Branch Procedure: Distribution

Protection Guidelines
CEOP8002.02

For questions regarding or permission to release this

Policy, please contact Essential Energy’s Chief Risk
and Compliance Officer.

If working from a printed copy of this document,

check Policy Alerts and the Policy Library regularly
for updates.

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CONTENTS
1.0 PURPOSE............................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Role of Protection ........................................................................................................... 3
2.0 ACTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Protection Design ........................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Protection General Requirements ................................................................................. 5
2.2.1 Protection Scheme Selection ..................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Fault Clearance Times ............................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Distribution Protection ................................................................................................ 5
2.2.4 Primary Protection ..................................................................................................... 6
2.2.5 Backup Protection...................................................................................................... 6
2.2.6 Alternative Network Arrangements............................................................................. 6
2.2.7 33kV distribution feeders and hybrid subtransmission networks ................................ 6
2.2.8 Bypass of Reclosers for Maintenance ........................................................................ 7
2.2.9 Distribution Transformers ........................................................................................... 7
2.2.10 Distribution Network Capacitor Banks ........................................................................ 7
2.3 Setting Philosophy – Distribution Schemes ................................................................. 8
2.3.1.1 Protection – Zone Substation - Distribution Feeders .................................................. 8
2.3.1.2 Feeder Overcurrent and Earth Fault Protection ......................................................... 8
2.3.1.3 Feeder Sensitive Earth Fault (SEF) Protection ........................................................ 11
2.3.1.4 Negative Phase Sequence (NPS) Protection ........................................................... 11
2.3.1.5 Protection Groups .................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1.6 Live Line Work Settings ........................................................................................... 13
2.3.1.7 Bushfire Protection Settings (Total Fire Ban Settings).............................................. 14
2.3.1.8 Shunt Capacitor Protection ...................................................................................... 15
2.3.2 Distribution Automatic Reclose ................................................................................ 15
2.3.2.1 Automatic Reclose Justification ............................................................................... 15
2.3.2.2 Automatic Reclose Attempts .................................................................................... 16
2.3.2.3 Reclaim Time ........................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3 Automatic Field Reclosers............................................................................................. 17
2.3.3.1 O/C, E/F and SEF Protection online Reclosers ........................................................ 17
2.3.3.2 Inrush Restraint ....................................................................................................... 17
2.3.3.3 Cold Load Pickup..................................................................................................... 17
2.3.3.4 Recloser Delayed Operation .................................................................................... 18
2.3.3.5 Coordination- Grading between ZS Relays, Reclosers and Recloser in Series ........ 18
2.3.3.6 Coordination between Recloser and Sectionaliser in Series .................................... 18
2.3.3.7 Coordination between Reclosers and Fuses in Series: ............................................ 18
2.3.3.8 Coordination between Fuses and Downstream Reclosers ....................................... 20

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2.3.3.9 Basic Coordination Principles to be Observed............................................................ 20

2.3.3.10 Basic Guidelines for the Location of Reclosers ........................................................ 20
2.3.4 Line Fuses ............................................................................................................... 20
2.3.4.1 Principles of Operation of Fuses .............................................................................. 21
2.3.4.2 Grading of Fuse to Fuse of the Same Voltage ......................................................... 22
2.3.4.3 Types of Distribution Fuses ..................................................................................... 22
2.4 Generators .................................................................................................................... 22
2.5 High Voltage Customers .............................................................................................. 22
3.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................... 23
4.0 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 23
5.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 25
6.0 RECORDKEEPING ............................................................................................................ 25
7.0 REVISIONS........................................................................................................................ 26
Annexure A - Total Fault Clearing Time Calculations, Methods and Terms ........................... 27

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1.0 PURPOSE

This Operational Procedure sets out the general requirements for protection systems installed on
Essential Energy’s distribution system.

The guidelines in this document cover Essential Energy’s Distribution high voltage systems
(6.35kV, 6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV, 33kV, 12.7kV SWER, 19.1kV SWER).

In special cases both CEOP8002.01 and CEOP8002.02 should be referred to in order to determine
the most appropriate protection requirements. An example would be locations where a primary
distribution feeder may link zone substations or a hybrid feeder.

This document does not preclude the installation or maintenance of protection that exceeds the
requirements of this Procedural Guideline; or protection that does not completely meet the
requirements of this Procedural Guideline where special considerations exist. In cases where the
requirements of this guideline cannot be meet then this must be documented and approved by the
relevant Network Planning Manager.

