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Discontinuation of GE
Multilin™ SR Relays
By HP&DSeptember 15, 2017October 11th, 2017Conduit, uPDate

GE Grid Solutions is discontinuing several relays from its Multilin SR family of products. These
microprocessor-based multi-functional relays were widely used around the turn of the century for
industrial protection and management applications in industrial environments, data centers, electrical
service entrances, distributed generation (DG) interconnects, motors, transformers, and generators.
Instead of requiring a relay for each function, these first-generation solid-state relays allowed customers
to consolidate multiple functions into a single platform.

This year GE announced, “manufacturing of SR750/760, SR469, SR745 and SR 489 will be
discontinued on 1st of January 2020 due to the unavailability of critical components used within the
product.”

GE recommends its Multilin 8 Series “next-generation protection and control relay platform,” launched
in 2013, as an equivalent replacement. The 8 Series provides comprehensive protection and asset
monitoring for critical feeders, motors, generators, and transformers. It also offers substantial
improvements to longevity and reliability over previous models, with features like field-swappable
power supplies that don’t use electrolytic capacitors for energy storage. 8 Series also achieves a
sampling rate of 128 samples/second compared to the SR’s 16 samples/second.

Discontinued Relay Equivalent

SR750/760 (feeder management) 850

SR469 (motor protection) 869

SR745 (transformer management) 845

SR489 (generator management) 889

While the enclosure cut-out dimensions are the same as the Multilin SR relays, 8 Series relays have
different pinouts that may require terminals to be rewired. In some cases, existing wire lengths may not
be sufficient. GE offers a Multilin 8 Series Retrofit Kit, which includes a depth reduction collar and a
factory-wired terminal block that accurately maps the existing 750/760 terminal locations to the new 850
terminal block.

Options for Customers with Affected

Relays
 Do nothing
Since GE will continue supporting these relays for 10 years from July 1, 2019, this is a viable
short-term option, but customers should begin planning a transition from these devices.
 Purchase spares
GE is offering a last-time-to-buy window until June 29th, 2019, and will continue to honor repair
or replacement warranties for at least 10 years.
 Upgrade affected relays
For customers wanting to upgrade, GE recommends its 8 Series relays, which offer advances in
 protection, control, automation, and communications, and are compliant with NERC-CIP standards
for cyber security.
 Retrofit to another manufacturer’s relay
While other products offer some valuable features and benefits, changing to a relay from a different
manufacturer requires that the switchgear door be replaced and the new relay be reprogrammed; for
complex installations where the programming is more complicated, the switchgear should also be
recommissioned.

Important Considerations
 Equivalent “replacement” relays convert settings files from existing relays regardless of firmware
or software version
 If using the GE 850 adaptor kit, the new enclosure will project an additional inch from the
switchgear door, or extend an inch deeper inside the switchgear
 It’s important to note that since the 5A secondary transformers residing within the SR Multilin
relays are now installed in the 8 Series relay case, when testing the new relays in a test case, the
actual secondary transformers are not being tested – we recommend an in-service load check for
new relays
 Because the Multilin SR relay power supplies have electrolytic capacitors that don’t operate well
after remaining uncharged for over a year, stockpiling replacement relays should only be
considered if they can be energized periodically

So, Where Do You Go from Here?

The road you take depends on several factors including immediate and long-term needs and priorities,
costs and budgetary considerations, equipment and system configurations, and other relevant variables.
An on-site facility assessment is a valuable first step towards determining the best course of action, as it
can provide insight, collect needed information, and highlight concerns crucial to determining the best
path forward for your specific facility.

If you decide to move forward with retrofitting the 8 Series replacement relays or another
manufacturer’s device, you may also consider bringing in a knowledgeable consultant for help with:
  Relay settings data collection
 Relay programming and testing
 Engineering design and planning
 Procurement support
 Wiring diagrams
 MOP development
 Relay testing
 Integrated systems testing & commissioning

HP&D can help; contact us to discuss your options, arrange a facility assessment, or for information
about our services and capabilities.

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About HP&D

HPD is a leading provider of electrical and mechanical testing and commissioning services in major
computer centers across the country and around the world. Incorporated in 1982, our clients include
mission critical facilities owners, commercial and industrial customers and government institutions,
along with electrical utilities, distribution cooperatives, and municipalities.

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About HP&D
Established in 1982, HP&D remains widely regarded as a leader in electrical and mechanical testing,
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Engineers, Inc., which has specialized in designing and evaluating vital power delivery infrastructures
for electric utilities since 1947.

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The Conduit (blog)

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 Arc Flash Awareness Training – June 28th in Atlanta, GA

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