REF615E Economy Numerical Protection Relay for Medium-Voltage Networks

Description

REF615E

The REF615E functions as an economy-grade numerical protection relay designed for standard medium-voltage distribution networks. It occupies a practical position in the power system automation stack, combining essential protection and basic monitoring capabilities in a compact device.

REF615E

This relay connects to current and voltage transformers, continuously monitoring electrical parameters to detect overcurrent, earth faults, and overload conditions— the most common fault types in standard distribution systems. It communicates with supervisory systems through industry-standard protocols, enabling basic remote monitoring and control without the complexity of advanced digital substation integration. The REF615E is engineered for straightforward installation and configuration, with pre-set protection templates that simplify setup for common applications like feeder and motor protection. Its design focuses on essential functionality, making it a cost-effective choice for networks where advanced automation features are not required.

REF615E

Main features and advantages:

Engineered for reliable performance in standard industrial environments, the REF615E ensures consistent operation without unnecessary complexity. Its durable hardware design withstands typical voltage transients and electromagnetic interference found in medium-voltage networks, reducing the risk of false trips while maintaining responsiveness to genuine faults. The relay’s simplified firmware focuses on core protection algorithms, minimizing the potential for configuration errors and ensuring reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

The REF615E delivers significant value through its balanced feature set. By focusing on essential protection functions, it reduces both upfront costs and ongoing engineering overhead. Its intuitive configuration interface and pre-defined protection templates allow for quick commissioning, making it accessible even for teams with limited experience in advanced relay programming. The relay’s compact design saves space in control cabinets, while its efficient power consumption reduces operational costs. For facilities needing reliable protection without advanced automation, the REF615E provides an optimal balance of performance and affordability.

Application areas:

The REF615E is ideally suited for applications where standard protection is sufficient. In small to medium industrial plants, it protects feeders supplying pumps, fans, and basic manufacturing equipment, ensuring continuity of essential operations. Its straightforward fault detection capabilities minimize downtime by quickly isolating faults in production lines where complex automation is not required.

In commercial buildings with medium-voltage distribution systems, such as large shopping centers and office complexes, the REF615E safeguards electrical infrastructure from overloads and earth faults, protecting critical systems like HVAC and lighting. Its easy integration with basic building management systems allows for essential monitoring without the need for advanced protocols.

In regional power distribution networks serving rural or suburban areas, the REF615E provides cost-effective protection for feeder circuits, enhancing reliability for residential and small commercial customers without straining utility budgets.

Related products:

REF615C_C HCFFAEAGANB2BAN1XC – Premium version with advanced protection and IEC 61850 integration for complex networks.

REF615E-EXT – Extended version of REF615E with additional input/output points for expanded monitoring.

REF620 – Advanced transformer protection relay with differential capabilities for substation applications.

REF650 – Feeder protection relay with smart grid features for utilities requiring advanced automation.

REL650 – Basic overcurrent relay for simple distribution networks with minimal monitoring needs.

RET615 – Bay controller compatible with REF615E for facilities transitioning to partial automation.

REF542plus – Legacy relay upgrade path to REF615E for plants modernizing older protection systems.

Installation and maintenance:

Before installing the REF615E, verify that the control power supply matches the relay’s input requirements and ensure proper isolation from high-voltage components. Confirm that current transformer ratios align with the relay’s input ranges to ensure accurate fault detection. Check that the mounting location provides adequate ventilation, as ambient temperatures exceeding 70°C can affect performance.

For ongoing maintenance, perform quarterly visual inspections of connections to check for tightness and corrosion, especially in humid environments. Schedule annual verification of protection settings using standard test equipment to ensure they remain aligned with network requirements. Utilize the relay’s event log to review fault history, which helps identify recurring issues in the distribution system. Backup configuration files regularly, and only install firmware updates specifically approved for the REF615E to maintain compatibility with its simplified feature set.

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