1.1 Role of Protection

While it is not possible to eliminate risk to personnel and livestock from power lines and equipment
energised at the voltages covered by this document, an important role of protection equipment is to
reduce the level of such risk to an acceptable minimum. Protection equipment should be designed
to detect and clear all faults on the high voltage system rapidly while maintaining supply to the
largest possible proportion of the electricity supply system in a manner that avoids (wherever
possible) danger to personnel or livestock or damage to equipment.

Whenever possible all faults shall be seen by a backup protection device as detailed within this
document, with the exception of network assets protected by fuses.

Protection schemes applied to Essential Energy’s high voltage distribution system are not normally
set to protect against overload conditions unless specifically required. To achieve this, the
protection scheme must be designed to:
• detect all faults (where possible) that can occur within the protected zone;
• clear the fault as quickly as practical;
• discriminate (isolate the minimum proportion of the system consistent with clearing the fault);
• protect EE network and equipment;
• be reliable (operate when it is required to); and
• be secure (not operate when it is not required to).

It is not always possible to achieve all these goals. In particular, the goals of reliability and security
can conflict. If all goals cannot be achieved, then the minimum requirement is that the protection
must detect and clear all faults.
HV Equipment must never be left energised without adequate protection. If in any instance the
normal protection equipment is out of service, the equipment must either:
• be de-energised; or
• be energised from a source that can provide adequate protection; or
• be provided with a backup or alternative temporary protection.

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2.0 ACTIONS

2.1 Protection Design

All protection design shall comply with the following standards:
• IEC 61000 Electromagnetic Compatibility;
• IEC 60255 Electrical Relays;
• appropriate Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3000 (SAA Wiring Rules);
• the National Electricity Rules;
• CEOP8002.01 Branch Procedure: Transmission and Sub-transmission Protection Guidelines;
• CEOP8002.02 Branch Procedure: Distribution Protection Guidelines.

When completing distribution protection design, consideration should be given to CEOP8002.01

Subtransmission Protection Guidelines, to ensure protection grading with zone substation
equipment can be maintained.

Where practical, protection systems should be designed to achieve the following objectives:
• to detect all short circuit faults between phases and/or phase(s) and earth;
• to detect abnormal operating conditions which may lead to failure of the network or an unsafe
condition arising;
• To consider all reasonable network states including (but not limited to)
o System normal, minimum and maximum fault levels
o Alternative network switching configurations that are likely to occur

• to allow the primary system being protected to operate within its rated voltage range and carry
its rated normal and emergency load currents, without the protection system operating, failing
or being damaged;
• to disconnect the faulted part of the network from the rest of the system in the minimum
practical time in order to:
o minimise damage to the equipment and remainder of the network.
o minimise the probability of injury to personnel and livestock exposed to the faulty equipment
or to the faulted part of the network.
o minimise the probability or extent of damage to Essential Energy’s property or to other
person’s property as a result of the fault.
o minimise the extent and duration of interruption to supply as a result of the fault.

• to ensure compliant step and touch potentials on the faulted network in conjunction with the
earthing system
• to operate in a selective manner so that the minimum amount of the network is taken out of
service after a protection operation
• to be as reliable as possible, within cost-justifiable limits. To this end, duplicate or back-up
protection systems will be required in many situations
• to ensure that allowance is made for future growth in the network and changes in customer
load requirements.

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2.2 Protection General Requirements

2.2.1 Protection Scheme Selection
Essential Energy shall apply the following minimum protection schemes as shown in Table 1.
Application detail is provided below.
Table 1: Protective Devices

Plant Protective Devices

Distribution Feeders (CBs &
IDMT OC, NPS & EF, SEF, Auto-reclose
relays)
Automatic reclosers, sectionalisers and line fuses should be
installed in line with these guidelines.
Distribution Feeders (Field) Remote backup protection should be applied by source side
devices.

2.2.2 Fault Clearance Times

Fault clearance times must be as short as possible and be short enough to prevent avoidable
damage to personnel or plant. The total clearing time - the time for a permanent fault to be cleared
from the system - will vary depending on fault levels and number of automatic reclosers used on
the system. See Attachment A for the method of calculating total clearing time.
Table 2 shows the maximum protection operating times from fault inception to circuit breaker trip
initiation times for zero impedance faults under normal conditions on the Essential Energy
distribution network.
Table 2: Protection device operating times
Protection operating times from fault inception to circuit breaker trip initiation should wherever
practical not be greater than:

Protection device operating times (ms)

Nominal Source End Remote End
Backup
Voltage Fault Location Fault Location
33kV 1000 2000 4500
22kV and
1000 - -
below*
SEF 10,000 10,000 -
*Note: This includes all SWER networks

Whilst consideration should always be given to meeting the protection device operating times in
Table 2, the justification must be financially viable based on the risk involved in not meeting these
protection device operating times.

