A

Seminar report
on
COMMISSIONING AND MAINTENANCE TESTING OF
MULTIFUNCTION DIGITAL RELAYS

A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENTS OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF

Bachelor of Engineering
IN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Department of Electrical Engineering

MBM Engineering College
Jodhpur-342001

GUIDIED BY SUBMITTED BY

Prof. M.G. SONI ASHOK KUMAR

Roll No.- 16EEL34006

B.E Final Year

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 MBM ENGINEERING COLLEGE
JODHPUR-342001, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the seminar report entitled “COMMISSIONING AND

MAINTENANCE TESTING OF MULTIFUNCTION DIGITAL RELAYS
” submitted by ASHOK KUMAR With Roll No: 16EEL34006 is a record of
bonafide work carried out by him in partial fulfillment of the requirement
for the award of the degree of “BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING”.

Prof. M. G. SONI Dr. JAYASHRI VAJPAI

(Faculty Supervisor) (Head Of Department)

Date: 09/04/2019
Place: MBM,JODHPUR
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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my guide Prof. M.G. SONI

for initiating me in to this very interesting topic and providing me with
the guidance and know-how necessary for completing this seminar.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our HOD, Dr. JAYASHRI
VAJPAI Electrical Engineering Department for providing all the facilities
required for our studies. I also wish to express my gratitude to the
entire like lab technician, for providing all possible help for my seminar
work. I wish to express my gratitude to all the faculty members of our
department for their continuous support and encouragement. Finally I
would to thank all my friends for their continuous love and support.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER Page No.
1. Introduction 6
 1.1) General Context
 1.2) Objectives
2. Literature Survey 9
3. Testing Traditional Electromechanical and
Static Relay
 3.1) Commission Testing 11
 3.2) Periodic Maintenance Testing 12

4. Basic Design Of Multifunction Digital Relays

 4.1) Design 14
 4.2) Important Digital Relay Features 16

5. Testing Digital Relays

 5.1) Relay Calibration 21
 5.2) Disabling Settings For Testing 21
 5.3) Testing Setting Group Change 22
 5.4) Testing Programmable Logic 23
 5.5) Testing External Inputs 23
 5.6) Testing Targets And Output Contacts 28
 5.7) Using The Digital Relay As A Commissioning Aid 29
 5.8) Checking Directional Relay Polarization 33

6. Impact Of Digital Relay Testing Self Monitoring And

Diagnostics on -
 6.1) Self-Monitoring And Diagnostics 35
 6.2) Self-Testing Of Relay Input And Outputs 37

Conclusion 41

References 44

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 Abstract
Protective relay technology over the past twenty-
five years has evolved from single-function
electromechanical (E-M) relays to static (electronic)
relays and finally to digital multifunction relays. A
significant number of these multifunction digital
relays are being installed on medium voltage
electric power systems within industrial and
commercial facilities. As was required in earlier E-M
and static relay technologies, digital relays also
require commissioning and relay setting
verification. This paper discusses the unique
challenges the user faces in testing and
commissioning digital multifunction relays. It also
explores the impact on maintenance testing of self-
diagnostics, the digital relay’s internal capability to
check itself for failures.

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 CHAPTER - 1
1. INTRODUCTION -
Abnormal electrical conditions that require automatic
protective relay operation can occur at any time, without
warning. In order to insure proper relay operation, all
protective relay technologies (E-M, static and digital) need to
be commissioned and maintained properly. Methods and
practices for older E-M and static relay technologies are well
defined within the industry. Maintenance/commissioning
practices for new digital multifunction relays are not yet firmly
established.
Solid-state electronic protective (static) relays, using discrete
components, were developed in the 1960’s. These relays used
many discrete components with associated interconnections
and therefore were not as reliable as equivalent
electromechanical relays. Continued developments in the
semiconductor industry led to the introduction of integrated
circuits that combined complex electronic circuits into single
chips. This use of integrated circuits reduced the number of
components and enhanced the reliability of static protective
relays. These static relays were essentially single function
devices and could be tested and commissioned in the same way
as older E-M relays.

