to 25 kV) and
low power transformers (up to 4 MVA). As backup protection, it is used in
most important equipment within the SEP, such as: generators, transformers of
high power, medium voltage lines, etc.

The operation of an overcurrent relay is simple as its functioning depends on

two basic variables:

The minimum operating current level (or pickup current), which is that value that
produce the relay state change.

The operating time characteristic, that is, the way in which the relay responds in
as for the time.

3.2. Operating characteristics

According to the operating time characteristic, relays can be classified into
general, as shown in the following table 3.1:
The above is actually an approximation, since; in the case of relays
Electromechanical, for example, the shape of the curves has a lot of influence.
elements such as: the return spring, the inertia of the moving parts, magnets
brake permanents, etc., so that in practice curves like the
indicated in Figure 3.1.

For solid state relays, it is possible to achieve a wider variety of

curves, which can also be expressed mathematically, as will be seen
later.

2.2 Dial
Allows obtaining different operation times for the same type of curve and
a given current. See Figure 3.
In modern relays, the dial steps are very close to each other. For example, 0.1 to
1 in steps of 0.05 which is equivalent to 18 curves. This allows for the consideration of the adjustment of
dial like a continuous function.
In old relays, the dials are numbers with which you ...
operation. For example, ½, 1, 2 up to 11, in steps of 1. These numbers are
names and do not correspond to any equation factors.

Once the type of relay operation curve and the nominal current are selected
we proceed to determine the best values of Istart and dial by applying the
criteria and procedures for coordinating protections.

The curves can be graphed directly using the

expressions and values of the parameters indicated below.

For the ANSI C37.90 curves and the IAC curves from General Electric, there is
equation (3.12) and Tables 3.1 for the ANSI curves and 3.2 for the IAC curves.

For all curves, it must be:

Operation time in seconds
Adjustment of the Multiplier
I: Input current
Ipu: Adjustment of the pickup current
As seen in the graphs, the curves do not reach the value of the current of
pickup (N=1), yes
The curves are guaranteed only from 1.03 times the pickup current.
On the other hand, the maximum operation current is 98% of the threshold.
The pickup current is input to the relay as a multiple of the current.
primary of
 3.3.1. Instantaneous overcurrent protections
These relays, as isolated units, are rarely used in electrical systems.
power. They are generally used together with other protections, with the aim
to combine their characteristics. They are built in the type of suction armor,
attracted armor and induction cup. The torque of these elements responds to
an expression of the type KI2. The operating times are on the order of 10 to
60 milliseconds. The operational feature, especially in the elements
induction cup type, corresponds to the curve shown in Figure 3.1 a.

3.3.2. Time-Defined Overcurrent Protections

A simple time-defined protection could be obtained using a relay.
instantaneous in conjunction with a timer element (T) that produces the delay
necessary, (Figure 3.2). However, in practice, very little is used of a
solution based on independent elements, but rather a relay of the type
induction disk whose curve is very slightly inverse, so that it can be called
of defined time. In any case, in this type of relay, the time is defined for
10 times the operating current, hereinafter.

This operating characteristic is achieved by using a measuring unit whose

the core saturates quickly. In solid-state relays, an element is used
comparator that operates through a timer. The relay only works if the
overcurrent is maintained for the necessary time. Otherwise, the relay
is restored.

3.3.3. Time-Delay Overcurrent Protections

The main characteristic of this type of relays is that the greater it is
the applied current, the shorter its operating time. This principle gives rise to a
variety of relays with various operating time characteristics and small
differences between electrical and mechanical design. In the case of those of type
electromechanical, the relay is based on a disk measurement unit
induction, whether of the type of short-circuited coil or wattmetric.

a. Induction disc type relay.