2.2.3 Distribution Protection

Protection installed to protect Essential Energy distribution equipment shall be designed to comply
with the protection requirements of Table 1 and should be coordinated with the protection on
source and load side equipment. Fault clearance times referred to in Table 2 should (wherever
practical) be achieved and in all cases be as fast as practical to maximise quality of supply.
While all Primary Protection schemes remain in service there should be complete discrimination for
all faults. There may be a loss of discrimination under backup protection, but this should be kept to
a minimum.

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Protection schemes applied should minimise voltage fluctuations experienced by other customers.
The use of instantaneous settings can assist with this aim.
2.2.4 Primary Protection
The Primary Protection scheme shall be ‘stand-alone’ protection designed for high reliability,
security, and discrimination. The role of this protection is to clear any fault in the fastest possible
time.
2.2.5 Backup Protection
Backup Protection shall be designed for reliability and security. The role of Backup Protection is to
be available if the Primary Protection is unavailable (due to repair or maintenance etc.) or fails to
operate. It shall then clear any fault in the protected zone in as short a time as is necessary.
2.2.6 Alternative Network Arrangements
When the network is not in its normal arrangement, the minimal protection requirements which
would need to be satisfied would be the backup protection requirements. This would require all
protective devices to protect assets in the primary zone with a minimum 1.5 operating factor. This
requirement is based on the understanding that generally the network would be in an abnormal
state as a result of a network constraint and would only occur for relatively short periods (hours to
days) for either planned or unplanned events while restoration/rectification work occurs.
When the alternative arrangement is used for extended periods (months or more) and regularly, for
example during high load periods, the protection scheme should be designed to consider these
arrangements as part of the normal operation of the network.
2.2.7 33kV distribution feeders and hybrid subtransmission networks
Essential Energy utilises 33kV as both a subtransmission and distribution voltage across its
network. In some circumstances a 33kV feeder can be a hybrid, supplying/ interconnecting Zone
Substations as well as supplying distribution customers via direct connection to the 33kV. Due to
these conditions’ responsibility for determination of protection setting’s/ applied philosophy can be
split between the Network Protection Group (applying CEOP8002.01) and Network Planning
(applying CEOP8002.02).
The definitions and responsibilities relating to these networks are.
33kV Subtransmission
Feeders which supply/ interconnect between electrical/ terminal stations and/ or zone substations
and have no distribution customers connected directly to them.
The Network Protection Group shall have responsibility for these feeders including any field
Reclosers that are installed.
33kV Distribution
Feeders which supply distribution customers only and do not supply and or interconnect electrical/
terminal stations and/ or zone substations.
Network Planning shall have responsibility for these feeders including any field Reclosers that are
installed. For distribution circuit breakers within zone substations on these feeders, these settings
must be agreed upon and applied by the Network Protection Group.
33kV Hybrid Feeders
Feeders which supply/ interconnect between electrical/ terminal stations and/ or zone substations
and have distribution customers connected directly to them.
Determination of appropriate settings needs to be agreed by both Network Protection Group and
Network Planning. Initiation of the studies can be from either group and will depend on the
motivation/project. This is to include all protection devices installed on these feeders, including

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those not in the main feeder segment (tee’s and/or spur’s). Creating or modifying and sending of
PSAs and setting files for devices located within Zone Substations shall be the responsibility of the
Network Protection group. Creating or modifying and sending of PSAs and setting files for field
reclosers shall be the responsibility of Network Planning.

2.2.8 Bypass of Reclosers for Maintenance

Bypass of reclosers for maintenance is an important consideration. Reference to CEOP8071

should be made, as to the acceptable reduced operating factor that may be used relevant to the
acceptable risk at the time of bypass. This reduced operating factor can only be used for a short
period of time to eliminate the long term exposed risk if these reclosers are not maintained.

2.2.9 Distribution Transformers

This term includes SWER isolation transformers and reactors.

The majority of distribution transformers and SWER isolation transformers should be protected with
fuses as specified in the Essential Energy Policy Distribution Transformer Fusing CEOP5099.

Most distribution reactors are installed without specific protection, except for surge suppression
devices.

It is accepted practice to connect SWER reactors to existing rural substations (preferably non-
residential due to noise) using the same substation EDO fuse. This allows for easy detection of
faulty reactors or fuses blown by lightning, which might otherwise remain undetected as no
customer call would be received for a reactor site.

