COMMISSIONING AND MAINTENANCE TESTING
OF MULTIFUNCTION DIGITAL RELAYS
An IEEE/IAS WORKING GROUP REPORT
Working Group Members: Charles Mozina (Chair), Michael Young(Vice Chair), Bruce Bailey,David Baker, Gerald
Dalke, Brent Duncan, Jay Fischer, Dan Love, Neil Nichols, Clifford Normand, Lorraine Padden, Al Pierce, Prafulla
Pillai, Louie Powell, Terry Stringer
Abstract Protective relay technology over the past
twenty-five years has evolved from single-function
electromechanical (E-M) relays to static (electronic)
relays and finally to digital multifunction relays. A
significant number of these multifunction digital relays
are being installed on medium voltage electric power
systems within industrial and commercial facilities. As
was required in earlier E-M and static relay technologies,
digital relays also require commissioning and relay setting
verification. This paper discusses the unique challenges
the user faces in testing and commissioning digital
multifunction relays. It also explores the impact on
maintenance testing of self-diagnostics, the digital relay’s
internal capability to check itself for failures.
I. INTRODUCTION
Abnormal electrical conditions that require automatic
protective relay operation can occur at any time, without
warning. In order to insure proper relay operation, all
protective relay technologies (E-M, static and digital) need to
be commissioned and maintained properly. Methods and
practices for older E-M and static relay technologies are well
defined within the industry. Maintenance/commissioning
practices for new digital multifunction relays are not yet
firmly established.
Solid-state electronic protective (static) relays, using
discrete components, were developed in the 1960’s. These
relays used many discrete components with associated
interconnections and therefore were not as reliable as
equivalent electromechanical relays. Continued developments
in the semiconductor industry led to the introduction of
integrated circuits that combined complex electronic circuits
into single chips. This use of integrated circuits reduced the
number of components and enhanced the reliability of static
protective relays. These static relays were essentially single
function devices and could be tested and commissioned in the
same way as older E-M relays.
In the 1980’s, the advent of microprocessors and high-
speed digital signal processors brought a new generation of
relay designs. These digital relay designs contained less
hardware but required considerable software development.
As microprocessors capability increased, multiple tripping
functions were put into a single hardware platform. The
0-7803-8418-0/04/$20.00 ©2004 IEEE
testing and commissioning of these relays is substantially
different than either E-M or solid-state relays.
Commissioning multifunction digital relays offers some
unique challenges to the user. Multifunction relays have
protective functions that interact with each other, making
testing more complicated. They can also be programmed to
do control logic, which must be verified. In addition, digital
relays can have multiple setting groups, that may be switched
to address varying system conditions. This flexibility
increases the commissioning complexity.This paper presents
method and techniques to address the above cited challenges.
These relays also have significant input monitoring capability
that can greatly assist the user in determining whether these
relays are properly connected to their CT and VT inputs,
helping to verify that the relay is functioning properly.
Digital relays also have self-diagnostics that check the health
of the relay that can immediately detect internal failures. This
is perhaps the most important single feature in digital relays.
The ability to detect a failure before the protection system has
to operate contrasts with traditional protection where a failed
or defective relay remains undetected until it does not operate
correctly during a fault or until the next maintenance test. It is
important that the completeness of self-diagnostics be
considered in developing a maintenance/testing program for
multifunction digital relays.
II. TESTING
TRADITIONAL ELECTROMECHANICAL
AND STATIC RELAYS
a) Commission Testing
Commission testing for E-M and static relays includes
calibration or acceptance testing to verify that relay
performance is within the manufacturer’s published
tolerances. Also, field-testing is done to test the individual
relays at their set points and to establish a baseline reference
point for periodic maintenance testing. E-M and some static
relays are provided in a drawout case, with built-in test plugs
or test switches.The test set current leads can be connected to
a test plug to provide an easy method of injecting secondary
current into the relay for testing. Additional test plug inputs
can be used to monitor the output contact of the relay and
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 stop the test set timer when the relay operates.When static
relays are used which do not include these built-in facilities,it
is helpful to provide them separately on the relay panel.
Commission testing typically includes the use of a phase
angle meter, ammeter and voltmeters to verify that correct
