Combined overcurrent and earth-fault
relay
Features • Three-phase low-set overcurrent protection
with inverse time or definite time character-
istic
• Three-phase, high-set, instantaneous or
definite time overcurrent protection
• Non-directional residual current earth-fault
protection with inverse time or definite time
characteristic
• Non-directional, high-set, instantaneous or
definite time, residual current earth-fault
protection
• Automatic doubling of the start current set-
ting of the high-set stage of the earth-fault
unit at start-up
• Starting signals made available for the pur-
pose of blocking cooperating protection
relays
• Control input for an incoming external
blocking signal
• Local man-machine communication via
push-buttons and digital displays on the
front panels of the relay modules
SPAJ 321 C
1MRS 750425-MBG
Issued: April 1999
Status: Updated
Version: B/09.11.2001
Data subject to change without notice
• Serial interface for connecting the relay to
higher-level data acquisition systems, local
or remote control systems or other host
systems via optical fibres
• Local operation indication via LED indica-
tors with memory function and via the digi-
tal display
• High immunity to electrical and electromag-
netic interference
• Compact and robust mechanical design in
an aluminium case to IP 54
• Continuous self-supervision and auto-diag-
nostic fault indication to facilitate fault loca-
tion and repair after detection of an internal
relay fault
• Powerful software support for parameter-
ization of the relay, for reading measured
and recorded values, events, etc., and for
storing readings
• CE marking according to the EC directive
for EMC
1
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault
relay
Application The combined overcurrent and earth-fault
relay SPAJ 321 C is used for short-circuit
protection, time overcurrent protection and
residual earth-fault protection for radial over-
head and cable feeders in solidly earthed or
low-resistance earthed networks. The relay
may also be used in a variety of other applica-
Design The relay SPAJ 321 C incorporates an over-
current relay module, an earth-fault relay
module, a harmonics measuring earth-fault
relay module, an auxiliary supply module and
an output relay module.
The three-phase overcurrent relay module
SPCJ 3C3 holds two stages, a low-set stage
I> with and a high-set stage I>>. The low-set
stage can be given definite time characteristic
or inverse time (IDMT) characteristic. At
inverse time characteristic four time/current
curve groups can be selected referred to as
extremely inverse, very inverse, normal
inverse and long-time inverse acc. relevant
BS and IEC standards. The high-set stage can
be given definite time characteristic or it may
be set to operate instantaneously.
The non-directional earth-fault relay module
SPCJ 1C8 holds two stages, a low-set stage
I0> with definite time or inverse time charac-
teristic and a high-set stage I0>> with definite
time characteristic. The set start value of the
high-set stage I0>> can be automatically dou-
bled. This feature can be used to prevent the
high-set stage from operating upon energiza-
tion of the protected object due to possible
switching transients.
The harmonics measuring relay module
SPCJ 1C20 measures the basic frequency (1f)
and second harmonic (2f) components of the
residual current. If the ratio between the sec-
ond harmonic and the basic frequency com-
ponent exceeds the sat start value the module
starts and generates three blocking signals,
which can be routed to a co-operating earth-
fault protection module to block one or both
stages of that module.
At high basic frequency values
(I1f/In > 250%) the operation of the second
harmonic stage is inhibited.
The relay is provide with one input for an
external control signal, which can be used to
block one or several protection stages under
certain circumstances
2
SPAJ 321 C
1MRS 750425-MBG
tions requiring phase overcurrent protection
and/or residual earth-fault protection. The
relay is especially used in applications based
on the use of inverse time relays both for the
overcurrent protection and the earth-fault pro-
tection.
Data communication
The relay is provided with a serial interface
on the rear panel. By means of a bus connec-
tion module type SPA-ZC21 or SPA-ZC 17
the relay can be connected to the fibre-optic
SPA bus. The bus connection module SPA-
ZC 21 is powered from the host relay,
whereas the bus connection module type
SPA-ZC 17 is provided with a built-in power
unit, which can be fed from an external
secured power source. Via the SPA bus the
relay communicates with higher-level data
acquisition and control systems.
Self-supervision
The relay incorporates a sophisticated self-
supervision system with auto-diagnosis,
which increases the availability of the relay
and the reliability of the system. The self-
supervision system continuously monitors the
hardware and the software of the relay. The
system also supervises the operation of the
auxiliary supply module and the voltages
generated by the module.
On detection of a permanent internal relay
fault the IRF indicator on the relay front
panel is lit. At the same time the output relay
of the self-supervision system operates and a
fault message is transmitted over the serial
bus to the higher-level system. Further, in
most fault situations a fault code is shown in
the display of the protection relay module.
The fault code indicates the type of fault that
has been detected
Auxiliary supply voltage
The auxiliary supply of the generator protec-
tion relays is obtained via an internal plug-in
type power module. Two power supply mod-
ule types are available: type SPGU 240A1 for
ac or dc supply within the input voltage range
80…265 V and type SPGU 48B2 for dc sup-
ply within the input voltage range 18…80 V.
The power supply module forms the internal
voltages required by the protection relay
modules and the I/O module. The operation
of the power module is continuously super-
vised.
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

