A relay protection testing device

Relay protection testing equipment includes specialized hardware and software solutions for verifying, calibrating, and commissioning protection relays in power systems.

Overview

Relay protection testing equipment is designed to ensure that protection relays operate correctly under various conditions, safeguarding electrical grids, substations, and industrial installations. These devices simulate electrical signals, currents, and voltages to test relay response, timing, and coordination. Testing can be performed on electromechanical, static, and digital relays, including modern IEC 61850-compliant devices.

Types of Testing Equipment

Primary Current Injection Test Sets Devices like the DDG Primary Current Injector generate controlled high currents for testing relays, calibrating current transformers, and performing temperature-rise tests. They are essential for high-burden electromechanical relays and high-safety applications. Universal Relay Test Sets Examples include the CMC 356 and its successor CMC 500 from OMICRON.

These units provide multiple current and voltage sources, enabling three-phase and six-phase testing. They support automated testing, wiring checks, and plausibility verification, and are compatible with all relay types and manufacturers. Compact and Portable Test Systems Systems like ARTES from KoCoS offer robust, portable solutions for field and lab use.

They provide multiple voltage and current outputs, enabling complex three-phase tests on digital, static, and self-powered relays. Features include low noise, lightweight design, and compatibility with renewable energy installations.

Ground-

Fault and Coordination Test Units Littelfuse offers relay test equipment specifically for verifying current pickup levels, time-delay, and ground-fault coordination. These units are used in substations, motor control centers, and switchboards to ensure reliable relay operation.

Software and Automation

Modern relay testing often integrates software solutions for automation, data management, and IEC 61850 network testing. Examples include: Megger RTMS: Provides fully automated testing, test templates, and onboard PC-free operation for enhanced cybersecurity. Test Universe and RelaySimTest: OMICRON software modules allow system-based testing, simulating realistic power system events and verifying relay behavior independently of relay type.

AC

I Codec: KoCoS software enables direct import of relay settings without manual entry, simplifying testing and configuration. Key Features to ConsiderThree-phase and multi-phase testing for accurate simulation of power systems. High-current and high-voltage outputs for primary injection and high-burden relay testing.

Automation and test templates to reduce human error and testing time. Compatibility with digital relays and IEC 61850 networks for modern substations. Portability and robustness for field testing in challenging environments.

Data management and asset tracking for maintenance and commissioning records.

Conclusion

Relay protection device testing equipment ranges from high-current primary injection sets to universal, software-integrated test systems. Selecting the right equipment depends on the type of relays, testing requirements, automation needs, and budget. Leading solutions from Megger, OMICRON, KoCoS, and Littelfuse provide comprehensive capabilities for both laboratory and field applications, ensuring reliable and safe operation of electrical protection systems.