On SWER systems the general arrangement has an isolating transformer installed at the point
where the single wire separates from the two or three phase networks. The isolating transformer
will generally be protected by fuses installed on the primary side, which can be used to provide
backup protection for Reclosers installed on the secondary (SWER) side.

Linked out (Solid) fusing systems can be used where the cost to improve the protection of a linked-
out system does not add sufficient value after appraisal using CECG1140 Appraisal Value
Framework.

2.2.10 Distribution Network Capacitor Banks

Distribution network Capacitor bank protection shall consist of appropriate fusing.

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2.3 Setting Philosophy – Distribution Schemes

2.3.1.1 Protection – Zone Substation - Distribution Feeders

Distribution feeder protection settings applied to protection devices contained within Zone
Substations should be set in accordance with the philosophy covered in this policy
(CEOP8002.02). As the distribution circuit breakers are the point of common coupling between the
Distribution and Sub-transmission networks, these settings must be agreed upon and applied by
the Network Protection Group.

Where protection setting changes are required for a protection device within a Zone Substation, a
“Subtransmission Protection Design Request” (CEOF6186) shall be submitted to
[email protected]. Where the requested protection settings cannot be
accommodated due to coordination problems or protection relay limitations, protection settings
shall be jointly agreed upon.

The Network Protection Group shall have the responsibility to:

• ensure coordination with upstream Zone Substation protection devices

• ensure adequate backup coverage exists for the failure of the Zone Substation primary
distribution feeder protection (where the primary distribution feeder protection is not fully
duplicated). Where backup coverage cannot be achieved, a collaborative approach shall be
taken to determine whether Zone Substation upgrades or distribution upgrades are the most
cost-effective approach.
• create relay or recloser setting files (where applicable) for relays and reclosers within Zone
Substations
• produce PSA documentation for protection devices within Zone Substations
• provide fault levels at the Zone Substation busbar
• ensure compliance with CEOP8002.01

Network Planning shall have the responsibility to:

• ensure coordination of the Zone Substation feeder protection with downstream distribution
reclosers, relays & fuses
• ensure that the Zone Substation primary distribution feeder protection settings offers adequate
primary fault coverage
• ensure that the Zone Substation primary distribution feeder protection settings offer adequate
backup fault coverage for the failure of downstream devices, protection bypasses, or alternate
network configurations
• ensuring compliance with CEOP8002.02
• provide fault levels within the distribution network to the Network Protection Group (for the
failure of the Zone Substation primary distribution feeder protection)

2.3.1.2 Feeder Overcurrent and Earth Fault Protection

OVERCURRENT PICKUP

The primary overcurrent pickup should be set as follows:

a. to be greater than the five-year forecast maximum load X 120% and
b. to be greater than maximum predicted cold load. This predicted value can be obtained in one
or more of the following ways:

• by past experience of cold load problems on the feeder;

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• by prediction based on the maximum recorded feeder load experienced in a one-year

period. In this case, a margin of 10%* should be added to ensure security; and
• by prediction based on the maximum expected feeder load from a load flow study. In this
case, a margin of 10%* should be added to ensure security.

*Note: this margin may be increased for feeders where the backup requirements are met at higher
settings.

As an alternative to a permanent overcurrent setting above the cold load, the “Cold Load” multiplier
function available within some recloser controllers may be used to ensure the recloser can be
closed onto cold load. This function should only be used when absolutely necessary, refer to
section 2.3.4.3.

c. To factor in (where possible) alternative feeder arrangements such as:

• Load transfers to adjacent networks that may require a higher pickup setting
• Extended network coverage that may result in lower fault levels
The use of alternate setting groups can also be used to cover these arrangements
d. the overcurrent pickup should be set so as to ensure the following Operating Factors are
observed:

Primary Protection Operating Factor

The overcurrent setting should provide a primary Operating Factor of 2.0* for phase-phase faults
based on minimum network conditions. If NPS protection is utilised, the overcurrent primary
operating factor can be applied for 3 phase faults only.

*Note: In the event that the above operating factor cannot be achieved without excessive and/or
uneconomic system redesign, then all of the following shall apply:

An Operating Factor of 1.5 should be achieved using the normal calculations.

AND

The effect of minimum feeder load current should be used in the software calculation of the
minimum current seen by the relay for phase-phase faults. The ratio of this calculated minimum
current (including load) to primary relay current pickup should exceed 1.75.

