The trip circuit extends beyond the relay enclosure and passes through more components,

such as fuses, links, relay contacts, auxiliary switch contacts and so on.
This complexity, coupled with the importance of the trip circuit, has directed attention to its
supervision.
The simplest arrangement for trip circuit supervision contains a healthy trip lamp in series
with a resistance placed in parallel with a trip output relay contacts of the protection device.
However, this solution has limitations as no alarm can be generated. Following paragraphs
describe typical application examples.
6.16.1 MiCOM P126 & P127 Trip Circuit Supervision Mechanism
The Trip Circuit Supervision function included in the and relays is
described below:

A logic input is programmed to the

function. The logic input is associated to the label within the
menu. Then, this logic input is wired in the trip circuit according to one of the
typical application diagrams shown in the following example. The method of connecting the
logic input to provide TC supervision, is shown later.
When the function TC Supervision is set "Yes" within sub-menu, the relay
checks continuously on trip circuit continuity whatever the CB status – CB opened or CB
closed. The function is enabled when the trip logic output ( ) is not
energised. The function is not enabled when the trip logic output ( ) is
energised.
NOTE: If RL1 is energised, the “Trip Circuit Super” alarm message is
displayed in order to inform that the TC Supervision is not enabled.
A (trip circuit failure) signal is generated if the logic input detects no voltage signal
during a time longer than the settable timer . See Chapter P12y/EN FT (User Guide)
and Chapter P12y/EN TD (Technical Data) for the settings.
As this function is disabled when the trip logic output ( ) is energised, this function is
suitable for use with the enabled relay latching logic.

TRIP CIRCUIT SUPERVISION PRINCIPLE DIAGRAM

Three examples of application are given below.
Example 1
In this example only the 52a auxiliary contact is available, the MiCOM P126 & P127 relays
monitor the trip coil whatever the CB status (CB open or CB closed).
However, this configuration is not recommended because the 52a contact and associated
circuit is not monitored.

TRIP COIL MONITORING

Example 2
In this example both 52a and 52b auxiliary contacts are available; the MiCOM P126 and
P127 relays monitor the complete trip circuit when the CB is closed and a part of the trip
circuit when the CB is open.
In this case it is necessary to insert a resistor R1 in series with 52b, if either the output ( )
trip is latched or it stays involuntarily closed, or a long time trip pulse is programmed (See §
6.16.2 for R1 calculation). Otherwise, a short circuit of DC trip supply would occur during
tripping sequence.
In this example, the protection is limited: the coil is only monitored when CB is closed.

TRIP COIL AND AUXILIARY CONTACTS MONITORING

 Example 3
In this example both 52a and 52b auxiliary contacts are available, the MiCOM P126 & P127
relays monitor the complete trip circuit whatever the CB status (CB open or CB closed).
In this case it is necessary to insert a R1, if either the output ( ) trip is latched, or it stays
involuntarily closed, or a long time trip pulse is programmed (See § 6.16.2 for R1
calculation). Otherwise, a short circuit of DC trip supply would occur during tripping
sequence.

TRIP COIL AND AUXILIARY CONTACTS MONITORING

WHATEVER THE POSITION OF THE CB
6.16.2 External Resistor R1 Calculation
The calculation of the R1 resistor value will take into account that a minimum current is
flowing through the logic input. This minimum current value is a function of the relay auxiliary
voltage range (Ua).
Remarks: – The presence of auxiliary relays, such an anti-pumping system
for instance, in the trip circuit must be taken into account for the R1
resistance values specification.
– It is assumed the maximum variations of the auxiliary voltage
value are ±20%.
The R1 resistor maximum value (in Ohm) is defined by the following formula:

0,8 U a U min
R1 Ohm
I min

Where:
Ua = Auxiliary voltage value (in this case a DC voltage; range is given on label under the
top hinged cover. See table below).
Umin = Internal minimum voltage value needed for the opto logic input to operate.
Imin = Minimum current value needed for the opto logic input to operate.

24-60 VDC (ordering code P12xx00 xxxxx) 48-250 VDC/AC (ordering code P12xx00 xxxxx)
R1 < (0,8 x Ua – 19,2)/0.035 R1 < (0,8 x Ua – 19,2)/0.035

The R1 resistor withstand value (in Watt) is defined below:

2
1,2 U a
PR1 2 W
R1

The R1 resistor maximum value (in Ohm) is defined by the following formula:

0,8 U a U min
R1 R Coil Ohm
I min
Where:
Ua = Auxiliary voltage value (in this case a DC voltage; range is given on label under
the top hinged cover. See table below).
Umin = Internal minimum voltage value needed for the opto logic input to operate.
Imin = Minimum current value needed for the opto logic input to operate.
Rcoil = Trip coil resistance value.

24-60 VDC (ordering code P12xx00 xxxxx) 48-250 VDC/AC (ordering code P12xx00 xxxxx)
R1 < (0,8 x Ua – 19,2)/0.035 - Rcoil R1 < (0,8 x Ua – 19,2)/0.035 - Rcoil

The R1 resistor withstand value (in Watt) is defined below:

2
1,2 U a
PR1 2 W
R1 R Coil
If the trip contact is latched or temporarily by-passed, the continuous current through the
tripping coil is:
(R1 + RCOIL)
ICONTINUOUS =
1.2 × va

If the value is above admissible continuous current through the tripping coil, trip contact
latching must not be made and by-passing trip contact should never be made.