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In the 198O’s, the advent of microprocessors and highspeed
digital signal processors brought a new generation of relay
designs. These digital relay designs contained less hardware but
required considerable software development. As
microprocessors capability increased, multiple tripping
functions were put into a single hardware platform. The testing
and commissioning of these relays is substantially different
than either E-M or solid-state relays.
Commissioning multifunction digital relays offers some unique
challenges to the user. Multifunction relays have protective
functions that interact with each other, making testing more
complicated. They can also be programmed to do control logic,
which must be verified. In addition, digital relays can have
multiple setting groups, that may be switched to address
varying system conditions. This flexibility increases the
commissioning complexity.This paper presents method and
techniques to address the above cited challenges.
These relays also have significant input monitoring capability
that can greatly assist the user in determining whether these
relays are properly connected to their CT and VT inputs, helping
to verify that the relay is functioning properly. Digital relays
also have self-diagnostics that check the health of the relay that
can immediately detect internal failures. This is perhaps the
most important single feature in digital relays.

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The ability to detect a failure before the protection system has
to operate contrasts with traditional protection where a failed
or defective relay remains undetected until it does not operate
correctly during a fault or until the next maintenance test. It is
important that the completeness of self-diagnostics be
considered in developing a maintenance hesting program for
multifunction digital relay.

OBJECTIVES –
1. To understand the working principle of digital relay.
2. To understand the design steps of multifunction digital
relay.
3. Knowing about the testing of digital relay.
4. Knowing about the self monitoring and diagnostics of
digital relay testing.

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 CHAPTER - 2
2. LITERATURE SURVEY -
The proven advantages of digital technology for power system
protective relays are now commonplace in the power
producing and delivery industry. Digital relays provide
unsurpassed reliability and extended capabilities at a very
economical cost. Keeping pace with testing and commissioning
requirements of these devices has proven to be a challenge for
both protective relay engineers and technicians. While testing
procedures have been well-defined for single function
electromechanical protection devices, modern relay test
procedures have been left to the utility to develop, creating
possible shortcuts that may compromise the protection system
operation.
Extended options and settings, complex trip logic equations,
and advanced communication options can lead to
overwhelming difficulties in ensuring a multifunction IED is
properly tested. Observations within the industry indicate that
a common reason for potential errors, are shortcuts being
implemented, primarily to simplify the process and meet
regulatory recordkeeping requirements. Some of these testing
shortcut practices include setting and logic changes to
accommodate easy testing, creating test values based on single

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element settings rather than the actual applications, and failure
to test the entire enabled capabilities of the protection system.
This paper presents examples of some common mistakes
typically observed during testing and commissioning, and ways
to avoid them with simple to understand guidelines. The paper
demonstrates the importance of testing protection systems,
rather than single protective elements, to avoid protective relay
misoperations once in service.

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 CHAPTER - 3
3. TESTING TRADITIONAL ELECTROMECHANICAL AND
STATIC RELAYS –
3.1) Commission Testing
Commission testing for E-M and static relays includes
calibration or acceptance testing to verify that relay
performance is within the manufacturer‟s published
tolerances. Also, field-testing is done to test the individual
relays at their set points and to establish a baseline reference
point for periodic maintenance testing. E-M and some static
relays are provided in a drawout case, with built-in test plugs
or test switches.The test set current leads can be connected to
a test plug to provide an easy method of injecting secondary
current into the relay for testing. Additional test plug inputs
can be used to monitor the output contact of the relay and stop
the test set timer when the relay operates.When static relays
are used which do not include these built-in facilities,it is
helpful to provide them separately on the relay panel.
Commission testing typically includes the use of a phase
angle meter, ammeter and voltmeters to verify that correct
voltage and currents are correctly applied to a relay by their
instrument transformers, and that polarized relays are looking

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 in the right direction. Verification of the wiring between the
electromechanical relays and the associated equipment that
must isolate faulted areas requires both time and knowledge
of the equipment, relays and intended system performance
under various system operating conditions .

3.2) Periodic Maintenance Testing

Periodic calibration of both electromechanical and static relays

at their set point is necessary; especially as they age and their
settings drift over time. Also in E-M relays foreign particles
fromthe environment such as dirt, dust, iron filings, sawdust,
sunflower seeds or tobacco could restrict movement of disks or
rotating cup elements. These contaminants can prevent the
elements from turning at all or at a much slower rate than
originally designed. The manufacturer provides dials and
variable resistors and other adjustments to accomplish the
necessary calibration and “tweaking” by the tester.
Because of cost pressures, maintenance intervals of protective
relays on utility systems are being extended to intervals of five
to seven years. In some cases periodic tests do not address the
entire protection system but only functionally test the circuit
breaker tripping circuitry.
Industrial plants, however, have much more at stake in being
sure their protective relays are in the best working order. OSHA
requirements for industrials, especially those having hazardous
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materials in their process or on site, are more strict for
commissioning and turnover of facilities than the requirements
for utility companies. Industrials must be concerned about
keeping the process flowing rather than face a total plant shut
down due to incorrectly operating relays. Shutdowns cost
millions of dollars in clean up and can be hazardous to the
employees on site or possibly even to the general public.