voltage and currents are correctly applied to a relay by their
instrument transformers, and that polarized relays are looking
in the right direction. Verification of the wiring between the
electromechanical relays and the associated equipment that
must isolate faulted areas requires both time and knowledge
of the equipment, relays and intended system performance
under various system operating conditions.
b) Periodic Maintenance Testing
Periodic calibration of both electromechanical and static
relays at their set point is necessary; especially as they age
and their settings drift over time. Also in E-M relays foreign
particles from the environment such as dirt, dust, iron filings,
sawdust, sunflower seeds or tobacco could restrict movement
of disks or rotating cup elements. These contaminants can
prevent the elements from turning at all or at a much slower
rate than originally designed. The manufacturer provides
dials and variable resistors and other adjustments to
accomplish the necessary calibration and “tweaking” by the
tester.
Because of cost pressures, maintenance intervals of
protective relays on utility systems are being extended to
intervals of five to seven years. In some cases periodic tests
do not address the entire protection system but only
functionally test the circuit breaker tripping circuitry.
Industrial plants, however, have much more at stake in being
sure their protective relays are in the best working order.
OSHA requirements for industrials, especially those having
hazardous materials in their process or on site, are more strict
for commissioning and turnover of facilities than the
requirements for utility companies. Industrials must be
concerned about keeping the process flowing rather than face
a total plant shut down due to incorrectly operating relays.
Shutdowns cost millions of dollars in clean up and can be
hazardous to the employees on site or possibly even to the
general public.
III. BASIC DESIGN OF MULTIFUNCTION DIGITAL
RELAYS
a) Design
The block diagram in Fig. 1 shows the basic hardware
architecture of a digital multifunction relay with both current
and voltage inputs. The voltage inputs of the relay are scaled
down from the nominal 120V to a low level determined by
the ADC (analog-to-digital converter) input range. The
current inputs to the relay are scaled down from nominal 5A
and are converted to equivalent voltages. These scaled signals
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are filtered using a low-pass filter to prevent interference of
the high-frequency components with the fundamental
frequency component. The filtered signals are multiplexed
using an analog multiplexer and amplified, if needed, using a
programmable gain amplifier. The multiplexed analog signal
is sampled and converted to digital data using the ADC.
Digital relays use a dual-processor architecture. The digital
signal processor executes complex algorithm calculations
while the host processor performs all other tasks.
Communication between the two processors is provided by
the dual-ported memory. Flash memory is used for storing the
program and RAM (random-access memory) is used for
temporary storage of variables. Contact inputs and outputs,
user interface (keyboard and liquid crystal display) and the
serial communication ports (RS-232, RS-485 and Ethernet)
are interfaced to the host processor
The design of modern digital relays is such that all voltage
and current inputs are multiplexed through common
components as illustrated in Fig 1. If a component fails,
generally all protective functions within the multifunction
relay are affected. The protection engineer must be aware of
this fact in deciding the level of redundancy for a particular
application. For the protection of important generators or
transformers, the effect on the system of removing these
components from service for a relay failure may be
unacceptable. In those cases, dual digital relays are used.
Typical dual protection schemes are shown in Figure 2. Full
input redundancy can be achieved by using separate CT and
VT inputs for both primary and backup relays. Because of
practical limitations, many users supply both primary and
backup relays from the same CT and VT circuits.Output
redundancy can be provided by the use of duplicate lockout
relays, and dual trip coils can be provided on the circuit
breaker.Also,some users reduce the functionality of the
backup relay. An example of this is the use of overcurrent
relaying as backup for transformer protection rather than fully
redundant differential relaying as illustrated in Figure 2.
Another result of basic digital multifunction relay design
is that a number of tripping functions are supplied for a
common VT or CT inputs as shown in Figure 2. In relay
testing, the input current or voltage is applied commonly to
all functions. Thus, there is an interference effect where the
more sensitive functions trip before the functions that are
being tested.
b) Important Digital Relay Features
Multifunction digital relays have features that were not
available on electromechanical or static relays. These include:
1. Oscillography and event recording – The capability of
storing analog data and sequence of events allows the user to
quickly analyze tripping events.
 Fig. 1 Typical Digital Relay Design

