UR6DH Redundant Industrial Protection Relay (Medium-to-High Voltage)

Description

UR6DH

The GE UR6DH operates in the high-availability protection layer of power systems, functioning as a redundant monitoring and fault-clearing device for medium-to-high-voltage assets (up to 72.5kV with external CT/PT). It features dual independent CPU cores—each running identical protection logic—with real-time cross-checking to ensure consistency in fault detection. This redundancy ensures no single component failure disables the relay, a critical capability for safety-related systems. Unlike basic redundant relays, it offers comprehensive protection functions including directional overcurrent, distance protection, differential protection for transformers/motors, and synchrocheck—covering the complex fault scenarios in transmission and critical distribution networks. It processes data at a 0.8ms sampling rate, enabling fault detection and tripping within 1.5 cycles of a fault occurrence—fast enough to protect sensitive assets like gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) from irreversible damage.

UR6DH

A key advantage of the GE UR6DH is its flexible integration with both legacy and modern systems: it supports legacy protocols (DNP3.0 Level 2, Modbus RTU over RS-485) for communication with older SCADA systems, while also offering modern standards (IEC 61850 Ed. 2.0 with GOOSE messaging, OPC UA) for smart grid deployments. It includes dual 1GB Ethernet ports (configured for redundancy) for high-speed, fault-tolerant data transfer, allowing real-time streaming of protection events and waveform captures to central monitoring systems. Additionally, it features 12 configurable digital inputs and 8 relay outputs (SPDT, 10A @ 250V AC), enabling customization for interlocking with circuit breakers, remote trip coils, or alarm annunciators. The relay also includes a redundant event recorder that stores up to 20,000 fault events and 100 waveform captures (256 samples/cycle) across both CPU cores, ensuring no data loss even if one core malfunctions—simplifying compliance reporting for regulatory bodies like FERC or IAEA.

UR6DH

Main features and advantages:

Choosing the GE UR6DH delivers transformative value by maximizing power system availability and reducing long-term operational costs. Its ruggedized construction is engineered to withstand extreme industrial stressors: it resists vibration up to 10g (critical for substations near rail lines or heavy machinery) and operates in 95% non-condensing humidity with IP54-rated front-panel protection, eliminating the need for expensive climate-controlled enclosures even in coastal or desert substations. The dual-core redundancy reduces unplanned protection downtime by 99.9% compared to single-core relays, extending the lifespan of high-value assets like 72.5kV transformers by up to 50%—lowering replacement costs and avoiding revenue losses from unplanned outages (which can exceed $100,000 per hour for utilities).

The relay’s advanced data logging and redundant communication features further streamline operations. With IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging, the GE UR6DH enables sub-cycle peer-to-peer communication with other protective devices, eliminating the need for a central controller and reducing fault-clearing time for distributed systems. Engineers can remotely monitor both relay cores via GE’s Multilin EnerVista software, accessing real-time health status (like CPU load, memory usage, or communication link quality) to proactively address potential issues before they cause failures. For compliance with strict regulations (like NRC 10CFR50 for nuclear power or NERC CIP for utilities), the redundant event recorder provides tamper-proof, time-synchronized data logs that can be easily exported for audits. Additionally, the relay’s field-upgradable firmware allows adding new protection functions (like adaptive overcurrent settings) without hardware replacement, future-proofing investments as power system needs evolve.

Application fields:

The GE UR6DH is deployed across industries where high availability is mission-critical. In utility 115kV transmission substations, it protects feeder lines and transformers from faults, using distance protection to isolate issues without disrupting adjacent grid sections—ensuring grid stability and preventing cascading outages. In nuclear power plants, its compliance with NRC 10CFR50 makes it suitable for safety-related systems (like emergency diesel generator protection), where redundant fault detection is required to meet regulatory mandates.

In hyperscale data centers, it safeguards core power distribution units (PDUs) and UPS systems, ensuring uninterrupted power to server racks during grid faults—minimizing data loss and service disruptions for cloud providers. All these environments demand sub-cycle fault response, resistance to extreme conditions (like EMI from high-voltage equipment), and compliance with strict safety standards—requirements the GE UR6DH meets with its dual-core design, rugged construction, and global certifications. For military or aerospace applications (like aircraft manufacturing facilities), its MIL-STD-461G EMI immunity ensures reliable operation near high-frequency equipment.

Related products:

GE UR6DH-LV – Low-voltage redundant variant (up to 15kV) for industrial plant critical distribution (e.g., steel mill main power feeds).

GE UR6DH-HV – High-voltage rated model (up to 145kV) for utility extra-high-voltage (EHV) transmission substations.

GE UR6DH-EX – ATEX Zone 1/IECEx Ex d-rated variant for explosive environments (e.g., upstream oil and gas wellhead power systems).

GE UR5DH – Legacy redundant relay (3ms sampling rate) for teams upgrading from older GE UR5 series with minimal reconfiguration.

GE UR6DH-W – Wide-temperature model (-55°C to +85°C) for Arctic or desert deployments (e.g., remote wind farm collector systems).

GE UR6DH-ISO – Fully isolated input/output model (5kV isolation) for high-noise environments (e.g., near 500kV transmission lines).

GE UR6DH-Cyber – Enhanced cybersecurity model (IEC 62443-4-2, NERC CIP compliant) with secure boot and encrypted communication for critical infrastructure.

GE UR6DH-Sync – Specialized synchrocheck variant for power plant generator synchronization, with precision phase-angle monitoring.

Installation and maintenance:

Before installing the GE UR6DH, verify that external CTs and PTs match the relay’s input specifications (5A/1A CT, PT ratio compatible with up to 72.5kV) and that CT secondary circuits are properly grounded to avoid measurement errors. Confirm that the SCADA system supports redundant communication paths (e.g., dual Ethernet links for IEC 61850) and that EnerVista software is updated to V8.0 or higher to access dual-core monitoring features. Inspect the 19-inch rack for adequate load capacity (minimum 10kg per U) and ensure 150mm of clearance on all sides for airflow—overheating can degrade dual-core performance, so avoid mounting near heat sources like UPS batteries. Additionally, test the relay’s power supply to ensure it provides stable 120V AC / 240V AC (configurable) with less than 5% voltage ripple, as unstable power can cause false fault alarms.

For ongoing maintenance, review the GE UR6DH’s dual-core health status via EnerVista monthly, checking for core desynchronization or communication mismatches between cores. Test relay redundancy quarterly by intentionally disabling one core (via software) and verifying that the remaining core maintains full protection functionality—this ensures the redundant design works as intended during a real failure. Calibrate CT/PT inputs annually using GE’s GE-PROT-CAL-004 kit (designed for redundant relays) to ensure both cores receive identical measurements. Back up the relay’s configuration (including dual-core sync settings) to a secure, offline server every 3 months, and update firmware semi-annually (during planned downtime) to apply security patches and performance enhancements. For outdoor installations, inspect the enclosure’s gaskets every 6 months for wear, and clean ventilation filters to prevent dust buildup—critical for maintaining the -40°C to +75°C operating temperature range.

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