The GE IAC51B relay shown in Figure 3.3 is a disk type.
induction with short-circuited coils. The relay disk is mounted on an axis that is
held by a spiral spring whose tension can be adjusted, allowing for the adjustment of
minimum operating current. The moving contact is attached to the disc so that it rotates
together with this one, and it closes its circuit through the spiral. The fixed contact is mounted on
the metal frame of the relay; the operating torque is produced by the unit
electromagnetic and in front of it is located a permanent magnet that acts
as a brake for the disc, once it is in motion, replacing in
certain shape to the spiral spring, which under these conditions practically has no
effect. The resting position of the disk is defined by a movable stop that allows
vary the initial separation between the fixed and mobile contacts, which determine an angle
between them. The adjustment of the contact separation, that is, the angle (Figure 3.4),
himself
operation time curves of the relay that can be selected through a
numbered wheel or time dial that goes from 1 or 0.5 to 10 in relays
Americans and from 0.1 (0.05) to 1 in the Europeans. The operating current of the relay is
adjust using the appropriate socket or tap of the electromagnetic unit. The position of
Permanent magnet can also be adjusted and influences the operating curve.

Figure 3.3.- IAC51B overcurrent relay from General Electric.

3.4. Applications of overcurrent protections

This section will outline the general criteria on which the use of relays is based.
of overcurrent, in order to obtain selectivity from the protection system,
appropriate sensitivity and simplicity. There are several alternatives that allow obtaining
selectivity among these protections, those that depend on the types of relays that are
use. Among them are:

3.4.1. Selectivity with defined time protections

In this method, a time interval is used between each of the relays that control
the system switches, to ensure that the one closest to operates first
the failure. Figure 3.32 shows an application where the operating condition
selectively the relays increase their operating time as they
they approach the source, allowing the one that is closest to the point to operate first
failure.

This method is preferably used in radial lines or in ring lines, where the
failure current between the various sections does not differ much. This way of giving
selectivity is achieved with time-defined relays, in which the unit of
overcurrent plays the role of initiating the countdown. For this reason, they
called independent time delay relays. Their use is more widespread
in Europe, but it has the disadvantage that the downtime of the faults is increasing
towards the vicinity of the fountain, exactly where the failure level is highest and
where action should be taken more quickly.

Figure 3.32.- Selectivity with time-defined protections

3.4.2. Selectivity with inverse time protections.

As a way to solve the deficiencies presented by the previous method, a

developed another based on inverse time overcurrent relays, as it
shown in Figure 3.33.
3.4.3. Selectivity with instantaneous and inverse time protections
The operational time characteristics of these two types can be combined.
relays to improve the selectivity and stability of the SEP as shown in the
Figure 3.34, especially in the case of long lines or for protection of
transformers, where there is a noticeable difference between the short-circuit currents
between two consecutive relays. The adjustment of the instantaneous elements must be such that not
detect failures in the bar following its location, so in general it is given a
margin of 25 to 30%, that is, the fault current in the bar is multiplied
next by 1.25 or 1.3.
3.5. Determination of overcurrent relay settings. Coordination of
protections
A protection coordination study involves organizing the time-current curves.
current of each of the relays that are in series between the device being used
the energy and the source. This should be done at the beginning of any project of a
electrical system, as this could indicate that some changes are required in the
specifications of certain equipment. A study or a should also be conducted
review, each time new loads are added or equipment is replaced in a system
existing, or when a significant change occurs in the short-circuit level of the
system. Finally, a study is required when a failure is not cleared with the
adequate selectivity and commits a larger part of the system than it should.

The objective of a coordination study is therefore to determine the characteristics,

the ranges and settings of the overcurrent devices, to ensure a
adequate selectivity wherever a fault or an overload occurs.

3.5.1. Definition of terms

Before starting this study, it is appropriate to define some terms that are commonly used in
protections and what is necessary to know clearly.

a. Starting current
It is the current value capable of taking the moving part of the relay out of rest. When the relay
it is a mobile comparator, like the disk, for example, in disk-type relays
induction is required for this current, to start the movement of the disk, although it is
It is possible that he does not end up closing his contacts despite continuing to maintain it.
applied.

b. Minimum operating current or pick-up

It is the current that causes the state change of the relay. In relation to this term, there is
a difference between North American and European manufacturers. In the relays
Americans (USA), the value of the minimum operating current or pickup is equal to the value
from the tap. In relays of European origin, these values may be different. The
Pickup current is on the order of 1.3 times the value of the tap.