Technical data 7DEOH(QHUJL]LQJLQSXWV

Terminals 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 25-27 1-2, 4-5, 7-8, 25-26
Rated current In 1A 5A
Thermal withstand continuously 3A 15 A
capability for 1 s 100 A 300 A
Dynamic current Half-wave value 250 A 750 A
withstand capability
Input impedance <100 mΩ <20 mΩ
Rated frequency fn, according to order 50 Hz or 60 Hz

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Type of contact Tripping Signalling
Terminals 65-66 67-68-69, 70-71-72,
73-74-75, 76-77-78,
79-80-81
Rated voltage 250 V ac/dc
Thermal withstand Carry continuously 5A 5A
capability Make and carry for 0.5 s 30 A 10 A
Make and carry for 3 s 15 A 8A
Breaking capacity for dc, 220 V dc 1A 0.15 A
when the 110 V dc 3A 0.25 A
control/signalling circuit
48 V dc 5A 1A
time constant
L/R ≤ 40 ms, at the
control voltages
Contact material AgCdO2

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External control input Terminals 11-12
Control voltage level 18…265 V dc or
80…265 V ac
Power consumption when input activated 2…20 mA
Data communication Transmission mode Fibre optic serial bus
Data code ASCII
Selectable data transfer rates 300, 1200, 2400, 4800 or
9600 Bd
Fibre optic bus for plastic fibre cables SPA-ZC 21BB
connection module, for glass fibre cables SPA-ZC 21MM
powered from the host
relay
Fibre optic bus for plastic fibre cables SPA-ZC 17BB
connection module with for glass fibre cables SPA-ZC 17MM
a built-in power supply
unit
Auxiliary supply modules Power supply and I/O SPGU 240A1 80…265 V ac/dc
modules and voltage SPGU 48B2 18…80 V dc
ranges
Power consumption under quiescent ~10 W
conditions
under operating ~15 W
conditions

3
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

Technical data (cont’d) 7DEOH2YHUFXUUHQWUHOD\PRGXOH63&-&

Low-set Start current I>, setting range 0.5…2.5 × In
overcurrent stage Start time, typically 70 ms
I>
Reset time, typically 60 ms
Retardation time <30 ms
Drop-off/pick-up ratio, typically 0.96
Selectable modes Definite time Operate time t> 0.05…100 s
of operation characteristic
Inverse definite Curve sets acc. to Normal inverse
minimum time IEC 255-4 and BS Very inverse
(IDMT) 142 Extremely inverse
characteristic Long-time inverse
Time multiplier k 0.05…1.00
Operation time accuracy Definite time ±2% of set value or
operation ±25 ms
characteristic
Class E at inverse 5
time operation
Operation accuracy ±3% of set value
High-set Start current I>>, setting range 0.5…20 × In
overcurrent stage and ∞, infinite
I>> Start time, typically 40 ms
Operate time t>> 0.04…100 s
Reset time, typically 60 ms
Retardation time <30 ms
Drop-off/pick-up ratio, typically 0.96
Operation time accuracy ±2% of set value or
±25 ms
Operation accuracy ±3% of set value

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Low-set current Start current I0>, setting range 0.1…0.8 × In
stage I0> Start time, typically 60 ms
Reset time, typically 60 ms
Drop-off/pick-up ratio, typically 0.96
Selectable modes Definite time Operate time t> 0.05…100 s
of operation characteristic
Inverse definite Curve sets acc. to Normal inverse
minimum time IEC 255-4 and BS Very inverse
(IDMT) 142 Extremely inverse
characteristic Long-time inverse
Time multiplier k 0.05…1.00
Operation time accuracy Definite time ±2% of set value or
operation ±25 ms
characteristic
Class E at inverse 5
time operation
Operation accuracy ±3% of set value
High-set current Start current I0>> 0.1…4.0 × In
stage I0>> and ∞, infinite
Start time, typically 50 ms
Operate time t>> 0.05…100 s
Reset time, typically 60 ms
Drop-off/pick-up ratio, typically 0.96
Operation time accuracy ±2% of set value
or ±25 ms
Operation accuracy ±3% of set value

4
Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

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Basic frequency Start current I1f 5…25% of In
current stage
Blocking stage I2f Start current I2f 10…50% of I1f
Operate time (blocking time) ≤60 ms

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Test voltages
Environmental conditions
Dielectric test voltage (IEC 255-5) 2.0 kV, 50 Hz, 1 min
Impulse test voltage (IEC 255-5) 5 kV, 1.2/50 µs, 0.5 J
Spark interference (SS 436-15- 4…8 kV
03)
Service temperature range -10…+55°C
Transport and storage -40…+70°C
temperature range (IEC 68-2-8)
Damp heat test (IEC 68-2-3) <95%, +40°C, 56 d/a
Degree of protection by enclosure IP 54
when panel mounted
Weight ~5.5 kg

5
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

Block diagram L1
L2
L3 0

+
Rx Tx

SPA-ZC_
+ (~)
Uaux
- (~)

