ABB REF620E-1G | IEC 61850 Digital Relay with HSR/PRP Redundancy | Factory Sealed

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Product Introduction

If you’ve ever dealt with a ground fault in a resonant grounded network, you know the headache of trying to pinpoint the exact feeder. The ABB REF620E_1G is built specifically to solve that mess. It sits in the Relion® 620 family and acts as a heavy-duty feeder protection relay for medium voltage switchgear. Unlike basic relays that just trip and leave you guessing, this unit offers advanced admittance-based earth fault protection that actually helps you locate the fault, saving hours of unnecessary line patrolling.What makes this relay stand out in complex substation automation is its communication backbone. It fully supports the IEC 61850 standard, including GOOSE messaging and the redundant HSR/PRP protocols. In plain English, this means if one ethernet cable gets chewed by a rat or cut during maintenance, your protection signals still get through with zero downtime. It also packs a fast trip time of under 20ms for instantaneous faults, which is crucial when you need to protect expensive downstream transformers from taking a direct hit.

Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls (The Reality Check)

The Lab Report (SOP)
Before this REF620E_1G leaves our warehouse, it goes through a strict “no-nonsense” inspection:

1. Visual & Port Inspection: We check the casing for stress cracks and ensure the fiber optic/ethernet ports aren’t bent or oxidized.
2. Power-On Self Test: We apply the auxiliary voltage and watch the boot sequence. The HMI screen must light up clearly with no dead pixels, and the “Healthy” LED must stay solid green.
3. Communication Handshake: We connect via the front USB or ethernet port to verify the relay responds to PCM600 software and that the IEC 61850 stack is active.
4. Anti-Static Sealing: Once verified, it’s packed in anti-static foam and a double-walled box to survive rough courier handling.

The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)

• Don’t ignore the exact suffix: The “1G” and the long ordering code suffix dictate the exact number of binary inputs/outputs and the communication ports. I’ve seen guys order a “REF620” assuming they are all the same, only to find out on installation day that they are missing the fiber optic ports needed for their ring topology.
• CT Polarity is non-negotiable: If you are using the directional overcurrent (67) function, getting your CT polarity backwards will cause the relay to see a forward fault as a reverse fault. The result? It won’t trip when it should, potentially frying your equipment. Double-check your P1 markings.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Here is a quick 30-minute swap guide to get this unit mounted and talking.

1. Pre-Installation & Safety:
   • ⚠️ CRITICAL: Isolate the auxiliary power supply. Verify with your multimeter that there is 0V at the terminals.
   • Take a clear photo of the existing wiring diagram and the old relay’s parameter summary screen.
2. Removal:
   • Label every wire with tape. Do not trust your memory.
   • Release the mounting clamps and carefully slide the old unit out. Watch out for sharp metal edges inside the cubicle.
3. Installation:
   • Slide the REF620E_1G into the cutout.
   • Copy the DIP/Jumper settings: If your old unit had external hardware jumpers for CT ratios or voltage inputs, replicate them exactly.
   • Tighten the terminal screws. A loose neutral wire here can cause phantom voltage readings.
4. Power-On & Testing:
   • Restore the auxiliary power. Watch the LEDs.
   • Connect your laptop and upload the configuration file (CFG) using PCM600.
   • Check the “Measured Values” menu to ensure the relay sees the correct system voltage and near-zero current before energizing the primary feeder.

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use this REF620E_1G for a generator protection application?
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. This is a Feeder Protection relay (the “F” in its function set). It lacks specific generator differential protection (87G) and loss of excitation functions. You’d be trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Look at the REG620 series instead, which is built specifically for generators.Does this relay support redundant communication rings?
Yes, absolutely. It supports RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) for ring topologies, and if you need zero switchover time, it also handles HSR and PRP protocols. This makes it a beast for critical substations where losing SCADA visibility for even a second is a no-go.Is the REF620 series obsolete?
It is considered a mature product. ABB is pushing the REF615 for new installations. However, the REF620 is still widely used, supported, and incredibly reliable. If you are replacing a failed unit in an existing panel, the REF620E_1G is a perfect match. If you are building a new panel, check if your client accepts the REF615.Can I program custom logic into this thing?
You can. It supports IEC 61131-3 logic programming. I’ve used this feature to create custom interlocking schemes between switchgear without needing an external PLC. It keeps the wiring clean and the logic contained inside the relay.What happens if the auxiliary power dies? Will I lose my settings?
No. The settings and fault records are stored in non-volatile memory. However, if the aux power dies, you obviously lose protection and remote monitoring. I always recommend wiring the auxiliary supply to a DC battery bank or a highly reliable UPS circuit.Does it come with the configuration cable?
Usually, these are sold as standalone units. You will likely need a standard USB-to-Mini-USB cable (or ethernet cable depending on the port) to connect it to your engineering laptop running PCM600. Always check the box contents when it arrives.