a) Typical Generator Relay with Dual Protection b) Typical Transformer Protection with Dual Digital Relays

Fig.2 Typical Dual Protection Schemes

2. Multiple Setting Groups – This allows a user to select alter settings based on circuit breaker open/close status or
different settings for different operating conditions. other external conditions.

3. Multiple Output & Input Contacts – This allows the user 4. Metering –Depending on the display capability and
increased flexibility in designing trip/alarm output accuracy, the protection package may displace or supplement
circuitry. Programmable inputs allow the user to block or traditional metering. The metering capability also allows
easier testing of the relay and its associated wiring.

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5. Monitoring – Monitoring of external inputs/outputs, such
as trip circuits, enhances security. Current and voltage
transformer circuits can be monitored and functions can be
detected.
6. Communications – Local and remote communication
capabilities allow easy input of settings and changes, as well
as access to event data. With the proper interface/protocol
conversion, the relay can be integrated with other intelligent
devices into a distributed control system.
7. Self-Monitoring and Diagnostics – Self-monitoring
software in relays allows detection of a failure of a major
piece of hardware or a software module. The relay outputs
can be disabled and an alarm generated, signaling the
failure.
8. Programmable Logic – With all the information brought
to the relay, programmable logic permits a combination of
protection and control functions within the relay.This can
eliminate significant wiring external to the relay,but increases
the complexity of testing the relay to verify internal relay
control logic.
IV. TESTING DIGITAL RELAYS
Digital relays do not typically include built-in test facilities to
inject secondary currents and voltages. One rational for this is
that secondary injection testing is not required as frequently
as E-M or static relays.However, most users need to due do
functional testing during periodic maintenance of associated
circuit breaker or when relay settings are changed.For these
reasons and the reasons cited below it is helpful to provide
test switches on the relay panel to facilitate testing.
a) Relay Calibration
Calibration of digital relays is usually not required since
there are no adjustments to be made. There are no trim pots,
switches, or selectors to make settings and adjustments within
the relay. If the relay does not operate within tolerance there
is no way to adjust it, so calibration, as we know it, is not
needed. However, each relay should be tested to make sure it
is operating properly. Secondary injection is used for this
type of test, and the output contacts should be monitored to
confirm proper operation.
b) Disabling Settings for Testing
When testing multifunction relays, certain setting elements
may need to be disabled to accommodate steady state testing.
For example, a simple 50/51 relay has both time (51) and
instantaneous (50) elements programmed to the same output
contact; it will be necessary to disable the 51 element to get
an accurate pickup value on the 50 element. Making changes
or temporarily disabling in-service settings after they are
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loaded into the relay requires that these setting be changed
back. This may be risky because there may be dozens of
settings that need to be changed and human error is a
possibility. The preferred method is to begin by down loading
a copy of the in-service settings in the relay to a computer
disc and disable elements for testing as the need arises. When
the testing is complete, instead of trying to reverse all the
changes, load the original copy of the in-service settings back
to the relay. In applications where the same scheme will be
used over and over it may be more convenient to create a
setting group used only for testing. In this setting group the
relay set points can be the same as the in-service group but
with elements programmed to individual output contacts
where needed for testing.
c) Testing Setting Group Change
Most digital relays have four or more setting groups,
however, in most applications we only need one or two
setting groups so the others could be left empty having no
settings at all. If the relay should be inadvertently switched to
an unused setting group, the relay would essentially be out of
service. To avoid this, copy the default in-service group
settings to all other unused setting groups. If the relay is
switched to one of those groups, it will still be in service with
normal settings. When more than one setting group is used,
copy the default setting to all of the unused groups.
d) Testing Programmable Logic
Multifunction relays have, in one device, the equivalent of
several single function relays that would be found on the
traditional relay panel. The functional schematic of the
traditional relay is determined by the wiring from one device
to the next. In the digital relay the programmable logic takes
the place of the wiring. Therefore, we should treat the
programmable logic the same way we would switchboard
wiring in terms of their commissioning and documentation.
Figure 3 shows a typical programmable logic scheme for
basic overcurrent protection. This is the level of detail
required on the schematic diagrams to properly document
programmable logic for functional testing and maintenance.
Every feature of the logic should be tested; confirm that all
inputs, outputs, relay function blocks, controls, alarms, and
logic perform as intended and do not operate with unintended
consequences. The sequence of events feature of digital
relays can be used to help sort out the results of logic testing
to confirm that the proper elements are asserted, logic has
functioned correctly, and timing is proper.
e) Testing External Inputs
Digital relays use programmable inputs (IN-1 to IN-4
Figure 3) to allow the user flexibility in designing trips/alarm
output circuitry logic. These inputs are used to monitor
breaker positions or can be activated to change digital relay
trip/alarm logic as shown in Figure 3. Optical isolators are
used within the relay to prevent external surges from
damaging the digital relay components. Two types of external
programmable inputs have been used by manufacturers—
internally wetted and externally wetted. These are shown in
Figure 4 where they are being used to communicate the
position of a circuit breaker to the relay—i.e. when IN-1 is
energized it indicates the breaker is closed.
Externally wetted programmable inputs use an external
source of DC voltage while internally wetted programmable
inputs use an internal relay DC source. When using externally
wetted programmable input on ungrounded battery systems
Note: For clarity, multiple variables going to the same OR
Gates are shown by a single line into the OR Gate
Fig. 3 Typical Programmable Logic
a) Externally Wetted Programmable Input
Fig 4 Programmable Inputs
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you should confirm that the input will not operate for a full
positive or negative battery ground (half voltage). After
testing these inputs for proper operation at normal battery