63 25 26 271 23 4 56 7 8 9 11 12 61 62 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 67 68 69 65 66 Rx/Tx
5A
1A

5A
1A
5A
1A

5A
1A

~
F E D C B A

+ -
U5
1 1 1 1 1
U6 SGR 8 U1
IRF 1 SGR 2 3 4 5
BS1
I> SS1 6
TS1

SS2
I>>
BS1 TS2

I/0

U2
IRF
SS1
I >
BS1 TS1 SGR 7

I >>
BS1 TS2

I/0
U3
IRF

I2f>

I/0
U4
aj321blc

Fig. 1 Block diagram and sample connection diagram

6
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

Mounting and Flush mounting

dimensions 293
226 259 34 214 ±1
30 229

139 ±1
Panel

162

136
cut-out

dim300

Fig. 2 Flush-mounting relay case (dimensions in mm)

Semi-flush mounting
a b

Raising frame a b
SPA-ZX 301 219 74
SPA-ZX 302 179 114
SPA-ZX 303 139 154
SFM300_1

Fig. 3 Semi-flush mounting relay case (dimensions in mm)

Mounting in 19 inch cabinets Projecting mounting

and frames When projecting mounting is preferred, a
An ancillary mounting plate, height 4U relay case type SPA-ZX 306 is used. The
(~177 mm), is recommended to be used when relay case for projecting mounting is pro-
the protection relays are to be mounted in 19 vided with front connectors.
inch frames or cabinets. The ancillary mount-
ing plate type SPA-ZX 304 accommodates
two size 300 relays and type SPA-ZX 305 one
size 300 relay.

SPA-ZX304 SPA-ZX306
SPA-ZX305 SPA-ZX307
SPA-ZX201 SPA-ZX317
SPA-ZX318
+0,4 242 306
482,6 –0 (19")
197
ø6
177 –0 (4U)
101,6

7
+0,4

312
292

6
197 98
21,5

304_5_6

Fig. 4 Mounting cabinets and frames as well as projecting mounting (dimensions in mm)

7
 Combined overcurrent and earth-fault SPAJ 321 C
relay 1MRS 750425-MBG

Ordering :KHQRUGHULQJSOHDVHVSHFLI\
Ordering information Ordering example
1. Type designation and quantity SPAJ 321 C, 5 pieces
2. Order number RS 611 020-AA
3. Rated values In =5 A, fn = 50 Hz
4. Auxiliary voltage Uaux = 110 V dc
5. Accessories -
6. Special requirements -

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Overcurrent and earth-fault relays SPAJ 321
Type SPAJ 321 C, fully equipped RS 611 020-AA, CA, DA, FA
Type SPAJ 321 C1, modules SPCJ 3C3 and RS 611 021-AA, CA, DA, FA
SPCJ 1C8
Type SPAJ 321 C3, module SPCJ 3C3 only RS 611 023-AA, CA, DA, FA
Type SPAJ 321 C4, modules SPCJ 1C8 and RS 611 024-AA, CA, DA, FA
SPCJ 1C20
Type SPAJ 321 C5, module SPCJ 1C8 only RS 611 025-AA, CA, DA, FA
The last two letters of the order number indicate the AA equals fn = 50 Hz and Uaux = 80…265 V ac/dc
rated frequency fn and the auxiliary voltage Uaux of CA equals fn = 50 Hz and Uaux = 18…80 V dc
the relay as follows: DA equals fn = 60 Hz and Uaux = 80…265 V ac/dc
FA equals fn = 60 Hz and Uaux = 18…80 V dc

Overcurrent and earth-fault relays SPAJ 321 with test adapter RTXP
Type SPAJ 321 C, fully equipped RS 611 220-AA, CA, DA, FA
Type SPAJ 321 C1, modules SPCJ 3C3 and RS 611 221-AA, CA, DA, FA
SPCJ 1C8
Type SPAJ 321 C3, module SPCJ 3C3 only RS 611 223-AA, CA, DA, FA
Type SPAJ 321 C4, modules SPCJ 1C8 and RS 611 224-AA, CA, DA, FA
SPCJ 1C20
Type SPAJ 321 C5, module SPCJ 1C8 only RS 611 225-AA, CA, DA, FA
The last two letters of the order number indicate the AA equals fn = 50 Hz and Uaux = 80…265 V ac/dc
rated frequency fn and the auxiliary voltage Uaux of CA equals fn = 50 Hz and Uaux = 18…80 V dc
the relay as follows:
DA equals fn = 60 Hz and Uaux = 80…265 V ac/dc
FA equals fn = 60 Hz and Uaux = 18…80 V dc

References $GGLWLRQDOLQIRUPDWLRQ
Brochure “Overcurrent and earth-fault protection 1MRS 750325-MDS EN
SPAJ 320 C, SPAJ 321 C”
Manual “Combined overcurrent and earth-fault relay 34 SPAJ 15 EN1
SPAJ 321 C”

ABB Oy
P.O. Box 699
FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland
Tel +358 10 224 000
Fax +358 10 224 1094
www.abb.com/substationautomation