Protection of

Electricity Distribution
Networks- 2nd Edition
Juan M. Gers and Edward J. Holmes

The Institution of Electrical Engineers

Published by: The Institution of Electrical Engineers, London,

United Kingdom
2004: The Institution of Electrical Engineers
This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the Universal
Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the
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While the authors and the publishers believe that the information and guidance
given in this work are correct, all parties must rely upon their own skill and
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asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Gers, Juan M.
Protection of electricity distribution networks - 2nd ed.
1. Electric power systems - Protection 2. Electric power
distribution 3. Electric power transmission
I. Title II. Holmes, E. J. (Edward J), 1928 - IlL Institution
of Electrical Engineers
621.3r19
ISBN 0 86341 357 g

Typeset in India by Newgen Imaging Systems

Printed in the UK by MPG Books Limited, Bodmin, Cornwall

Preface and acknowledgements

The quality of electricity supplies is an important factor in the socio-economic

development of any area. Approximately 75 per cent of all customer hours lost are
owing to faults on the distribution networks, and customers rightly expect a high
level of security for their supply. Although this can be achieved by good distribution
network design using proven equipment, it is also essential to provide suitable
protection schemes and relay settings to ensure that faults are quickly disconnected
to minimise outage times and improve the continuity of supplies to customers.
With this in mind this book has been produced as a reference guide for professional
engineers and students. It is hoped that the many detailed examples and exercises
throughout the book, which the authors have taken from actual case studies in the field,
will provide worthwhile material for planning and design engineers and maintenance
staff, particularly those engaged in the co-ordination and setting of protection on
distribution systems.
The book is based on original material by Mr Gers and translated from the Spanish
by Mr Holmes. Subsequently the authors have expanded the text considerably and
added much up to date material. It is our view that in the process the continuous
dialogue between the co-authors from differing backgrounds and experiences has led
to a deeper exploration of the subject matter.
Thanks are due to the University of Valle and the Colombian Institute of Sciences
(COLCIENCIAS) for financial help; The British Council for continuing support
during many years of institutional exchange; C. Delgado for his valuable comments
on the initial manuscripts and our colleagues at GERS Ltd. for their ideas and
assistance; F. Pacheco in producing the diagrams; Professor K.L. Lo at Strathclyde
University for his guidance, and Stephen and Philip Holmes for sharing so generously
their computer expertise. In addition, the authors have been most grateful for the
help received from many sources and the permission, readily given, by various
organisations to include copyright material which is acknowledged in the text. Finally,
we wish to acknowledge the considerable support and understanding that we have
received from our wives Pilar and Maggie throughout the four years of work on
this book.
J.M. Gers
E.J. Holmes
Call, Colombia
Stourbridge, England

Preface to 2nd edition

In the six years since this book was first published there have been considerable
advances in relay protection design. The development of powerful numerical
algorithms and further improvements in digital technology have greatly extended the
scope of protection systems. Most of the latest types of relays are now multifunctional
devices with control, metering, reporting and alarm functions in addition to their
protection capabilities that normally include several types within the same device.
They also have very good communication facilities which allow them to work in
virtually any automated scheme. Therefore, modem relays now offer better protection
coverage and can be programmed to automatically adjust for changes in power system
topologies and different operating conditions owing to the multiple setting groups
feature incorporated in most of them.
Chapters 3 and 5 have been considerably extended to include more detail on
numerical relays. Chapter 12, dealing with protection schemes, has been updated to
take account of the new technology available, while the testing procedures covered in
the last chapter now include ample reference to numerical protection. The last chapter
was also thoroughly updated, particularly in respect of testing procedures applicable
to numerical relays.
We have also taken the opportunity to update sections of the original text and
have added a new chapter on the processing of alarms since the fast and efficient
processing of the many alarms that flow from the power system into control centres
has an important bearing on the speed with which system faults are dealt. Our thanks
are due to our colleague Professor K.L. Lo of the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow,
Scotland, for his help with this material.
Finally, once again we acknowledge the support of our wives Pilar and Maggie
during the work on this edition.
J.M. Gers
E.J. Holmes
Weston, Florida
Stourbridge
USA
England
jmgers@gersusa.com
ejholmes@compuserve.com