The relay curves come with the current value expressed in times tap and not in
amperes, so that they can serve for any range of primary currents. They are also
it is common for the curves not to start at 1 for tap but at 1.5 times in the case of the
American or 1.3 times in the case of English relays. In solid-state relays it is
it is common for the pickup to be 1.1 times the tap and for the curves to also start from
At this point, although in some cases, the curves start at 1.03 times the tap, (relays
digital) that for these purposes they call pickup. The reason for this is that it turns out
it is difficult to specify the curves for current values very close to the tap value,
so the manufacturer leaves a margin where they do not guarantee the accuracy of the
curves.

c. Tap
It is the device that allows selecting the relay's operating current within a
range of taps or derivations arranged for this purpose. Normally the value of the tap
it is designated in Amperes and represents the current value that would operate the relay in a
indefinite time (very long).

d. Turn the time dial

It is the indicator of the top position that determines the initial separation of the
contacts, when the relay is at rest (induction disk type relays, for example),
varying the path of the disk from the position of maximum separation of the
contacts until their closure. Therefore, it allows to vary the time curves of
relay operation. In general, it can be considered that the curves of a relay are
proportional to each other, so that intermediate curves can be obtained by interpolating
the adjacent curves. Manufacturers provide these curves for each of the
dial graduations, which, as mentioned, in American relays range from 0.5 to 10 and in the
European relays, in general, from 0.05 to 1. In the case of numerical relays like the 760 of
General Electric is called the M curve multiplier and ranges from 0 to 100 in increments of
0.01

The time-current curves are generally drawn as a single line; however, it is

it is necessary to indicate that certain limits of error are accepted for these curves (band of
operation), those which, as will be seen later, influence the determination of time
by the way. In transistorized relays, generally, the lever, which in this case is
time dial is a rheostat that influences an RC circuit and that
allows varying the operation times.

e. Overshoot
In the case of induction relays, it is the time that the disk can continue to rotate (of the
backup relay) after the fault has been cleared by another relay (local), before
close their contacts. In the case of old static relays, it corresponded to the time
how long it took for the capacitor in the timing circuit to discharge below its level of
operation, after the failure had cleared. This overcurrent can represent
times from 0.03 to 0.10 seconds, values that must be taken into account as will be seen more
forward.
In modern solid state relays, overshoot does not exist.
f. Passing time
When coordinating relays, a time interval must be maintained between their curves.
in order to achieve a correct sequential operation of the switches. To this

switch opening time, overrun and error of the operating curves of the
relays, and to others, such as the accuracy of the TT/CC and its possible saturation.

Since the exact determination of each of these errors is practically impossible,

Values of 0.3 or 0.4 seconds are commonly used as acceptable passing times.
This value takes into account:
Switch opening time: 0.08 sec.
Overrun: 0.10 sec.
Error in the relay curves: 0.10
Safety factor (includes other errors): 0.02 to 0.12 sec.

The passage time to be used can be reduced if some considerations are made.
special. For example, if vacuum or pneumatic switches are used, the time of
opening could be reduced to 0.05 or 0.06 seconds. If very inverse relays are used or
extremely inverse systems that have a lower overshoot than those of inverse time,
a time delay of 0.3 seconds could be used. On the other hand, if time relays are used
defined, it is not necessary to consider the error of the TT/CC, since the core of these relays
it saturates quickly.

Finally, a passing time of no less than 0.25 seconds could be used if it is achieved.
gather the best conditions, that is, fast switches, solid state relays,
good quality current transformers and performing a check of the
results on the ground.

3.5.2. General rules for calculating overcurrent relay adjustments.

With the explanations provided so far, one is in a position to establish some rules that allow
address the calculation of overcurrent relay adjustments. It is worth remembering that these
relays, in addition to providing protection to certain equipment, also serve the purpose of giving
local or remote backup to other protections that can even be overcurrent.

a. Phase relays.

