PROTECTIVE RELAY TESTING

Educational Series: Why Test?

Why Test? How Often? Test Equipment, Information and

Expertise Required
The Recommended Practice for Electrical Most manufacturers recommend annual
Equipment Maintenance, ANSI/NFPA 70B, testing. Operating experience determines yyCalibrated current and voltage sources
states: frequency (environment, level of reliability (1 and 3 phase) must not have
expected, age, failure rates, etc.). The excessive distortion of waveform
“8.9.7.2 Since protective relays... play such
typical interval recommended by
an important part in the prevention of yyCalibrated timing devices with
ANSI/NFPA 70B is one to three years.
hazard to personnel and plant equipment, start/stop circuits
The International Electrical Testing
THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN FIRST LINE
Association (NETA) standard MTS-2007
MAINTENANCE ATTENTION. yyPhase shifters and phase angle meters
“Maintenance Testing Specifications”
Furthermore, since the only time they
(See Appendix B) are similar. yyTest jacks, relay cases, and test leads
operate is during an abnormal electric
power system condition, the BEST WAY Which Tests? yyManufacturer’s literature and curves
TO ASSURE CORRECT OPERATION IS BY
A COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION, Tests are different for each type of relay, yyThorough knowledge of test
MAINTENANCE AND TESTING and are determined by manufacturer’s equipment and relays
PROGRAM.” recommendations and special application
considerations. NETA procedures include: yyPower system short circuit and
A relay may only need to operate for 0.15 coordination study with recommended
seconds in its 30+ year life. But failure to yyInspection for mechanical problems
protective device settings
operate as intended can result in
yyPickup on each operating element
extensive damage, extended power
outages, and loss of life. yyTiming at three points on curve
NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing yyTarget and seal-in operation
Association) reports show 12% Failure
Rates on Protective Relays Tested. yySpecial tests for restraint, directional
A comprehensive testing program should overcurrent, and other special
simulate fault and normal operating operating elements
conditions of the relay. Acceptance yyInsulation tests
testing, commissioning, and startup will
include control power tests, current yyActual breaker trip test
transformer and potential transformer
tests, and any other device testing yyPeripheral and auxiliary device tests
associated with the protective relay. yyFunction test
Routine preventive maintenance testing
will also be required.

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