AND

The impact of the installed embedded generation has been considered in the minimum load
current. Embedded generation may in some cases reduce the current flowing through the relay
during a fault and hence reduce the operating factor. If significant embedded generation exists on
the feeder downstream of the protective device, reduced operating factors should not be applied,
unless it can be confirmed by studies, that the protective device cannot be desensitised by the
embedded generation not tripping due to its anti-islanding features.

Backup Protection Operating Factor

The overcurrent setting should provide a backup Operating Factor of 1.5* for phase-phase faults
based on normal network conditions. If NPS protection is utilised, the overcurrent backup operating
factor can be applied for 3 phase faults only.

*Note: In the event that the above operating factor cannot be achieved without excessive and/or
uneconomic system redesign, then all of the following shall apply:
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An Operating Factor of 1.35 should be achieved using the normal calculations.

AND
The effect of minimum feeder load current should be used in the software calculation of the
minimum current seen by the relay for phase-phase faults. The ratio of this calculated minimum
current (including load) to primary relay current pickup should exceed 1.5.

The feeder overcurrent relay pickup should be set higher than the downstream device(s)
overcurrent pickup. This requirement need not apply in instances where it can be justified that time
grading is still likely to exist between these devices for all practical fault situations.
AND
The impact of the installed embedded generation has been considered in the minimum load
current. Embedded generation may in some cases reduce the current flowing through the relay
during a fault and hence reduce the operating factor. If significant embedded generation exists on
the feeder downstream of the protective device, reduced operating factors should not be applied,
unless it can be confirmed by studies, that the protective device cannot be desensitised by the
embedded generation not tripping due to its anti-islanding features.

Overcurrent timing
The overcurrent element timing shall be set as such:
• Above all downstream devices for three phase, phase to phase and earth faults up to the
maximum fault levels present at the downstream device location.
• Below upstream devices, up to the maximum fault level that the feeder and upstream device
shall simultaneously see for a feeder fault.
• To protect any conductor within its Primary and Backup zone against thermal damage for fault
levels that may be experienced by it.

Overcurrent IDMT curves

Where possible, IEC 60255 SI, VI or EI curves are preferred. Other curves may be used where the
downstream protection does not suit the use of the preferred curves.

High Set Overcurrent Elements

Where available, high set overcurrent elements may be used, provided that the element is not
capable of reaching to any downstream recloser under maximum fault conditions or operating due
to feeder energisation inrush.
In order to prevent malgrading with distribution transformer fuses, a 300ms definite time delay
setting is preferred over an instantaneous setting.

Earth Fault pickup

The primary Earth Fault pickup should be set as follows:
• lower than the feeder Overcurrent pickup;
• as low as possible;
• to grade with downstream protection, but not with distribution transformer fuses, and not with
fuses in general if it can be justified that time grading is still likely to exist between these
devices for all practical fault situations; and
• typically, a maximum of 100 A at the zone substation.

The Earth Fault pickup should be set to ensure the following Operating Factors are observed:

Primary Protection Operating Factor

The Primary Earth Fault Operating Factors based on minimum network conditions should apply:
• for feeders without SEF protection – 2.0 (based on 20 ohm fault resistance); and
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• for feeders with SEF protection – 2.0 (based on 0 Ohm fault resistance).

Backup Protection Operating Factor

The Backup Earth Fault Operating Factors based on normal network conditions should apply:
• for feeders without SEF protection - 1.5 (based on 20 ohm fault resistance as per normal Fault
Level definition in section 4); and
• for feeders with SEF protection - 1.5 (based on 0 ohm fault resistance as per normal Fault
Level definition in section 4);

Earth Fault Timing

The Earth Fault element timing should be set as follows:
• above all downstream devices for earth faults up to the maximum fault levels present at the
downstream device location. Note that time grading should be achieved over distribution
transformer fuses. However, time grading does not need to be achieved over larger fuses;

• below upstream devices, up to the maximum fault level that the feeder and upstream device
shall simultaneously see for a feeder earth fault; and

• to protect any conductor within its Primary and Backup zone (where required) against thermal
damage for fault levels that may be experienced by the conductor.

Earth Fault IDMT curves

Where possible, IEC 60255 SI, VI or EI curves are preferred. Other curves may be used where the
downstream protection does not suit the use of the preferred curves.
High Set Earth Fault Elements
Where available, high set Earth Fault elements may be used, provided that the element is not
capable of reaching to any downstream recloser under maximum fault conditions or operating due
to feeder energisation inrush. In order to prevent malgrading with distribution transformer fuses, a
300ms definite time delay setting is preferred over an instantaneous setting.