[Link] phase relay must detect faults at least up to the far end of the section.
of the circuit following the one it is protecting. For example, in Figure 3.35, relay R1
it must detect minimal faults in the R3 relay sector.
a.2. The tap should be chosen so that the pickup is greater than the maximum current of
load and detect minimal failures in backup. In addition to this, in some cases, to the relay of
overcurrent is given the character of overload relay by then choosing an adjustment of
1.2 to 1.5 times the nominal current of the equipment. It is necessary to be careful with this last point.
since if it is abused, it can greatly limit the possibility of controlled overload
what the protected equipment can provide. When choosing the value of the tap, the following must be taken into account:
possible variations that the pickup has with respect to this value.

a.3. The lever (time adjustment) must be chosen to give the shortest possible time to the relay.
further away from the source. If it does not coordinate with other elements (fuses, relays
thermal, etc.), or if there are high transient currents (motor starts,
inrush current of transformers, etc.) must be given the minimum permissible lever that
avoid false operations. This lever is recommended to be 1 for Americans and 0.1 for
the Europeans, but it can be up to 0.5 or 0.05, respectively. The rest of the relays
must coordinate with those who precede him, giving the passing time plus the time of
relay with which it is coordinated, at the point corresponding to the maximum fault. As such it
generally consider a three-phase fault, with maximum generation just after the
next bar or the pickup of the instantaneous relay with which it is coordinating. For
For example, in Figure 3.35, the lever of relay R2 must be calculated with the time of relay R3.
plus the passing time, with a maximum fault in F (bar next to the relay R2). Throughout
In this case, coordination for other types of failures must be verified.

a.4. Everything explained is valid for radial systems. In points where there is no
sufficient difference between the current of the failed feeders and the non-failed ones that
they arrive at the same substation bar, or in ring systems or with double lines
The circuit must use relays with directional control.

b. Ground relays.

The same points mentioned before are valid for these relays, except for what is stated.
at the beginning of a.2. Indeed, as these relays are powered with the currents of
zero sequence, those that should be worth zero under normal operating conditions,
A tap of a value lower than the normal load currents can be chosen.

3.5.3. Steps to follow to calculate overcurrent relay settings.

The calculation of overcurrent relay settings must be done
that must be adjusted for each relay. In cases where an element is consulted.
instantaneous, it must also deliver the value to which it should adjust. To obtain the
the final result is necessary to complete a series of previous stages, which are summarized as
continuation, assuming that the single-line diagram of the system is available, that the type of
relay (inverse, very inverse, etc.) is already decided and the relationships of the
Terms and conditions to be used.

It is also necessary to have the characteristic curves of the relays and paper.
log-log to plot the current characteristics (x-axis) and time (y-axis).
The stages are as follows:
a. Draw the equivalent circuit by phase (impedance diagram) of the electrical system
radial to which the protection is being applied, indicating the parameters of each one
its components.
b. Reduce all parameters to a common base. As will be seen later, all
the currents should be referred to a single voltage level, which is advisable to be the
what is common to most of the components.
c. Calculate the nominal currents of the equipment, also reducing them to the level of
common voltage.
d. Calculate the maximum fault currents (with full generation) and the minimum (with
minimum generation) for each of the points where relays are located.
Calculate the tap of the relays in primary terms, according to what was explained in the
paragraph 3.5.2.a.2, based on the nominal currents of the equipment and verifying
backups for minimal failures.
Calculate the taps in secondary terms, for which it is enough to multiply the previous value.
by the inverse reason of the corresponding TT/CC. Readjust the values if necessary.
according to the taps that the relay actually has.
[Link] the adjustment of the instantaneous element, with the instructions given above
(1.3 times the maximum short-circuit current in the next bus), verifying if
Proceed.
h. Reduce all tap values to primary terms and express them in a single base.
of voltage. Mark them on the corresponding graph (log-log).
i. Calculate the levers according to the indications in paragraph 3.5.2.a.3.
There are two ways to determine the lever; one is graphical and the other is analytical. For the first
curves are needed for each of the levers and for the other, only the curve
corresponding to the maximum lever.
In the first case, for the maximum short-circuit current, the relay time is taken.
with which it is being coordinated (R3 in Figure 3.35) and the transit time is added.
 bring to the time chart
pickup times:

Where tnc is the time for maximum lift taken as times pickup equal nc. The value.
thus determined, will immediately give the Lever for the European relays, whose maximum Lever
it is the unit and it will have to be multiplied by 10 in the case of American relays whose
Maximum lever is 10.
The coordination of the following relay will be based on a new maximum fault current.
and with a procedure similar to the one presented. In the case of using instant elements,
the coordination will be made based on the current adjustment of this unit, (the one that by
supposed is less than the maximum fault current) instead of the fault current
maximum.
 1. OVERCURRENT RELAYS.