voltage, repeat the test at half battery voltage to confirm the
externally wetted contact will not operate. Some relays have
internal jumpers used to set the wetted contact pickup
threshold. Set at greater than half the battery voltage, but less
than the minimum expected voltage. If settable jumpers are
not available, document the results so maintenance personnel
will know that the inputs may be falsely triggered for battery
grounds.
For internally wetted programmable inputs, a check should
b) Internally Wetted Programmable Input
be made that the input will operate when the external contact
(52a in Figure 4b) is closed. If wiring from the contact to the
relay is long, there may not be enough current to pick up the
input. Many manufacturers provide guidance as to wiring
distance limits.
f) Testing Targets and Output Contacts
The output contacts of a digital relay are usually individual
sealed relays rated for 30a tripping duty. However, they will
break less than 1 amp and will be damaged if opened while
trip current is flowing. The output contacts are initiated by
Fig. 5 Example of Digital Transformer Relay Metering Screen
g) Using the Digital Relay as a Commissioning Aid
Most digital relays display the measured input currents
and voltages as well as calculated metering values that can be
used to assist in relay testing. The display should be checked
against known inputs when secondary injection quantities are
applied before using the display for this purpose. If phase
angle information is not available from the display an
external meter must be used. Figure 5 illustrates a typical
metering display for a tranformer differential relay.
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the internal trip logic of the relay and are independent of dc
trip current. To avoid damaging output contacts used for trip
and close duty, the manufacturer should supply a “hold-up”
circuit that will allow output contacts to remain closed for at
least 10-12 cycles regardless of what the logic is doing. Once
a trip or close has been initiated the contact should remain
closed long enough to complete the circuit breaker operation.
The commissioning process should confirm that outputs used
for tripping and closing circuit breakers will remain closed
for the duration of the trip or close cycle even if the initiating
logic has reset.
Since most digital relays can calculate negative sequence
currents the relay can be used to confirm phase sequence.
During commissioning read the metered value of the negative
sequence current. It should be low for balanced load
conditions. If not, check the phase sequence relay setting and
CT wiring.
Digital transformer differential relays have the capability
of internally adjusting for the phase shift of a delta-wye
 a) Typical Digital Relay with other Relays
Fig. 6 Transformer Differential CT Connections
connected transformer. When using internal compensation
the currents going into the relay will not be 180° out of phase
as we expect with traditional relays. In traditional E-M and
static relays 30° phase shift compensation is done by
connecting wye transformer winding CT inputs in delta as
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b) Electro-Mechanical Relay
(only one phase shown for simplicity)
shown in Fig 6b. With digital relays there is no physical
operate winding, only a calculated value. So external in-
service readings can only be taken on the restraint windings.
Operating current calculated values are usually displayed by
metering or software as shown in Fig 5. Fig 6 shows typical
CT connection of a transformer relay. Note digital
transformer relays do not require dedicated CT’s, as do
electromechanical relays.
Almost all digital relays have oscillography that can be
used during commissioning to provide additional
information. Relays should be set so they record an event any
time there is a trip. Displaying the event after a trip can
quickly reveal problems with CT polarity and phasing.
h) Checking Directional Relay Polarization
Verification of directionality of phase (67) and ground (67N)
directional relays requires injection of operating current as
well as to the polarizing quanity ( current or voltage). The
phase angle relationship between between operating current
and polarizing quanity determines relay directionality. The
relay manufacture must clearly identify trip direction on relay
wiring diagrams so the user can establish proper relay
directionality to verify the relay is connected properly.
[Ref.2].
i) Firmware Revisions
Firmware revision level should be documented on the
settings file for each individual relay. It may not be necessary
to upgrade every relay on your system to implement a new
feature or to fix a software problem. Many changes are “bug”
fixes that do not adversely affect the protective or control
functions of the relay. In general, firmware updates are
mandatory only if a mis-operation of protection or control
functions may occur. By tracking the changes, a decision can
be made if the new feature or bug fixes are absolutely needed.
Keeping track of the firmware in each relay will help you to
avoid visiting every relay if a change must be made to all
relays before or after a certain firmware level.
When new firmware is installed in the relay, all
commissioning tests must be done again. In many cases,
changes to the software will be minor, but re-commissioning
confirms that there were no unintended consequences of the
firmware change. For this reason, firmware changes are made
only when necessary.
V. IMPACT OF DIGITAL RELAY
SELF-MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS ON
TESTING
a) Self-Monitoring and Diagnostics
Self-diagnostics was not available in either
electromechanical or static relay designs and is one of the
most important features of digital relays. The ability to detect
a failure before the protection system is required to operate
contrasts with traditional protection systems where a relay
failure remains undetected until it fails to operate correctly
89
during an event or the failure is uncovered during
maintenance testing. The quality of electronic components
available today is excellent. However, failure of electronic
components can still occur. Digital relays are designed to
detect most of these failures. The following are some of the
most important self-diagnostic functions implemented on
digital multifunction relays.
1. Data acquisition system testing
Power supply voltages and ground are connected to the
analog input channels of the multiplexer and checked against
warning and failure thresholds. This also verifies the analog
data acquisition system including: multiplexer, programmable
gain amplifier and analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The
ADC’s conversion time is also checked to see if it is within
the specification.
2. Memory Testing
The flash ROM contents are checked by calculating the
checksum and comparing it to the precomputed and stored
checksum. The RAM is tested by writing and reading a test
pattern.
3. Setpoint Testing
Setpoints are stored in the serial EEPROM (See Figure 1)
and a copy of these setpoints is also stored in the RAM for
executing relay logic. Whenever any setpoint is changed, the
checksum of the setpoints is calculated from the contents of