2.3.1.3 Feeder Sensitive Earth Fault (SEF) Protection

Feeder SEF protection should be set as follows:

• SEF pickup: The SEF pickup shall be set between 4A and 10A primary. Current grading steps
of 1A are recommended; and

• SEF time delay: The SEF time delay shall have a maximum of 10seconds delay and a
minimum of 5 seconds. The recommended time grading margin is 1 second with a minimum of
0.5 seconds grading over downstream SEF relays.
*Note: In general, Sensitive Earth Fault Protection should not be applied to a feeder to which an
un-isolated single wire earth return (SWER) line is connected. SEF may be able to be applied to a
feeder with un-isolated SWER following an assessment of the peak standing EF current caused by
load and providing the SEF can be set with sufficient margin above this to prevent incorrect
operation of the SEF element. If SEF is applied to a feeder with un-isolated SWER, the definite
time delay must be no greater than 10 seconds.

2.3.1.4 Negative Phase Sequence (NPS) Protection

Where negative phase sequence protection is available with a protective device, NPS protection
may be utilised to assist with phase to phase fault detection for both primary and backup
protection. However, it is necessary that 3 phase overcurrent protection is still utilised as per
clause 3.1.1 to ensure fault detection is provided for 3 phase fault conditions.
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NPS pickup
The NPS should be set as follows:
• to be greater than 120% of the normal NPS standing current on the feeder due to phase load
imbalance. Consideration should be given to increased normal NPS standing current due to
load transfer from adjacent feeders, or temporary isolation of large single phase spurs; and
• to grade with downstream protection.

The NPS pickup should be set to ensure the following Operating Factors are observed:

Primary Protection Operating Factor

The NPS setting should provide a primary Operating Factor of 2.0 for phase-phase faults based on
minimum network conditions.

Note: Consideration should be given to the effect of normal NPS standing current on the Operating
Factor. In particular, if phase load imbalance is such that a phase to phase fault results in a
reduced prospective NPS fault current due to the load imbalance, then the NPS pickup must be
reduced to achieve the required Operating Factor, e.g. if minimum prospective NPS fault current =
200 amps, and maximum normal NPS standing current = 20 amps, a reduced minimum NPS fault
current of 180 amps should be used. In this example a maximum NPS pickup of 90 amps should
be used for Primary Operating Factor.

Backup Protection Operating Factor

The NPS setting should provide a Backup Operating Factor of 1.5 for phase-phase faults based on
normal network conditions.
Note: Consideration should be given to the effect of normal NPS standing current on the Operating
Factor. In particular, if phase load imbalance is such that a phase to phase fault results in a
reduced prospective NPS fault current due to the load imbalance, then the NPS pickup must be
reduced to achieve the required Operating Factor, e.g. if minimum prospective NPS fault current =
200 amps, and maximum normal NPS standing current = 20 amps, a reduced minimum NPS fault
current of 180 amps should be used. In this example, a maximum NPS pickup of 120 amps should
be used for Backup Operating Factor.

NPS timing
The relay NPS timing shall be set as such:

The equivalent overcurrent and earthfault curve for the NPS curve grade with the downstream and
upstream protective devices, as follows:
• above all downstream devices for equivalent phase to phase and equivalent earth faults up to
the maximum fault levels present at the downstream device location; and
• below upstream devices, up to the maximum fault level that the feeder and upstream device
shall simultaneously see for a phase to phase fault.

The NPS equivalent overcurrent curve should coordinate with overcurrent curve to extend the
protection reach for phase to phase faults. The NPS curve and overcurrent curve may have a
crossover point for the protective device such that the NPS curve will detect the lower level faults,
and the overcurrent curve will detect the higher-level faults.
NPS IDMT curves
Where possible, IEC 60255 “SI” or “VI” curves are preferred. Other curves may be used where the
downstream protection does not suit the use of the preferred curves.

