URSHA Ruggedized Universal Relay Module

Description

URSHA

The GE URSHA operates as a ruggedized universal relay module in GE’s UR series, engineered to be the backbone of power protection in extreme industrial settings. Unlike standard UR modules, it features a reinforced, IP67-rated enclosure that seals out dust, water, and corrosive agents—critical for offshore or chemical processing environments. Internally, its components are vibration-hardened (tested to IEC 60068-2-6 standards for 50 Hz vibration up to 5 g) and shock-resistant (up to 30 g for 11 ms), ensuring they withstand the constant movement of mining equipment or offshore platforms. Functionally, the GE URSHA acts as a bridge between field devices (such as current transformers, voltage sensors, and heavy-duty circuit breakers) and central SCADA systems, supporting both traditional copper-wired inputs and modern IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging for smart integration.

URSHA

It connects directly to GE’s UR backplane for seamless compatibility with UR-series controllers (like the UR9AE or UR8AE) and includes dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports with surge protection (rated to 2 kV) to guard against electrical transients common in industrial settings. Advanced diagnostics are tailored to harsh conditions: built-in humidity and temperature sensors monitor the module’s internal environment, while fault event recording captures waveform data even during power fluctuations—allowing engineers to troubleshoot issues without exposing themselves to dangerous on-site conditions. By combining ruggedization with smart functionality, the GE URSHA becomes the cornerstone of power protection in environments where standard relays can’t survive.

URSHA

Main features and advantages:

Choosing the GE URSHA delivers tangible, cost-saving value for engineers managing power systems in harsh environments. Engineered for extreme durability, its IP67 enclosure and corrosion-resistant aluminum housing (treated with a military-grade coating) prevent saltwater, dust, or chemical vapors from damaging internal components—extending the module’s service life to 15+ years in offshore or mining settings. This durability directly reduces maintenance costs: unlike standard relays that require quarterly inspections and replacements, the GE URSHA only needs semi-annual checks, minimizing the need for technicians to enter hazardous areas (like offshore rigs or underground mines).

Performance consistency is another key benefit. Its wide operating temperature range (-50 °C to +85 °C) ensures reliable fault detection even in arctic mining operations or desert oil fields, where temperature swings can exceed 100 °C. The module’s vibration-hardened design also eliminates false trips caused by equipment movement—critical in steel mills, where rolling machines generate constant vibration that can disrupt sensitive electronics. Integration with GE’s UR ecosystem simplifies modernization: the GE URSHA works seamlessly with existing UR controllers and EnerVista software, so teams don’t need to learn new systems or install adapters. For example, in an offshore wind farm, the GE URSHA can integrate with the farm’s SCADA system via IEC 61850, monitoring turbine power output and detecting faults while resisting salt spray and high winds.

URSHA

Application fields:

The GE URSHA is deployed exclusively in industries where extreme environmental conditions demand ruggedized protection, starting with offshore energy. On offshore oil rigs and wind farms, it protects power distribution buses and auxiliary systems (like drill motors or turbine controls) by detecting overcurrents, voltage sags, or phase imbalances—all while resisting saltwater corrosion and high winds. For example, in a deepwater oil rig, the GE URSHA monitors the emergency generator’s output, ensuring it activates reliably during a grid outage even in storm conditions.

In mining operations—both underground and open-pit—the GE URSHA safeguards power systems for excavators, conveyor belts, and ventilation fans. Its dust-tight enclosure and vibration resistance ensure it operates reliably in environments where coal dust or ore particles would disable standard relays, while its low-temperature tolerance (-50 °C) makes it suitable for arctic mining sites. It’s also a staple in heavy manufacturing, such as steel or aluminum mills, where high temperatures (up to +85 °C) and molten metal splatter would damage ordinary protection modules. In these facilities, the GE URSHA protects rolling mill motors and furnace auxiliary circuits, ensuring continuous production and preventing costly equipment damage. In all these use cases, the GE URSHA excels in environments requiring ATEX Zone 2 compliance, vibration resistance, and extreme temperature tolerance—making it irreplaceable for harsh-industry power protection.

URSHA

Related products:

GE UR9AE – Full-featured UR-series controller, optimized for pairing with the URSHA to deliver complete substation automation in harsh settings.

GE URSHA-O – Offshore-specialized URSHA model with enhanced saltwater corrosion resistance (316L stainless steel enclosure) for marine environments.

GE URSHA-M – Mining-focused URSHA variant with additional dust filtration and impact resistance (up to 50 g shock) for underground operations.

GE UR8LH – Standard UR-series module, compatible with the URSHA for gradual upgrades from non-ruggedized GE protection systems.

GE URSHA-T – High-temperature URSHA model, rated to +95 °C for steel mill or glass manufacturing applications.

GE URSHA-I – Isolated I/O URSHA variant, designed for environments with high electrical noise (e.g., near mining crushers or arc furnaces).

GE URSHA-B – URSHA model with extended battery backup (72 hours), ensuring operation during prolonged outages in remote mining sites.

GE URSHA-P – Process bus-compatible URSHA, supporting IEC 61850-9-2LE sampled values for smart integration in harsh-industry smart grids.

Installation and maintenance:

Before installing the GE URSHA, take critical steps to ensure it withstands the target environment and integrates seamlessly. First, verify firmware compatibility with your UR-series controller: the GE URSHA requires controller firmware version V5.5 or higher to support its ruggedized diagnostic features (like internal temperature monitoring). Next, assess the mounting location: while DIN rail-compatible, use vibration-damping brackets (supplied by GE) to reduce equipment-induced movement, and ensure the enclosure’s cable glands are tightened to IP67 standards—this is critical for offshore or dusty environments. Inspect the input power supply to confirm it meets the 85–265 V AC / 85–300 V DC range, and install surge protectors (rated to 4 kV) on power feeds to guard against transients common in industrial settings. Pre-configure the relay’s environmental thresholds in EnerVista: set alerts for internal temperatures exceeding +80 °C or humidity above 90% to enable proactive maintenance. For ATEX Zone 2 applications, confirm the module’s certification with a third-party auditor before installation. Finally, test communication with downstream IEDs in a lab environment that simulates target conditions (e.g., temperature cycling or vibration) to resolve compatibility issues before on-site deployment.

Ongoing maintenance for the GE URSHA is focused on preserving its ruggedized performance and preventing environmental damage. Monthly, review the module’s front-panel LED status (green for normal operation, amber for environmental warnings, red for faults) and check EnerVista logs for temperature/humidity spikes or vibration-related errors. Every six months, inspect the enclosure’s gaskets and cable glands for signs of wear or corrosion—replace gaskets if they show brittleness (common in UV-exposed offshore settings) and re-tighten glands to maintain IP67 integrity. Annually, perform a full functional test using a calibrated relay test set: inject simulated faults (e.g., overcurrents, voltage imbalances) while exposing the module to target environmental conditions (e.g., high temperature or vibration) to verify it triggers correct actions. Also, clean the enclosure with a mild, non-corrosive detergent (avoid harsh chemicals) to remove salt, dust, or chemical residues—critical for offshore or mining applications. Update firmware to the latest version during planned outages; GE releases bi-annual updates to enhance environmental tolerance and address security vulnerabilities.

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