Figure 1. Logical diagram of an overcurrent relay

A protection relay is a logical device whose function is the comparison of one or several
input signals with respect to a reference. If the input values deviate from the
reference above a set value (Setting) then an action such as firing is performed
(opening), closing or alarm. Figure 1 shows the logical diagram of an overcurrent relay.
The current is the most commonly used variable in the detection of anomalies in the elements of
electrical system, given the significant increase that is recorded in its value when it occurs
Faults. Overcurrent is defined as any value that exceeds the normal current of
operation of a device.
Among the most commonly used overcurrent protection devices in electrical systems are
the overcurrent relays and fuses at all voltage levels and the switches
thermomagnetic in low voltage, which we will discuss at the end of this chapter.

It should be clarified that relays do not directly perform the connection and disconnection maneuvers.
of the electrical system, these are performed by the switching and cutting equipment.
Selectivity or discrimination is the quality of a protection system that allows it to
distinguish between those conditions for which it is intended to operate and those for
which it should not operate. The process of adjusting selectivity is called "coordination of
protection.

For a radial system, the coordination of overcurrent protections selects the settings.
of the timed relays in such a way that they operate quickly for faults in their zone and give
backup for the relays of the areas located downstream from its location.
Traditionally, protection coordination in electrical systems has consisted of the
application of procedures or algorithms through which empirical search is conducted for the
optimization. These algorithms are executed manually or with commercial software that assists
graphically the manual process.
Therefore, there is no formulation of a set of equations that describes the problem.
for coordination to obtain the optimal solution through analytical or numerical techniques.
It is also not known if the solution obtained through traditional procedures is optimal.
since not all the possible solution space of the problem is analyzed.
This article presents how the coordination procedure of overcurrent relays
Inverse time in radial systems can be described as an optimization problem.
mathematics using linear programming techniques to achieve an optimal solution.

In timed overcurrent relays of the 'inverse time' type, the time for operation
it is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the observed current. See Figure 2.
There are various types of inverse time curves which are generally modeled by
exponential equations, such as for example:

Operation = a * DIAL / (Mn - 1) [seconds] (1)

Dondea and nson shape constants, month the relationship between current observed by the relay and the
starting current (I/Istart) and DIAL the scaling factor for a given type of curve.
Some examples of values for a and n are shown in Table 1.
 These relays have the following two adjustment parameters:

2.1 Starting Current

It is the value from which the timer operation of the relay begins.
In modern relays, the set values are expressed as multiples and submultiples of the
nominal current (1 or 5 depending on the CT). For example, 0.4 to 4.0 times Inom in steps of 0.01.
In old relays, the concept of 'TAPS' or discrete current values (5, 6, 8, 10A) was used.
It is common to present the horizontal axis of the operating curves of inverse time relays.
as multiples of the starting current (M or xI).

2.2 Dial
Allows obtaining different operation times for the same type of curve and a current.
dada. See Figure 3. In modern relays, the dial steps are very close to each other. For
Example, 0.1 to 1 in steps of 0.05 which equals 18 curves. This allows considering the adjustment of
speak like a continuous function.
In old relays, the dials are numbers with which each operating curve is 'baptized'.
For example, ½, 1, 2 up to 11, in steps of 1. These numbers are names and do not correspond to
factors of any equation.
Once the type of relay operating curve and the nominal current are selected, the process continues.
to determine the best values of Iarranque and dial by applying the criteria and procedures of
Coordination of protections. A relay with adjustment knobs has the shape presented in
Figure 4. Additionally, there may be another knob to select the type of operating curve.
Since in a radial network the short-circuit current decreases as the fault moves away
From the source, the reverse time curve is suitable for providing rapid operation in the event of failures.
in the relay zone and backup for the relays located in the downstream area, as shown
in Figure 5.
The relays are numbered in ascending order from the tail to the source. The coordination algorithm

Step 1: Adjust the actual inrush current xIn or TAP of all relays.
Desired start = Iarranque / (RTC * In) (2)
TAP = (Desired start) / RTC (3)
Desired start = k Load (4)

The values obtained with (2) or (3) must be rounded to the discrete adjustment values of the relay.
The lower the starting current, the faster the relay operation will be, and vice versa.