High Set Overcurrent Elements

Not normally required for NPS

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2.3.1.5 Protection Groups

To enable the Live Line and Bushfire settings to be implemented, each recloser should be setup
with the following protection groups: -
Group 1 (or A) - Normal settings with the addition of the live line settings
Group 2 (or B) - Spare for alternative settings, with the addition live line settings
Group 3 (or C) - Spare for alternative settings, used primarily for bypass of downstream recloser
settings as per CEOP8071.
Group 4 (or D) - Total Fire Ban Settings.
Note, if alternative settings are not required, normal settings (Group 1 (A)), should be used in
Group’s 2 (B) and 3 (C) to ensure adequate protection, in the event of the wrong group accidentally
being enabled.
2.3.1.6 Live Line Work Settings
The purpose of a Live Line Work Setting is to allow a special protection setting to be implemented
when Essential Energy staff are undertaking live line work on the network. The intent of the Live
Line Setting is to enable a very fast protection setting to be applied during Live Line work which will
limit the risk to the live line workers by reducing the fault duration at the site in the event of a fault.
To minimise the risk during live line work, Essential Energy will apply the following Live Line
protection settings on the protective device (recloser or circuit breaker) immediately upstream of
the live line work area.
1. The protective device must be set to one shot to lockout on overcurrent, earth fault, sensitive
earth fault and NPS (if in use).
2. Where available and when it can be remotely selected by System Control, the protective device
should be set to its Live Line Work Settings, with the following settings: -
a. The overcurrent setting should be its normal overcurrent pickup with an inverse type curve
(SI or VI) and an instant trip set at twice the device pickup. The Time multiplier should be
0.05 with zero time delay on the instant trip. For example, if the overcurrent setting of a
recloser is 100A, Standard Inverse Curve, 0.2sec time multiplier and no instant trip, the
Live Line setting would be 100A Standard Inverse with 0.05 time multiplier and a 200A
instant trip with a zero time delay. In devices that do not allow an inverse type curve for its
Live Line Work Settings and for relays contained within zone substations then an instant
trip set at the device’s normal overcurrent pickup, with zero time delay can be used.
b. The Earth Fault settings should be a definite time curve at the normal earth fault pickup
with a zero time delay. For example, if the normal Earth fault setting is 20A Standard
Inverse Curve at 0.2 second time multiplier, the Live Line setting would be 20A definite
time with a zero time delay.
c. The SEF setting should have its time delay reduced to 1 sec. For example, if the normal
SEF setting is 5A for 5sec, the Live Line Setting would be 5A for 1sec.
d. If an NPS setting is in use on a device then the setting should be the normal NPS pickup
with an inverse type curve (SI or VI) and an instant trip set at twice the device pickup. The
Time multiplier should be 0.05 with zero time delay on the instant trip. For example, if the
normal NPS setting is 20A Standard Inverse Curve at 0.3 second time multiplier, the Live
Line setting would be 20A definite time with zero time delay. In devices that do not allow
an inverse type curve for its Live Line Work Settings and for relays contained within zone
substations an instant trip set at the device’s normal NPS pickup, with zero time delay can
be used
Note 1- it is acknowledged that protection discrimination/grading will likely not exist between the
upstream device with Live Line Settings applied and the downstream protective devices during the

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work. This is accepted to reduce the risk to staff and the network from the live line work and on the
understanding live line work would not occur during high fault risk times such as during storms.
Note 2- For SWER networks use the Overcurrent Live Line work settings above.
Note 3- Circuit Breakers/ Reclosers contained within Zone Substations supplying Distribution
Feeders may not have the capability to enable use of a Live Line setting.

2.3.1.7 Bushfire Protection Settings (Total Fire Ban Settings)

Electricity assets are known to be a potential cause of bushfires in Australia, including bushfires
which have caused fatalities as well as significant damage to property. Essential Energy’s footprint,
which is predominately located in rural areas, is especially prone to bushfire risk. The risk of
electricity network assets causing fires and the impact of these fires is known to increase during
hot, dry, and windy weather conditions. When these conditions occur, Total Fire Bans are declared
for all or part of the network. The risk of ignition from faults on the network, can be reduced by
shortening the fault clearance time and limiting reclose operations. However, it is also accepted
that interrupting supply to area during high bushfire risk also creates additional risk though lack of
supply for communications and firefighting equipment such as pumps. Essential Energy’s Risk
Management approach to Total Fire Bans is to supress the auto recloser function on specified
devices as per CEOP2062. Specified devices would include:
• Field reclosers on rural feeder segments, including urban fringe. This can include devices
inside zone substations protecting feeder segments in the affected area;
• Circuit Breakers/ Reclosers contained within Zone Substations supplying Distribution Feeders
where the existing device/ protection relays have the capability to enable it;
• field reclosers with remote operation capability and communications connected to the Essential
Energy SCADA control system. These can have their settings adjusted via operational scripts
initiated from System Control Centre; and
• field reclosers associated with the specified declaration area only.
In addition, Essential Energy proposes to reduce the bushfire risk within its network in the future
with the following protection philosophy:

DECLARED TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS

During Total Fire Ban Day’s, the reclosers in the designated area will be automatically switched to
group 4 (D) settings and have auto reclose disabled. The proposed Group 4 (D) Overcurrent and
Earth Fault protection settings should be set as fast as practical to enable the fault to be cleared in
the minimum time while maintaining discrimination between reclosers. Grading margins can be
reduced to 100ms between electronic devices to assist in speeding up protection operation.
Discrimination between reclosers and fuses in the network may be compromised to allow faster
clearance times, particularly in fire prone areas. The Sensitive Earth Fault settings would keep the
same current values as the normal settings but have reduced time grading between devices. The
last recloser on each line section will be set at 1 second with every upstream recloser set at 0.5
seconds higher progressing back along the feeder towards the zone substation.