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 CHAPTER - 4
4. BASIC DESIGN OF MULTIFUNCTION DIGITAL
RELAYS -
4.1) Design
The block diagram in Fig. 1 shows the basic hardware
architecture of a digital multifunction relay with both current
and voltage inputs. The voltage inputs of the relay are scaled
down from the nominal 120V to a low level determined by the
ADC (analog-to-digital converter) input range. The current
inputs to the relay are scaled down from nominal 5A and are
converted to equivalent voltages. These scaled signals are
filtered using a low-pass filter to prevent interference of the
high-frequency components with the fundamental frequency
component. The filtered signals are multiplexed using an analog
multiplexer and amplified, if needed, using a programmable
gain amplifier. The multiplexed analog signal is sampled and
converted to digital data using the ADC. Digital relays use a
dual-processor architecture. The digital signal processor
executes complex algorithm calculations while the host
processor performs all other tasks. Communication between
the two processors is provided by the dual-ported memory.

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Flash memory is used for storing the program and RAM
(random-access memory) is used for temporary storage of
variables. Contact inputs and outputs, user interface (keyboard
and liquid crystal display) and the serial communication ports
(RS-232, RS-485 and Ethernet) are interfaced to the host
processor.
The design of modern digital relays is such that all voltage and
current inputs are multiplexed through common components
as illustrated in Fig 1. If a component fails, generally all
protective functions within the multifunction relay are affected.
The protection engineer must be aware of this fact in deciding
the level of redundancy for a particular application. For the
protection of important generators or transformers, the effect
on the system of removing these components from service for
a relay failure may be unacceptable. In those cases, dual digital
relays are used. Typical dual protection schemes are shown in
Figure 2. Full input redundancy can be achieved by using
separate CT and VT inputs for both primary and backup relays.
Because of practical limitations, many users supply both
primary and backup relays from the same CT and VT
circuits.Output redundancy can be provided by the use of
duplicate lockout relays, and dual trip coils can be provided on
the circuit breaker.Also,some users reduce the functionality of
the backup relay. An example of this is the use of overcurrent

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relaying as backup for transformer protection rather than fully
redundant differential relaying as illustrated in Figure 2.
Another result of basic digital multifunction relay design is that
a number of tripping functions are supplied for a common VT or
CT inputs as shown in Figure 2. In relay testing, the input
current or voltage is applied commonly to all functions. Thus,
there is an interference effect where the more sensitive
functions trip before the functions that are being tested.

4.2) Important Digital Relay Features

Multifunction digital relays have features that were not
available on electromechanical or static relays. These include:
4.2.1) Oscillography and event recording – The capability of
storing analog data and sequence of events allows the user to
quickly analyze tripping events.
4.2.2) Multiple Setting Groups - This allows a user to select
different settings for different operating conditions.
4.2.3) Multiple Output & Input Contacts – This allows the
user increased flexibility in designing trip/alarm output
circuitry.

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ASHOK KUMAR Page 17
 Fig. – 2(Typical Dual Protection Schemes)

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 Fig. – 2(Typical Dual Protection Schemes)

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 4.2.4) Metering –Depending on the display capability and
accuracy, the protection package may displace or supplement
traditional metering. The metering capability also allows
easier testing of the relay and its associated wiring.
4.2.5) Monitoring – Monitoring of external inputs/outputs,
such as trip circuits, enhances security. Current and voltage
transformer circuits can be monitored and functions can be
detected.
4.2.6) Communications – Local and remote communication
capabilities allow easy input of settings and changes, as well as
access to event data. With the proper interface/protocol
conversion, the relay can be integrated with other intelligent
devices into a distributed control system.
4.2.7) Self-Monitoring and Diagnostics - Self-monitoring
software in relays allows detection of a failure of a major piece
of hardware or a software module. The relay outputs can be
disabled and an alarm generated, signaling the failure.
4.2.8) Programmable Logic - With all the information
brought to the relay, programmable logic permits a
combination of protection and control functions within the
relay.This can eliminate significant wiring external to the
relay,but increases the complexity of testing the relay to verify
internal relay control logic.

