GE 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 | Multilin 369 Motor Protection Relay | Obsolete Industrial Protection Device Risk Assessment
GE 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 | Multilin 369 Motor Protection Relay | Obsolete Industrial Protection Device Risk Assessment - Image 2

GE 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 | Multilin 369 Motor Protection Relay | Obsolete Industrial Protection Device Risk Assessment

  • Model: 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0
  • Brand: GE Multilin (now part of Emerson)
  • Core Function: Advanced motor protection relay with thermal modeling, metering, control logic, and communication capabilities for medium-voltage and large low-voltage motors
  • Lifecycle Status: Obsolete
  • Procurement Risk: High – No longer manufactured; limited NOS or refurbished units available; official support and firmware updates discontinued by Emerson
  • Critical Role: Provides comprehensive electrical protection (overload, phase imbalance, ground fault, etc.), thermal monitoring, and remote control for critical motors in refining, power generation, water, and mining; failure risks motor damage or unplanned process shutdown
Category: SKU: 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 GE

Description

Key Technical Specifications (For Spare Verification)

  • Product Model: 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0
  • Manufacturer: GE Multilin (Emerson)
  • Series: Multilin 369
  • Form Factor: Flush-mount or rack-mount (standard 1/4 DIN)
  • Voltage Input: 3-phase AC voltage (up to 600 V phase-phase)
  • Current Input: 3-phase + ground CT inputs (1 A or 5 A selectable)
  • Protection Functions: Thermal overload (RTD or current-based), phase loss, stall, jam, undercurrent, ground fault, unbalance
  • Control Features: Built-in programmable logic (PLC-like), 8 digital inputs, 6 output relays
  • Communication: RS-485 (Modbus RTU), optional Ethernet (depending on suffix—this variant includes “E” for Ethernet)
  • Display: Backlit LCD with keypad for local operation
  • Standards: IEEE C37.96, IEC 60255, ANSI C37
  • Firmware Version: Must match existing system configuration for seamless replacement
369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 GE

369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 GE

System Role and Downtime Impact

The GE Multilin 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 is deployed on mission-critical motors such as boiler feed pumps, compressors, induced-draft fans, and main cooling water pumps—assets where unexpected failure causes cascading plant outages. It not only trips the motor on electrical faults but also provides predictive insights via thermal capacity tracking and operational metering (kW, kVAR, PF). The integrated Ethernet (“E” suffix) enables real-time data access by SCADA, historian, or asset management systems.

If this relay fails or becomes unresponsive:

  • Motor protection may degrade or be lost entirely, risking winding burnout
  • Remote monitoring and control (start/stop, reset) become unavailable
  • Integration with enterprise systems breaks, affecting maintenance planning
  • Replacement requires matching hardware revision, re-uploading settings (via EnerVista 369 Setup software), and validation of protection curves—processes that can take 4–12 hours without a pre-configured spare

Reliability Analysis and Common Failure Modes

Despite robust industrial design, units beyond 10–15 years show consistent aging issues. The LCD display often fails first due to backlight LED degradation or driver IC faults, rendering local interface unusable. Ethernet PHY chips are sensitive to ground loops and surge events, leading to intermittent or dead network ports. Relay output contacts wear out from frequent switching, causing failed trip commands. Internal power supply capacitors dry out, resulting in brownouts during inrush events. Additionally, EEPROM corruption can occur after repeated power cycles, causing loss of settings or boot loops.

Preventive maintenance recommendations include:

  • Exporting and archiving relay settings annually using EnerVista software
  • Verifying communication health and event logs during routine rounds
  • Inspecting terminal torque and CT connections for heating or oxidation

Keeping a fully configured spare unit powered periodically to refresh components

369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 GE

 

Lifecycle Status and Migration Strategy

Emerson has discontinued the Multilin 369 series and shifted focus to the Multilin 469 and 869 platforms, which offer enhanced cybersecurity, IEC 61850, dual Ethernet, and cloud-ready diagnostics. Official repair services, calibration, and technical support for the 369 are no longer available.

Short-term mitigation:

  • Secure at least one tested 369-HI-0-M-F-E-0 unit with verified Ethernet functionality
  • Maintain a backup of the .369 configuration file and firmware image
  • Label all wiring and document IP address, Modbus map, and protection settings

Long-term migration path:

  • Upgrade to Multilin 469 (direct functional successor): retains similar form factor, supports most 369 logic blocks, and uses EnerVista for simplified migration
  • For new installations or major retrofits, consider Multilin 869: adds arc flash detection, high-speed sampling, and native OPC UA
  • Leverage Emerson’s configuration conversion tools to minimize re-engineering effort

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