the EEPROM. This checksum is then compared with the
calculated checksum of the setpoints stored in the RAM
everytime a setpoint task is executed.Settings are stored in
non-volatile memory so if DC power is lost the setting values
within the relay will be retained when DC power is re-
applied.
4.Watchdog Timer
The relay hardware design includes a watchdog timer reset
circuit to take the processor through an orderly reset should
the program get lost due to hardware/software glitches.
5.Summary
It is generally accepted in the industry that digital relay
self-diagnostics do an excellent job in detection of internal
electronic component failures.
b) Self-Testing of Relay Input and Outputs
The internal check of electronic components described
above is very comprehensive. The ability to check the relay
input and outputs is less comprehensive with not all relay
manufacturers providing the same level of self-checking.
1. Input Circuitry
Most digital relays measure three phase and the neutral
current from the CT inputs.The input diagnostic logic in the
relay calculates the vector sum of the phase currents and
compares it to the measured value of CT neutral current.
Evaluation of this current symmetry is used to check for valid
current measurement. If a symmetry threshold is exceeded
then an alarm is generated. When this alarm occurs the
abnormality can be from a broken CT connection,
compromised CT, or possible A/D converter error within the
relay.
Open VT circuit monitoring is a common feature in digital
relays and is used to detect a loss of voltage signal.In many
cases VT open circuits are caused by a VT fuse blowing or
fuses not being replaced after maintenance. Open circuit VT
monitoring is achieved using both voltage and current
measurements.The basic logic used by most manufacturers is
that if an unbalanced voltage is detected in the absence of
unbalanced current then there is a possible open circuit or
other problems in the voltage input circuitry. If both current
and voltage are substantially unbalanced at the same time the
assumption is that this event is a short circuit and no VT
failure alarm is initiated. In addition to alarming for a VT
failure, protection functions that could false operate on loss of
voltage are typically be blocked from operating to prevent
false tripping.Typically this is not automatically done and
must be programmed as part of the setup of the relay.
Programmable inputs can be used to check basic logic
external to the relay. An example of this type of logic check
is the monitoring of the 52a and 52b contacts together with
current measurements. An open circuit breaker with current
flowing can be alarmed.Programmable inputs are also used
to monitor the continuity of the trip circuit to detect an open
trip coil or loss of trip circuit control voltage.
Digital relays can also measure their DC supply voltage
and issue an alarm when the value is above or below a
programable setpoint.In addition to the external DC power
source most digital relays have an internal battery. This
battery is used to power the back-up data stored in RAM. (ex.
Waveform capture records and internal relay clock.) An
alarm here does not normally block any protective function.
The DC/DC converter supervision is achieved by monitoring
the electronic board component supply voltages (typically 5,
15, and 24VDC) an alarm here ensures that the relay does not
issue a trip command should the voltage vary beyond the
tolerances of the electric components.
2. Output Circuitry
Outputs have no monitoring. The trip, close and alarm
contacts are not monitored. The health of the individual
contacts can be checked through functional testing. Most
relays have built in functional testing through software, to
activate all input contacts, outputs contacts, and LED’s to
prove functionality.These tests are not automatically
performed and are genreally done during periodic
maintenance. Communication interfaces may have
monitoring depending on the type of protocol used. Some
have an internal redundancy check that will indicate lost of
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communication. Displays, keypads and LED’s are typically
not monitored.
Almost all the internal self check failures described in this
section of the paper are alarmed throught the self check
failure output contact. A relay self test failure contact
(normally closed) is generally available on all digital relays.
When the relay is healthy, this contact is held open. On relay
self check failure (including a loss of power supply) the relay
coil is released and the contact will close. The self test
failure alarm contact should be wired to alarm at a manned
location to alert personnel that the relay has failed.
The relay cannot self-test for human error such as
application of the wrong voltage for input coil wetting or DC
power connected at the wrong voltage level outside the rating
of the relay. Relay monitoring does not monitor the circuit
breaker’s ability to trip, although trip coil circuit continuity
can be monitored. There is still a need to periodically operate
the circuit breaker to ensure the correct mechanical operation.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
Testing and commissioning of new multifunction digital
relays offer unique challenges to the user. The advantages of
numerous relay functions being available in a single hardware
platform are offset to some extent by the need to provide for
the failure of that platform. Also, these relays have trip
functions that interact with each other, making testing more
difficult. Digital relays reduce external control wiring
required by EM and static relay technologies by incorporating
control logic within the relay itself. This, however, results in
more complex relay testing to verify proper relay control
logic. These shortcoming, however are far out-weighted by
the many advantages of digital relays cited in this paper.
Users also have seen the many benefits of digital relays with
almost all-new installation using this technology.
Despite the technology changes introduced by digital
relays the testing and commissioning fundamentals remain
unchanged. Both commissioning and periodic maintenance
testing are still required, but digital relay features have
modified the method and extent of testing. Features such as
internal metering of all input analog and calculated quantities
available within digital relays provide the test engineer with a
valuable new tool to assist in the commissioning processes.
This paper has outline many helpful test techniques to help
the test engineer utilize these features, which are available
within all digital relays.
a) Commission Testing
Commission testing still requires the test engineer to
verify the proper setting, internal logic and operation for a
new installation or verify a setting/logic/control change at an
existing installation. This typically requires:
 [4] “IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and
1. Injection of current and voltage into the relay to verify Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems”,
relay setting and timing. IEEE Std 242-2001
2. Verifying proper relay inputs and outputs.
3. Verifying proper relay logic.
4. Verifying tripping and targets.