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 CHAPTER - 5
5. TESTING DIGITAL RELAYS –
Digital relays do not typically include built-in test facilities to
inject secondary currents and voltages. One rational for this is
that secondary injection testing is not required as frequently
as E-M or static relays.However, most users need to due do
functional testing during periodic maintenance of associated
circuit breaker or when relay settings are changed.For these
reasons and the reasons cited below it is helpful to provide test
switches on the relay panel to facilitate testing.

5.1) Relay Calibration

Calibration of digital relays is usually not required since there
are no adjustments to be made. There are no trim pots, switches,
or selectors to make settings and adjustments within the relay. If
the relay does not operate within tolerance there is no way to
adjust it, so calibration, as we know it, is not needed. However,
each relay should be tested to make sure it is operating properly.
Secondary injection is used for this type of test, and the output
contacts should be monitored to confirm proper operation.

5.2) Disabling Settings for Testing

When testing multifunction relays, certain setting elements
may need to be disabled to accommodate steady state testing.
For example, a simple 50/51 relay has both time (51) and
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instantaneous (50) elements programmed to the same output
contact; it will be necessary to disable the 51 element to get an
accurate pickup value on the 50 element. Making changes or
temporarily disabling in-service settings after they are loaded
into the relay requires that these setting be changed back. This
may be risky because there may be dozens of settings that need
to be changed and human error is a possibility. The preferred
method is to begin by down loading a copy of the in-service
settings in the relay to a computer disc and disable elements for
testing as the need arises. When the testing is complete, instead
of trying to reverse all the changes, load the original copy of the
in-service settings back to the relay. In applications where the
same scheme will be used over and over it may be more
convenient to create a setting group used only for testing. In this
setting group the relay set points can be the same as the in-
service group but with elements programmed to individual
output contacts where needed for testing.

5.3) Testing Setting Group Change

Most digital relays have four or more setting groups, however,
in most applications we only need one or two setting groups so
the others could be left empty having no settings at all. If the
relay should be inadvertently switched to an unused setting
group, the relay would essentially be out of service. To avoid
this, copy the default in-service group settings to all other
unused setting groups. If the relay is switched to one of those
groups, it will still be in service with normal settings. When
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more than one setting group is used, copy the default setting to
all of the unused groups.

5.4) Testing Programmable Logic

Multifunction relays have, in one device, the equivalent of
several single function relays that would be found on the
traditional relay panel. The functional schematic of the
traditional relay is determined by the wiring from one device to
the next. In the digital relay the programmable logic takes the
place of the wiring. Therefore, we should treat the
programmable logic the same way we would switchboard wiring
in terms of their commissioning and documentation.
Figure 3 shows a typical programmable logic scheme for basic
overcurrent protection. This is the level of detail required on the
schematic diagrams to properly document programmable logic
for functional testing and maintenance. Every feature of the
logic should be tested; confirm that all inputs, outputs, relay
function blocks, controls, alarms, and logic perform as intended
and do not operate with unintended consequences. The sequence
of events feature of digital relays can be used to help sort out the
results of logic testing to confirm that the proper elements are
asserted, logic has functioned correctly, and timing is proper.

5.5) Testing External Inputs

Digital relays use programmable inputs (IN-1 to IN-4 Figure
3) to allow the user flexibility in designing tripslalarm output

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circuitry logic. These inputs are used to monitor breaker
positions or can be activated to change digital relay trip/alarm
logic as shown in Figure 3. Optical isolators are used within the
relay to prevent external surges from damaging the digital relay
components. Two types of external programmable inputs have
been used by manufacturersinternally wetted and externally
wetted. These are shown in Figure 4 where they are being used
to communicate the position of a circuit breaker to the relay-
i.e. when IN-1 is energized it indicates the breaker is closed.
Externally wetted programmable inputs use an external source
of DC voltage while internally wetted programmable inputs use
an internal relay DC source. When using externally wetted
programmable input on ungrounded battery systems you
should confirm that the input will not operate for a full positive
or negative battery ground (half voltage). After testing these
inputs for proper operation at normal battery voltage, repeat
the test at half battery voltage to confirm the externally wetted
contact will not operate. Some relays have internal jumpers
used to set the wetted contact pickup threshold. Set at greater
than half the battery voltage, but less than the minimum
expected voltage. If settable jumpers are not available,
document the results so maintenance personnel will know that
the inputs may be falsely triggered for battery grounds.

