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Key Technical Specifications
- Base Model: REF620E_F (Feeder Protection with distributed generation support)
- Communication Standards: Native IEC 61850 (Edition 1 & 2), Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-103
- Redundancy Support: Optional Ethernet port supporting HSR, PRP, and RSTP ring protocols
- Protection Functions: Overcurrent (50/51), Ground fault (50N/51N), Directional overcurrent (67), Over/Under Voltage (59/27)
- Advanced Features: Arc Flash Detection (AFD), High Impedance Fault (HIZ) detection, Fault location
- Mounting Type: Drawer/Draw-out design (allows for quick installation and testing)
- Display: Large graphical LCD with single-line diagram (SLD) display
- Configuration Tool: ABB PCM600 (Protection and Control IED Manager)
- Rated Current: Configurable for 1A / 5A secondary CT input
- Environmental Rating: Designed for harsh industrial environments (typically -25°C to +70°C)
Product Introduction
Nothing kills production faster than an unexplained feeder trip that takes hours to diagnose. The ABB REF620E is the workhorse I recommend when you need a feeder protection relay that does more than just trip—it gives you the actual data to figure out why it tripped. This specific unit (REF620E_1G…) is an IEC-based feeder protection IED built for medium voltage distribution networks, whether it’s a simple radial setup or a complex ring main.What sets the REF620E apart in the field is its deep integration of the IEC 61850 standard, covering both vertical and horizontal communication (including GOOSE messaging). This means you can drastically cut down on hardwiring between panels. It also packs advanced features like High Impedance Fault (HIZ) detection and Arc Flash Detection (AFD), which are absolute lifesavers for personnel safety and preventing catastrophic switchgear damage. Just a heads-up: the suffix code on this unit (1GNBFNAAAAABC6BBN11G) dictates very specific I/O and communication hardware. Always cross-reference the exact suffix against your PCM600 project file before you commission it, or you’ll spend hours wondering why certain binary outputs aren’t firing.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls (The Reality Check)
The Lab Report (SOP)
Before this relay leaves our shop, it goes through a strict checkout:
- Visual & Label Check: We verify the full type designation (REF620E_1GNBFNAAAAABC6BBN11G) matches the manifest and check the drawer mechanism for smooth operation.
- Port Inspection: Physical check of the fiber optic, Ethernet, and RS485 ports to ensure no bent pins or damaged connectors from shipping.
- Power-Up Test: We apply auxiliary voltage on the test rack to verify the boot sequence and ensure the graphical LCD lights up without dead pixels.
- Anti-Static Packing: Sealed in an ESD bag with heavy-duty foam. The draw-out connectors on the back are sensitive; we make sure they are protected.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
Here is where most people get burned with the 620 series: The CT secondary rating. This relay can be configured for 1A or 5A CT inputs. If your field CTs are 5A but the relay’s internal configuration (or the specific hardware variant) expects 1A, your metering will be wildly inaccurate, and your protection curves will be completely off. Double-check the nameplate and the internal settings against your actual instrument transformers. Also, do not ignore the arc flash sensor ports if your suffix includes them. Leaving those ports unterminated or exposed to ambient light during testing will cause an immediate nuisance trip.
Installation & Configuration Guide
Here is how to swap this out without taking the whole substation offline for a day:
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ Kill the auxiliary power and isolate the CT/VT circuits. Short-circuit the CT secondaries before disconnecting anything to prevent dangerous high-voltage spikes.
- Removal: Unplug the rear terminal connectors (or release the locking mechanism if hardwired). Release the side clips and carefully slide the REF620E out of the panel cutout. Take a photo of the DIP switches or hardware jumpers on the side of the module if present.
- Installation: Slide the new REF620E_1G into the cutout. Crucial: Ensure the draw-out block mates perfectly with the rear terminals. Forcing it can bend the pins. Secure the side clips tightly.
- Power-On & Testing: Restore auxiliary power. Watch the boot sequence on the LCD. Connect your laptop using the front USB or Ethernet port. Open ABB PCM600, upload the existing configuration (or download your prepared one), and verify the I/O mapping matches your physical wiring before re-energizing the primary feeder.
Compatible Replacement Models
- ✅ Drop-in Replacement: ABB REF620E_1GNBFNAAAAABC6BBN11G. This is the exact unit. It fits the same panel cutout, uses the same rear connectors, and matches the hardware configuration.
- ⚠️ Software Compatible: Other ABB REF620 variants (e.g., REF615 or different REF620 suffixes). The physical dimensions and panel cutout are generally the same across the Relion 620/615 series. However, different suffix codes mean different I/O cards and communication ports. You will likely need to modify the PCM600 configuration and potentially re-wire the rear terminals.
- ❌ Hardware Mod Required: Non-ABB Relays (e.g., Siemens 7SJ series, Schneider P5). While they perform the same protection functions, the physical dimensions, panel cutouts, and rear terminal layouts will differ. This requires drilling new holes, rewiring, and reprogramming the entire protection scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I hot-swap this relay while the feeder is live?
If your CT and VT circuits are properly isolated and shorted, and you are only replacing the relay module (draw-out type), you can technically swap the unit without de-energizing the primary feeder. However, you will lose protection on that feeder during the swap, which is a massive risk. It’s always safer to schedule a brief outage.What is the difference between REF620 and REF615?
Think of the REF620 as the big brother. It supports more advanced communication (native IEC 61850 with redundant protocols like HSR/PRP), has more built-in protection functions, and offers greater I/O expandability compared to the more basic REF615.Does this specific suffix support IEC 61850?
Yes. The REF620E series is built around the IEC 61850 standard. However, the exact physical ports (fiber optic vs. copper Ethernet) depend on the long suffix code (1GNBFNAAAAABC6BBN11G). Check the side label or the PCM600 device description to confirm which physical interface is populated.My old relay is a REF620 but with a different suffix. Can I just plug this one in?
Physically, it will likely slide into the same panel cutout. However, the different suffix means the internal hardware (number of binary inputs/outputs, communication modules) is different. You cannot just plug it in; you must update the configuration in PCM600 to match the new hardware, or the relay will throw hardware mismatch alarms.What software do I need to configure this?
You need ABB PCM600 (Protection and Control IED Manager). Make sure your PCM600 version and the Object Type files (OTFs) are compatible with the firmware revision of this specific REF620 unit.Is this unit brand new?
We sell this as New Surplus. It is a genuine ABB unit that was never installed in the field, coming in the original factory packaging.
