UR6CH Industrial Protection Relay (Medium-Voltage)

Description

UR6CH

The GE UR6CH operates in the protection and control layer of power systems, functioning as a central monitoring and fault-clearing device for medium-voltage assets (up to 35kV). It features comprehensive protection functions, including overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, differential protection, and thermal overload—covering the most common fault scenarios in industrial power networks. Unlike basic protection relays, it processes data at a 1ms sampling rate, enabling fault detection and tripping within 2 cycles of a fault occurrence—fast enough to prevent irreversible damage to transformers or motors.

UR6CH

A key advantage of the GE UR6CH is its flexible communication capabilities: it supports both legacy protocols (like DNP3.0, Modbus RTU) for integration with older SCADA systems and modern standards (IEC 61850, OPC UA) for smart grid deployments. It includes a 1GB Ethernet port for high-speed data transfer, allowing real-time streaming of protection events and waveform captures to central monitoring systems. Additionally, it features 8 configurable digital inputs and 6 relay outputs, enabling customization for specific applications—such as interlocking with circuit breakers or triggering alarm systems. The relay also includes a built-in event recorder that stores up to 10,000 fault events and 50 waveform captures, simplifying post-fault analysis and compliance reporting.

UR6CH

Main features and advantages:

Choosing the GE UR6CH delivers long-term value by enhancing power system reliability and reducing operational overhead. Its ruggedized construction is engineered to withstand extreme industrial conditions: it resists vibration up to 5g (critical for substations near heavy machinery) and operates in 95% non-condensing humidity, eliminating the need for climate-controlled enclosures even in outdoor or high-moisture environments (like coastal substations). The ultra-fast tripping time reduces asset damage by up to 70% compared to standard relays, extending the lifespan of expensive equipment like transformers and motors—lowering replacement costs and minimizing unplanned downtime.

The relay’s advanced data logging and communication features further streamline operations. With IEC 61850 compatibility, the GE UR6CH integrates seamlessly into smart grid systems, allowing remote monitoring and configuration via GE’s Multilin EnerVista software. Engineers can access real-time protection status, historical fault data, and waveform captures from a central location, eliminating the need for on-site visits to troubleshoot issues. For compliance with grid regulations (like NERC CIP or local utility standards), the built-in event recorder provides tamper-proof data logs that can be easily exported for audits. Additionally, the relay’s configurable protection settings allow it to adapt to changing system needs—such as adding new loads or adjusting tripping thresholds—without replacing hardware, supporting system scalability and future-proofing investments.

UR6CH

Application fields:

The GE UR6CH is deployed across industries where reliable power protection is non-negotiable. In utility medium-voltage substations, it protects transformers and feeders from overcurrent and earth faults, ensuring grid stability and preventing cascading outages. In data centers, it safeguards backup generator systems and UPS units, ensuring uninterrupted power to critical IT loads during grid failures—minimizing data loss and service disruptions.

In heavy industries like mining or steel production, its rugged design and fast tripping make it ideal for protecting large motors and drives, where sudden current spikes can cause catastrophic failure. All these environments demand ultra-fast fault response, resistance to harsh conditions, and compliance with strict safety standards—requirements the GE UR6CH meets with its high-speed processing, rugged construction, and global certifications. For safety-critical applications like nuclear power plant auxiliary power systems, it acts as a redundant protection layer, ensuring backup fault detection if primary relays fail.

Related products:

GE UR6CH-LV – Low-voltage variant (up to 1kV) for industrial plant distribution systems (e.g., manufacturing facility electrical grids).

GE UR6CH-HV – High-voltage rated model (up to 72.5kV) for utility transmission substations.

GE UR6CH-R – Redundant protection relay (dual CPU) for zero-failure systems (e.g., nuclear power plant critical loads).

GE UR5CH – Legacy UR series model (lower processing speed, 2ms sampling) for teams upgrading from older GE protection relays.

GE UR6CH-EX – ATEX Zone 1-rated variant for explosive environments (e.g., upstream oil and gas production facilities).

GE UR6CH-W – Wide-temperature model (-55°C to +80°C) for Arctic or desert substations (e.g., remote solar/wind farm power systems).

GE UR6CH-ISO – Fully isolated input model for high-noise environments (e.g., near high-voltage transmission lines).

GE UR6CH-E – Enhanced cybersecurity model (IEC 62443-4-2 compliance) for critical infrastructure like utility grids or military facilities.

Installation and maintenance:

Before installing the GE UR6CH, verify that external current transformers (CTs) and potential transformers (PTs) are rated for the relay’s input specifications (5A/1A CT, compatible PT ratio) to ensure accurate fault detection. Confirm that the SCADA system supports the relay’s communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61850 for smart grids) and that firmware versions are compatible—update EnerVista software to V7.0 or higher for full feature support. Inspect the mounting location for adequate space: the relay requires 19-inch rack mounting with 100mm of clearance on all sides for airflow, as overheating can degrade processing performance. Additionally, test the power supply to ensure it provides stable 120V AC / 240V AC (configurable) to avoid voltage-related issues during operation.

For ongoing maintenance, review the GE UR6CH’s status via EnerVista monthly to check for active alarms, communication errors, or abnormal protection events. Test relay outputs quarterly by triggering manual trips and verifying circuit breaker activation—this ensures the tripping mechanism is functional in case of a real fault. Calibrate CT/PT inputs annually using GE’s recommended calibration kit (part number GE-PROT-CAL-003) to maintain accurate current/voltage measurement. Back up the relay’s configuration to a secure server every 6 months, and update firmware annually (during planned downtime) to access the latest security patches and feature enhancements. For outdoor installations, inspect the enclosure for water intrusion or dust buildup every 3 months, and clean ventilation filters to prevent overheating.

Other GE product models:

GE PQMII-T20-C
GE DS200UCPBG6AFB
GE 469-P1-HI-A20-T
GE 489-P5-HI-A20-E-H
GE IS220PHRAH1A
GE IS215UCCCH4A
GE IS200AEPGG1AAA
GE IS420UCSBH1A
GE 369-LO-0-M-0-0-0-E
GE ML1600-HI-XX-A2-A4-X
GE IS220PRTDH1B
GE IS200SRTDH2ACB
GE IS420PUAAH1A
GE IC698CPE030
GE IS220UCSAH1A
GE V7768-320000
GE 705-1512-01
GE IC754VGL06CTD ES0622
GE IC698CRE040-HN
GE MIVII1000E00HI00
GE 745-W2-P5-G5-LO-A-L-R-E
GE IS220PDIOH1A
GE IS200VVIBH1C