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 For internally wetted programmable inputs, a check should be
made that the input will operate when the external contact
(52a in Figure 4b) is closed. If wiring from the contact to the
relay is long, there may not be enough current to pick up the
input. Many manufacturers provide guidance as to wiring
distance limits.

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ASHOK KUMAR Page 26
 Fig 4 Programmable Inputs

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5.6) Testing Targets and Output Contacts
The output contacts of a digital relay are usually individual
sealed relays rated for 30a tripping duty. However, they will
break less than 1 amp and will be damaged if opened while trip
current is flowing. The output contacts are initiated by the
internal trip logic of the relay and are independent of dc trip
current. To avoid damaging output contacts used for trip and
close duty, the manufacturer should supply a “hold-up” circuit
that will allow output contacts to remain closed for at least 10-
12 cycles regardless of what the logic is doing. Once a trip or
close has been initiated the contact should remain closed long
enough to complete the circuit breaker operation. The
commissioning process should confirm that outputs used for
tripping and closing circuit breakers will remain closed for the
duration of the trip or close cycle even if the initiatinglogic has
reset.

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5.7) Using the Digital Relay as a Commissioning Aid
Most digital relays display the measured input currents and
voltages as well as calculated metering values that can be used
to assist in relay testing. The display should be checked against
known inputs when secondary injection quantities are applied
before using the display for this purpose. If phase angle
information is not available from the display an external meter

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must be used. Figure 5 illustrates a typical metering display for a
tranformer differential relay.
Since most digital relays can calculate negative sequence
currents the relay can be used to confirm phase sequence.
During commissioning read the metered value of the negative
sequence current. It should be low for balanced load conditions.
If not, check the phase sequence relay setting and CT wiring.
Digital transformer differential relays have the capability of
internally adjusting for the phase shift of a delta-wye connected
transformer. When using internal compensation the currents
going into the relay not will be 180" out of phase as we expect
with traditional relays. In traditional E-M and static relays 30"
phase shift compensation is done by connecting wye
transformer winding CT inputs in delta as shown in Fig 6b. With
digital relays there is no physical operate winding, only a
calculated value. So external inservice readings can only be
taken on the restraint windings. Operating current calculated
values are usually displayed by metering or software as shown
in Fig 5. Fig 6 shows typical CT connection of a transformer
relay. Note digital transformer relays do not require dedicated
CT’s, as do electromechanical relays.
Almost all digital relays have oscillography that can be used
during commissioning to provide additional information. Relays
should be set so they record an event any time there is a trip.

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Fig. 6 Transformer Differential CT Connections
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 Fig. 6 Transformer Differential CT Connections
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Displaying the event after a trip can quickly reveal problems
with CT polarity and phasing.

5.8) Checking Directional Relay Polarization

Verification of directionality of phase (67) and ground (67N)
directional relays requires injection of operating current as well
as to the polarizing quanity ( current or voltage). The phase
angle relationship between between operating current and
polarizing quanity determines relay directionality. The relay
manufacture must clearly identify trip direction on relay wiring
diagrams so the user can establish proper relay directionality to
verify the relay is connected properly.
[Ref.2].
i) Firmware Revisions
Firmware revision level should be documented on the settings
file for each individual relay. It may not be necessary to
upgrade every relay on your system to implement a new feature
or to fix a software problem. Many changes are “bug” fixes that
do not adversely affect the protective or control functions of the
relay. In general, firmware updates are mandatory only if a mis-
operation of protection or control functions may occur. By
tracking the changes, a decision can be made if the new feature
or bug fixes are absolutely needed. Keeping track of the
firmware in each relay will help you to avoid visiting every

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relay if a change must be made to all relays before or after a
certain firmware level.
When new firmware is installed in the relay, all commissioning
tests must be done again. In many cases, changes to the software
will be minor, but re-commissioning confirms that there were no
unintended consequences of the firmware change. For this
reason, firmware changes are made only when necessary.

