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Relaying Basics
January 2008
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Purpose of the document

The purpose of this document is to understand what a relay
is and how it is represented on electrical diagrams

We’ll see a typical wiring of a relay: the latch

We’ll also see other HV electrical devices used in a power

plants
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Relaying (1/3)
A relay is an electromechanical device which allow
the commutation of electrical lines. It transmits
generally an order from the control system to the
power system of an electric device. It assures also
the galvanic insulation between control and power.
The most basic form of the relay is a coil that closes
or opens contacts when it is energised.

The auxiliary contacts of the relay can serve

in a logic chain, they can energise other coil
relays …
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Relaying (2/3)
Principle

From control
system

To power
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Relaying (3/3)
General Representation

A relay can be represented under that form.

However, in the electrical diagram, coil and
Coil pins are generally separated to facilitate its
comprehension. A number is associated to
each coil and pin to understand which coil
NO NO NO NC closes which pin.

Example on relay 42
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Latch
A latch is a special wiring of a relay which allows to stop and start a device
using just a pulse on the control tension (pushbuttons for instance)

U power
Stop U control
52

Coil 42
Start

M
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Latch
A latch is a special wiring of a relay which allows to stop and start a device
using just a pulse on the control tension (pushbuttons for instance)

U power
Stop U control
52

Coil 42
Start

M
e GE Energy Products - Europe

Latch
A latch is a special wiring of a relay which allows to stop and start a device
using just a pulse on the control tension (pushbuttons for instance)

U power
Stop U control
52

Coil 42
Start

M
e GE Energy Products - Europe

Latch
A latch is a special wiring of a relay which allows to stop and start a device
using just a pulse on the control tension (pushbuttons for instance)

U power
Stop U control
52

Coil 42
Start

M
e GE Energy Products - Europe

Latch
A latch is a special wiring of a relay which allows to stop and start a device
using just a pulse on the control tension (pushbuttons for instance)

U power
Stop U control
52

Coil 42
Start

M
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MCC interfaces (1)

With one
maintained
contact
the motor
is started if
it is
closed,
and
stopped if
the contact
is open.
The start
order is
maintained
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MCC interfaces (2)

CCM can
be fitted
with a
latch, in
this case
the start
order is
given with
a pulse,
the « no
stop »
order is
given by
keeping a
contact
closed
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MCC interfaces (3)

External
contacts can
be wired as
permissives
or autostart
orders.
Some
contacts of
the MCC can
also be used
outside (for
example
wired to
another
drawer of
the CCM
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Synchronisation relays (E25)

Source: ABB
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Current Transformers
A current transformer (CT) is a type of instrument transformer
designed to provide a current in its secondary winding
proportional to the alternating current flowing in its primary. They
are commonly used in metering and protective relaying in the
electrical power industry where they facilitate the safe
measurement of large currents, often in the presence of high
voltages. The current transformer safely isolates measurement
and control circuitry from the high voltages typically present on
the circuit being measured.

Examples of CT
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Example of generator protection

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