b) Maintenance Testing

The frequency and testing required for periodic

maintenance testing is the test area where digital technology
has introduced major changes.Internal self-diagnostic testing
and power supply monitoring features in all digital relays
have provided the user with some assurance that the relay is
functioning properly. The drifting of setting or the blocking
of relay operation by a foreign contaminate which were a
major problem with E-M and static relay are not a problem
with digital relays. As pointed out in this paper, there are no
trim pots, switches or slide wire resistors to “tweak” to bring
a drifted setting back into calibration. So what type of
periodic maintenance testing is required for digital relays?

Many users are only testing in areas where self-diagnostics

can’t completely verify proper relay operation. As pointed
out in this paper, self diagnostics do an excellent job in
detecting internal electronic component failures. It doesn’t do
near as good a job in checking the relays inputs and
trip/alarm outputs. Many users are only checking the relays
inputs and output on a periodic bases and forgoing periodic
maintainance injection testing of digital relays. The use of
internal relay metering can provide a handy tool to verify that
under load conditions the relay is measuring expected
currents and voltages confirming proper relay inputs. The
output contacts however need to be tested at the same
periodic frequency used for E-M and static relays since they
are not checked via self-diagnostics.

VII. REFERENCES

[1] M. Young, “Commissioning Numerical Relays” Western

Protective Relay Conference, 2003.

[2] F.J. Nepveux, “ Applying the Directional Neutral,67N

Function in Microprocessor Multifunction Relays”, IEEE
Transactions on Industrial Applications, vol. 39, Jan./Feb.
2003.

[3] C.J. Mozina, M. Yalla, “ Fundamental Reliability

Considerations in the Design, Manufacturing and Application
of Multifunction Digital Relays for Generator Protection”,
Canadian Electric Association Engineeering and Operating
Division, April 1996.

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