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 CHAPTER - 6
6. IMPACT OF DIGITAL RELAY TESTING SELF-
MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS ON –
6.1) Self-Monitoring and Diagnostics
Self-diagnostics was not available in either electromechanical
or static relay designs and is one of the most important features
of digital relays. The ability to detect a failure before the
protection system is required to operate contrasts with traditional
protection systems where a relay failure remains undetected
until it fails to operate correctly during an event or the failure is
uncovered during maintenance testing. The quality of electronic
components available today is excellent. However, failure of
electronic components can still occur. Digital relays are
designed to detect most of these failures. The following are
some of the most important self-diagnostic functions
implemented on digital multifunction relays.

6.1.1.) Data acquisition system testing

Power supply voltages and ground are connected to the
analog input channels of the multiplexer and checked against
warning and failure thresholds. This also verifies the analog
data acquisition system including: multiplexer, programmable
gain amplifier and analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC’s
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conversion time is also checked to see if it is within the
specification.
6.1.2.) M e m o r y Testing
The flash ROM contents are checked by calculating the
checksum and comparing it to the precomputed and stored
checksum. The RAM is tested by writing and reading a test
pattern.
6.1.3.) Setpoint Testing
Setpoints are stored in the serial EEPROM (See Figure 1) and
a copy of these setpoints is also stored in the RAM for executing
relay logic. Whenever any setpoint is changed, the checksum of
the setpoints is calculated from the contents of the EEPROM.
This checksum is then compared with the calculated checksum
of the setpoints stored in the RAM everytime a setpoint task is
executed.Settings are stored in non-volatile memory so if DC
power is lost the setting values within the relay will be retained
when DC power is reapplied.
6.1.4.) Watchdog Timer
The relay hardware design includes a watchdog timer reset
circuit to take the processor through an orderly reset should the
program get lost due to hardwarelsoftware glitches.

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6.1.5.) Summary
It is generally accepted in the industry that digital relay self-
diagnostics do an excellent job in detection of internal electronic
component failures.

6.2) Self-Testing of Relay Input and Outputs

The internal check of electronic components described above is
very comprehensive. The ability to check the relay input and
outputs is less comprehensive with not all relay manufacturers
providing the same level of self-checking.
6.2.1) Input Circuitry
Most digital relays measure three phase and the neutral
current from the CT inputs.The input diagnostic logic in the
relay calculates the vector sum of the phase currents and
compares it to the measured value of CT neutral current.
Evaluation of this current symmetry is used to check for valid
current measurement. If a symmetry threshold is exceeded
then an alarm is generated. When this alarm occurs the
abnormality can be from a broken CT connection,
compromised CT, or possible A/D converter error within the
relay.
Open VT circuit monitoring is a common feature in digital
relays and is used to detect a loss of voltage signal.In many
cases VT open circuits are caused by a VT fuse blowing or

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 fuses not being replaced after maintenance. Open circuit VT
monitoring is achieved using both voltage and current
measurements.The basic logic used by most manufacturers is
that if an unbalanced voltage is detected in the absence of
unbalanced current then there is a possible open circuit or
other problems in the voltage input circuitry. If both current
and voltage are substantially unbalanced at the same time
the assumption is that this event is a short circuit and no VT
failure alarm is initiated. In addition to alarming for a VT
failure, protection functions that could false operate on loss
of voltage are typically be blocked from operating to prevent
false tripping.Typical1y this is not automatically done and
must be programmed as part of the setup of the relay.
Programmable inputs can be used to check basic logic
external to the relay. An example of this type of logic check is
the monitoring of the 52a and 52b contacts together with
current measurements. An open circuit breaker with current
flowing can be alarmed.Programmab1e inputs are also used
to monitor the continuity of the trip circuit to detect an open
trip coil or loss of trip circuit control voltage.
Digital relays can also measure their DC supply voltage and
issue an alarm when the value is above or below a
programable setpoint.In addition to the external DC power
source most digital relays have an internal battery. This

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 battery is used to power the back-up data stored in RAM.
(ex. Waveform capture records and internal relay clock.) An
alarm here does not normally block any protective function.
The DC/DC converter supervision is achieved by monitoring
the electronic board component supply voltages (typically 5,
15, and 24VDC) an alarm here ensures that the relay does
not issue a trip command should the voltage vary beyond the
tolerances of the electric components.
6.2.2.) Output Circuitry
Outputs have no monitoring. The trip, close and alarm
contacts are not monitored. The health of the individual
contacts can be checked through functional testing. Most
relays have built in functional testing through software, to
activate all input contacts, outputs contacts, and LED’s to
prove functionality.These tests are not automatically
performed and are genreally done during periodic
maintenance. Communication interfaces may have
monitoring depending on the type, of protocol used. Some
have an internal redundancy check that will indicate lost of
communication. Displays, keypads and LED’s are typically not
monitored.
Almost all the internal self check failures described in this
section of the paper are alarmed throught the self check
failure output contact. A relay self test failure contact

