ABB REF615 HBFEAEAGABB1BNA11E Advanced Busbar Protection Relay

Description

What This Product Solves
In modern power distribution and process environments, reliable feeder protection and precise measurement are essential for safe, continuous operation. The REF615 is designed as a dedicated feeder protection and control relay for overhead lines and cable feeders, providing fast, selective protection with compact hardware. It helps utilities and industrial facilities minimize outage impact by accurately detecting faults, isolating affected sections, and enabling rapid restoration. The device also supports monitoring and supervision of feeder health, allowing operators to detect anomalies before they escalate into faults. With configurable protection settings, event logging, and standards-based communication interfaces, the REF615 enables consistent protection philosophy across a site and streamlines compliance with safety and reliability requirements. In short, it’s a purpose-built solution for reliable protection, accurate measurement, and integrated control within ABB’s power automation ecosystem.

How the Product Works & Fits into a System
REF615 sits at the boundary between the power distribution network and the control system, providing protection, measurement, and control functions for a feeder. It typically connects to current and voltage sensors, and communicates with protection coordination schemes and supervisory software. The device supports a range of protection algorithms (overcurrent, earth fault, short-circuit detection, etc.) and offers outputs to trip breakers or initiate alarms. In a standard deployment, it integrates with ABB’s protection and control platforms, enabling a unified approach to feeder protection across different parts of a facility. The model designation signals the specific configuration, analysis capabilities, and integration requirements, making upgrade paths and maintenance planning straightforward within ABB’s RELION/ REF615 family ecosystem.

Technical Highlights Summary
Model Number REF615 (variant-dependent suffix)
Brand ABB
Type Feeder protection and control relay
Voltage Range Variant-dependent (up to industrial distribution voltages)
Protection Functions Overcurrent, short-circuit, earth fault, thermal monitoring, etc. (configurable)
Communication MODBUS RTU/TCP or IEC 61850/other depending on variant
I/O Analog inputs for current/voltage, relay outputs, event logging
Power Consumption Variant-dependent
Operating Temp Variant-dependent (typical -25°C to +55°C)
Enclosure DIN rail or draw-out housing options (variant dependent)
Standards CE RoHS, UL (region dependent)
Diagnostics Event log, self-test, health monitoring

Real-World Benefits
The REF615 offers precise, fast protection for feeders with a compact footprint and a flexible configuration that supports site-standard protection philosophies. Its integration with ABB’s protection and control software enables straightforward setup, testing, and maintenance, reducing engineering overhead and accelerating commissioning. The device’s diagnostics and event logging improve fault analysis and response times, helping facilities minimize downtime and maintain reliable power delivery. The model designation provides a common reference point across engineering, commissioning, and maintenance teams, ensuring consistency in service and spare-parts planning.

Typical Use Cases
Used in distribution substations and industrial power systems to protect overhead lines and feeders, REF615 is appropriate for utilities, data centers, manufacturing plants, and large processing facilities where dependable feeder protection and clear visibility into protection events are critical. It supports a range of operating voltages and communication options suitable for modern substations and industrial networks.

Compatible or Alternative Products
REF615E – ANSI/IEC-compatible variant
REF615 – Core feeder protection platform
REF615 ANSI – ANSI standard configuration
REF615T – Telemetry-enabled variant for remote monitoring
REF615N – Network-enabled variant with enhanced communications
REF615H – High-security/ hardened variant for demanding environments
REF615D – Draw-out version for easy maintenance
REF615-AR – Add-on relay options for expanded protection

Setup Notes & Maintenance Insights
Before procurement, confirm the exact REF615 configuration, including voltage range, protection setpoints, and communication options. Verify that the device is compatible with the site’s protection philosophy and coordination with upstream/downstream devices. During commissioning, test protection tripping, alarms, event logging, and communication paths to SCADA or protection management systems. Ongoing maintenance should include routine health checks, calibration validation if applicable, and ensuring fault history is retained for audit compliance. Maintain up-to-date spare parts, firmware baselines, and installation documentation to support rapid field service and consistent protection performance.