Iarranque must be greater than Icarga by a factor k that takes into account the daily variations.
in the load, its growth, the energization currents, and the measurement error.
The range of values of k is 1.0 < k ≤ 2.0. A typical value is 1.5.
When using a high value of k, it must be verified that the thermal capacity of the ...
equipment due to overloads.

Step 2: For relay 1 of the queue select DIAL1 replacing the following values in the
characteristic equation of the relay:
tmin 5
Ifalla1/Iarranque1 (6)

Tmin: it is a waiting time for the failure to clarify itself and disappear.
Energization currents. Typical value: 0.1 seconds.

Step 3: For the next upstream relay select DIALi replacing the following values
in the characteristic equation of the relay:
ti i-1=ti-1 i-1+tmargen (7)
My i-1=Ifallai-1/Iarranquei (8)
Tmargen: it is a waiting time for the failure to be detected and cleared by the teams.
protection of the downstream substation. It varies between 0.1 and 0.5 seconds. Typical value: 0.3
seconds.

Step 4: With the selected DIALi, calculate the own time tii, replacing Mii = Ifallai / Iarranquei
in the characteristic equation of the relay and go back to step 3 until reaching relay n.
Nomenclature:
Ifallai It is the largest fault current seen by relay i and corresponds to the fault in busbar i.
It is the operating time of the relay located at i for a fault at j. If i≠j it is a
backup time, otherwise (i=j) is a proper time. In case of water
below the relay there are several branches with timed relays so select
ti-1 i-1 as the greatest of the own times of said relays and xI as the Ifalla
associated with the relay with the longest own time.
Applying the procedure described above to the power system shown in the
Figure 6, with k=1.5, tmin=0.1s, tmargen=0.3s and standard IEC inverse curve, is obtained:

.
Time/current curve games according to the Standards BS 142.1966 and IEC 60255-3.

There are four standard curves called extremely inverse, very inverse, normal.
inverse and long-duration inverse. The relationship between current and time complies with the
standards BS 142.1966 and IEC 60255-3 and can be expressed as follows:

where: t = operation time in seconds

k = time multiplier
l = measured current value
I> = value of the adjusted starting current.

The slopes of the time/current curve games are determined by the constants.
how does it continue:
4.3 Instantaneous overcurrent relays.
If the relay operates instantly without any intentional delay in time, it
they are called instant and this characteristic can be achieved through relays of the type of
non-polarized attraction shield has the advantage of reducing the operation time to a
minimum for faults very close to the source when the fault current is very large and is
effective only when the impedance between the relay and the source is small with the impedance of the
zone to protect. One of the important considerations in the application of relays of
overcurrent and overvoltage is its operating speed, instantaneous action relays are
They are used for ground fault failures and other forms of current circulation. The
The X/R ratio of the system from the source to the fault controls the level of mismatch and the index of
decrease of the current wave and the relationship of the source impedance to the impedance
of the load the degree of speed that can be achieved. For a protection scheme like
To be efficient, it is required that the minimum fault current exceeds the maximum.
current of charge.
 Instantaneous overcurrent relays.
They are used when the short-circuit current at the relay site is at least three times
the short-circuit current at the opposite end of the line. The relays are set to the current
what would result from having a localized fault at a point equivalent to 70% of the length of the
line. The use of these relays reduces the operation time for most failures and allows
Choose a lower curve since the coordination factor applies to the coverage point of the
instant relay.
Adding instant trip units to time overcurrent relays
inverse, it provides a high-speed operation for nearby faults, allowing to make
adjustments in the adjacent relays.

9.3.3 Adjustment of instantaneous overcurrent units:

[Link] For transmission lines between substations.