ASHOK KUMAR Page 39

 (normally closed) is generally available on all digital relays.
When the relay is healthy, this contact is held open. On relay
self check failure (including a loss of power supply) the relay
coil is released and the contact will close. The self test failure
alarm contact should be wired to alarm at a manned location
to alert personnel that the relay has failed.
The relay cannot self-test for human error such as
application of the wrong voltage for input coil wetting or DC
power connected at the wrong voltage level outside the
rating of the relay. Relay monitoring does not monitor the
circuit breaker’s ability to trip, although trip coil circuit
continuity can be monitored. There is still a need to
periodically operate the circuit breaker to ensure the correct
mechanical operation.

ASHOK KUMAR Page 40

 CONCLUSIONS
Testing and commissioning of new multifunction digital relays
offer unique challenges to the user. The advantages of
numerous relay functions being available in a single hardware
platform are offset to some extent by the need to provide for
the failure of that platform. Also, these relays have trip
functions that interact with each other, making testing more
difficult. Digital relays reduce external control wiring required
by EM and static relay technologies by incorporating control
logic within the relay itself. This, however, results in more
complex relay testing to verify proper relay control logic. These
shortcoming, however are far out-weighted by the many
advantages of digital relays cited in this paper. Users also have
seen the many benefits of digital relays with almost all-new
installation using this technology.
Despite the technology changes introduced by digital relays
the testing and commissioning fundamentals remain
unchanged. Both commissioning and periodic maintenance
testing are still required, but digital relay features have
modified the method and extent of testing. Features such as
internal metering of all input analog and calculated quantities
available within digital relays provide the test engineer with a
valuable new tool to assist in the commissioning processes. This
paper has outline many helpful test techniques to help the test

ASHOK KUMAR Page 41

engineer utilize these features, which are available within all
digital relays.

 Commission Testing
Commission testing still requires the test engineer to verify
the proper setting, internal logic and operation for a new
installation or verify a setting/logic/control change at an
existing installation. This typically requires:
1. Injection of current and voltage into the relay to verify
relay setting and timing.
2. Verifying proper relay inputs and outputs.
3. Verifying proper relay logic.
4. Verifying tripping and targets.

 Maintenance Testing
The frequency and testing required for periodic maintenance
testing is the test area where digital technology has introduced
major changes.Interna1 self-diagnostic testing and power supply
monitoring features in all digital relays have provided the user
with some assurance that the relay is functioning properly. The
drifting of setting or the blocking of relay operation by a foreign
contaminate which were a major problem with E-M and static
relay are not a problem with digital relays. As pointed out in this
paper, there are no trim pots, switches or slide wire resistors to
“tweak” to bring a drifted setting back into calibration. So what
ASHOK KUMAR Page 42
type of periodic maintenance testing is required for digital
relays?
Many users are only testing in areas where self-diagnostics can‟t
completely verify proper relay operation. As pointed out in this
paper, self diagnostics do an excellent job in detecting internal
electronic component failures. It doesn‟t do near as good a job
in checking the relays inputs and triplalarm outputs. Many users
are only .checking the relays inputs and output on a periodic
bases and forgoing periodic maintainance injection testing of
digital relays. The use of internal relay metering can provide a
handy tool to verify that under load conditions the relay is
measuring expected currents and voltages confirming proper
relay inputs. The output contacts however need to be tested at
the same periodic frequency used for E-M and static .relays
since they are not checked via self-diagnostics.

ASHOK KUMAR Page 43

 REFERENCES -
[1] M. Young, “Commissioning Numerical Relays” Western
Protective Relay Conference, 2003.
[2] F.J. Nepveux, “ Applying the Directional Neutral,67N
Function in Microprocessor Multifunction Relays”, EEE
Transactions on Industrial Applications, vol. 39, Jan./Feb. 2003.
[3] C.J. Mozina, M. Yalla, “ Fundamental Reliability
Considerations in the Design, Manufacturing and Application of
Multifunction Digital Relays for Generator Protection”,
Canadian Electric Association Engineeering and Operating
Division, April 1996.
[4] „WEE Recommended Practice for Protection and
Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems”,
IEEE Std 242-2001

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