ABB REF615E_1G | Feeder Protection and Control IED Relay

Description

Key Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Feeder Protection and Control Relay
• Standard Compliance: IEC 61850 (Edition 1 & 2), IEC 60870-5-103, DNP3, Modbus
• Redundancy Protocols: Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR)
• Protection Functions: Directional/non-directional overcurrent, sensitive earth fault, thermal overload
• Measurement: Current, voltage, power, power factor, and energy metering
• Configuration Tool: Protection and Control IED Manager (PCM600)
• Mounting Method: Flush or surface mounting (compact, withdrawable unit design)
• Auxiliary Power Supply: Typically 24-250V DC or 48-240V AC (verify exact range against the specific ordering code)
• Analog Inputs: 4 or 6 current/voltage inputs (depends on the 5th-6th character of the ordering code)
• Binary I/O: Varies by configuration (e.g., 12 to 18 binary inputs, multiple programmable outputs)

Product Introduction

The ABB REF615E_1G is a dedicated feeder protection and control relay belonging to the Relion® 615 product family. Specifically engineered for public and industrial power distribution systems, this IED provides comprehensive protection, control, measurement, and supervision for radial, ring, and meshed distribution networks, including those with distributed generation.A major advantage of the REF615 is its full support for the IEC 61850 substation automation standard, including GOOSE messaging and sampled values (IEC 61850-9-2 LE). This ensures seamless interoperability in modern digital substations. Its compact, pluggable design significantly reduces wiring time during installation, and field data indicates it maintains highly stable operation across a wide temperature range.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Phase 1: Preparation (15 min)

1. Safety First: De-energize the switchgear and follow strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. Ensure the CT (Current Transformer) secondary circuits are safely shorted before disconnecting.
2. ESD Precautions: Wear an anti-static wrist strap grounded to the panel. The internal electronics of the REF615 are highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
3. Decode the Ordering Code: Review the specific configuration code (HBFCACABNBA1ABN21G). The characters dictate the exact number of analog inputs, binary I/Os, and the auxiliary power supply voltage.

Phase 2: Removal (10 min)

1. Document Settings: If replacing an existing unit, take clear photos of the terminal wiring, DIP switch settings, and the local HMI display (if accessible).
2. Disconnect Terminals: Unplug the rear terminal blocks. Do not pull on individual wires; use the connector housing.
3. Release the Unit: Loosen the mounting clamps or release the locking mechanism on the front bezel.
4. Extract: Carefully slide the withdrawable unit out of the panel cutout.

Phase 3: Installation (15 min)

1. Inspect Hardware: Check the rear connector pins for any bent pins or debris. Verify the panel cutout dimensions match the REF615 specifications.
2. Insert the Relay: Slide the unit into the cutout until the front bezel sits flush against the panel.
3. Secure the Unit: Tighten the mounting clamps to secure the relay firmly in place.
4. Reconnect Wiring: Reattach the terminal blocks according to your documented wiring diagram. Ensure CT circuits are never left open.

Phase 4: Power-On & Test (15 min)

1. Visual Inspection: Double-check all wiring connections and ensure no tools are left inside the cabinet.
2. Apply Auxiliary Power: Restore the auxiliary DC/AC supply. The relay will perform a power-on self-test (POST).
3. Check LEDs: Observe the front panel LEDs. A steady “Ready” or “Healthy” LED (typically green) confirms normal operation.
4. Software Handshake: Connect a laptop running PCM600 software via the front or rear communication port to verify communication and check the device health status.

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Dimensions, Mounting & Wiring Notes

• Dimensions: The REF615 features a compact design suitable for standard panel cutouts. Exact Height x Width x Depth measurements should be verified against the official ABB Relion 615 Series hardware manual for your specific mounting variant.
• Mounting: Designed for flush mounting in a switchgear panel door with a withdrawable plug-in unit for easy maintenance.
• Wiring Notes:
  • CT Circuits: Always ensure Current Transformer secondary circuits are grounded at one point and never operated with an open circuit.
  • Power Supply: Ensure the auxiliary power supply has a sufficient margin (at least 20% overhead) to handle inrush currents during relay operation.
  • Shielding: Use shielded twisted-pair cables for communication lines (IEC 61850/Modbus) and ground the shield at the cabinet earth bar to prevent electromagnetic interference.

FAQ

Q1: What does the long ordering code HBFCACABNBA1ABN21G actually tell me?
A: Every character in that string defines a specific hardware feature. For example, in the REF615 series, the 5th and 6th characters usually define the analog input modules (how many current/voltage channels you have), and the 7th and 8th characters define the binary input/output configuration. Before purchasing a replacement, it’s highly recommended to cross-check this code with your original unit to ensure the I/O count matches your panel wiring.Q2: I’m new to ABB relays. What software do I need to configure this?
A: You will need ABB’s Protection and Control IED Manager (PCM600). This is the standard engineering tool used for setting parameters, monitoring real-time data, and retrieving fault records for the entire Relion 615 family. Make sure your software license supports the IEC 61850 protocol if you plan to use it.Q3: Is this relay compatible with our existing Modbus SCADA system?
A: Yes. The REF615 natively supports Modbus (along with DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-103). You can easily map the relay’s measurement and status data to your SCADA registers. Just ensure you configure the correct baud rate, parity, and slave ID during commissioning.Q4: We had a firmware mismatch issue with another brand before. How do you handle this?
A: We take this seriously. During our incoming inspection, we record the exact firmware version of the unit. We can provide this version number to you before shipping so your engineering team can verify compatibility with your substation’s existing IEC 61850 SCL files.Q5: I’m worried about damaging the board during install. Any pro tips?
A: The biggest risk is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Always wear a grounded anti-static wrist strap when handling the withdrawable unit. Also, take a photo of the DIP switches or terminal blocks before you unplug anything. Trust me, remembering which wire went where 20 minutes later is harder than it sounds.Q6: What is the lead time if I need this urgently for a switchgear panel?
A: For single units or small quantities, we typically have New Surplus stock ready to ship within 1 to 3 business days. If you have a project requiring multiple units, please reach out with the exact quantity so we can check our warehouse inventory and give you a firm delivery schedule.