The adjustment of the units is carried out by taking at least 125% of the symmetrical rms current.
for the maximum failure level at the next substation. The procedure must start from
the farthest substation, then the source is continued to be moved back. When the
Characteristics of the two relays cross a particular failure level of the system, making it difficult
to obtain the correct coordination, it is necessary to adjust the instantaneous unit of the relay in the
substation that is farthest from the source to a value such that the relay operates for a level of
slightly lower current, thus avoiding loss of coordination. The margin of 25%
avoid overlapping of the instantaneous unit downstream if a considerable DC component
is present. In HV systems operating at 220 kV or higher, a higher value should be used.
since the X/R ratio becomes larger, like the DC component.

[Link] For distribution lines.

The adjustment of the instantaneous elements of the relays on distribution lines that
Transformers mounted on MV/LV poles are handled differently than in the case
previous, since these lines are at the end of the MV system. They therefore do not have to
satisfy the coordination conditions that must be met by the lines between
substations and thus one of the following two values can be used to calibrate these
units:

50% of the maximum short-circuit current at the relay connection point.

Between 6 and 8 times the maximum (nominal) current of the circuit.
9.3.4 Scope of the instantaneous overcurrent units that protect lines
between substations.
The coverage percentage of an instant unit that protects a line X can be
illustrated considering the system shown in figure 9.12.
Example 9.7.
The effect of reducing the source impedance Zs on the coverage provided by
instantaneous protection can be appreciated by considering the system in figure 9.13 and using
a value of 1.25 for Ki in equation 9.4.
It had been mentioned that there are different normalized curves such as inverse normal,
very inverse, extremely inverse, etc. The IEC 60255 standard defines them as
the following way:

Coordination procedure: for proper coordination of protections

to overcurrent, it is necessary to know the following basic information:
• A single line diagram of the system under study with the type of protections and the RTC
associated.
The maximum and minimum fault current values that are expected to flow in each
relay.
The maximum load current through each relay.

The relay adjustments are determined first to obtain the shortest operating time.
fast to maximum failure levels and then it is verified that the operation continues to be
satisfactory with the minimum expected fault current. The curves must be drawn for
the relays and other protection elements such as fuses, which must operate in series, in
a common scale of current (according to the voltage level) or with scales of
separate currents for each voltage level, as shown in figure 27.
The basic rule for proper coordination can generally be determined as follows:
1. If possible, use relays with the same characteristic curve in series with each
one.
2. Ensure that the downstream relay has current settings equal to or lower than
that the relays upstream.
Thermomagnetic switch

The Thermal Magnetic Switch is a circuit protection device.

electricals that acts in response to two different types of events, the THERMAL part acts
In the event of a circuit overload, the magnetic part does so in front of a
short circuit.

First of all, let's clarify that a circuit is made up of a series of conductors.

and consumer items, these consumer items are limited in number
and depending on the consumption of the element, it will be the conductor that is placed and
also the THERMOMAGNETIC SWITCH.

Everything is calculated and there are normalized tables that allow for a
electrical installation in an efficient, effective, and safe manner. Both are selected
Based on consumption, the regulations are completely clear about it.

The THERMAL part operates when the circuit is overloaded, that is to say
when it circulates through the same current that the conductor admits.
It is made up of a bimetallic element (1) and a moving contact (2) that
remains closed while the current flows, this bimetallic pair is
calibrated according to a NOMINAL CURRENT (IN), when a current flows through
current higher than this (IN) this bimetallic pair begins to deform until
that the contact opens and therefore cuts off the current flow,
when the pair returns to room temperature it can be closed again
switch and the current will circulate again.
The time it takes to open the switch depends on how overloaded it is.
Find the circuit, the greater the load, the shorter the time it will take to open.
the switch.
The MAGNETIC part acts when a short circuit occurs in the installation.
It consists of a magnetic element or coil (4), which has a fixed contact.
(3) that keeps the circuit closed while the current flows, when an occurrence happens.
short circuit, for a moment there is a circulation of a large amount of
current (several times greater than the IN) this produces a great magnetic field
what causes the coil to contract downwards, when contracting upon contact
keeps the switch closed, opens, and cuts off the flow of current.
Both in the case of overload and in the case of a short circuit,
The switch must be closed manually, as it has no mechanism.
automatic closing.

The Thermal Magnetic Switch is calculated based on the conductor, and the conductor
it is calculated according to the load. If both are well selected, the
installation works correctly, as there is a chain of selectivities
what should be followed to protect the installation and the load.