Note: it is acknowledged that the move to a defined bushfire setting group will occur over time in
conjunction with the recloser inspection cycle and that implementation of the bushfire settings may
not occur until Group 4 (D) settings have been installed in all communications equipped electronic
reclosers within a designated area. Initially, during Total Fire Ban Days, reclosers will have auto
reclose disabled only.

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2.3.1.8 Shunt Capacitor Protection

Fused capacitors - These banks usually consist of series and/or parallel combinations of individual
capacitor cans per phase. Each unit is protected by its own fuse. Operation of a single fuse does
not necessarily render the entire bank inoperative; however multiple failures can cause excess
voltages to be impressed on the remaining cans.

2.3.2 Distribution Automatic Reclose

2.3.2.1 Automatic Reclose Justification

Because a large proportion of faults are of a transitory nature, it is normally an advantage to

attempt to reconnect a distribution system that has been isolated by protection operation after a
fault, if this is likely to restore supply to the distribution system without undue risk to personnel,
livestock, or plant.

Sensitive Earth Fault protection

The type of fault covered by this type of protection is rarely, if ever transient in nature and often
may be a danger to the general public.

Sensitive earth fault protection shall not be used to initiate an automatic reclose operation.

Distribution feeders

For the purpose of automatic reclose, distribution feeders can be categorised into overhead or
underground types of feeders.

Overhead distribution feeders

An overhead distribution feeder is a feeder that is predominantly overhead in construction; it may

have some small sections of underground construction.

Overhead distribution feeders can be further categorised into the following groups:
• Urban overhead distribution feeders
Any overhead feeder that supplies predominantly urban areas, i.e. towns, villages etc
• Rural overhead distribution feeders
Any overhead feeder that supplies predominantly rural areas, i.e. farms, hamlets etc
• Industrial overhead distribution feeders
Any overhead feeder that supplies predominantly industrial areas, i.e. industrial parks etc.
Generally, these feeders are short, with limited exposure, but are subject to high vehicle/ plant
activity. For these reasons transient faults are not common and automatic reclose should, as a
preference, not be implemented. Use of auto reclose may be considered on a case by case
basis, where the network warrants it’s use. Where a feeder traverses a large section of rural
area which may be subject to transient faults, automatic reclose may be considered.
Underground distribution feeders
An underground distribution feeder is a feeder that is predominantly underground in construction; it
may have some small sections of overhead construction
Faults on underground feeders are usually not transient in nature; therefore, automatic reclose
shall not be implemented on underground distribution feeders.
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2.3.2.2 Automatic Reclose Attempts

The majority of transient faults will be cleared by a single tripping operation.
Automatic reclose shall be disabled prior to:
• live line work; and
• any manual close of a CB, including re-energising plant following maintenance and energising
plant while sectionalising to locate a fault.
General statistics indicate a 70% successful reclose when slow reclosing is used, a further 5% on
a second attempt and 1% on the third attempt. The possible success of reclosing against potential
permanent damage to equipment needs to be considered when applying reclose. A maximum of
two reclose attempts are recommended unless used in conjunction with sectionalisers.
Reclose dead time settings shall include allowance for:
• likely risk to personnel on or arriving at the scene;
• switch operating mechanism reset and stabilise time, including contact cooling times after
passing fault current;
• relay reset time;
• likely effects on customer equipment of a restoration of supply after a short outage; and
• effects on equipment, including risk of damage from the mechanical and electrical effects of
repeated fault current and trapped charges.
Urban overhead distribution feeders
Due to safety concerns involving automobile accidents with fallen conductors a maximum of one
reclose attempt should be used on urban overhead distribution feeders, set at 10s.
Rural overhead distribution feeders
There should be two reclose attempts allowed on rural overhead distribution feeders. These will be
5s and 10s except where sectionalisers requiring additional recloses are installed. Where
sectionalisers warrant the use of three reclose attempts, the dead times should be set to 5s, 5s
and 10s respectively. The accumulated trip and reclose times should not be greater than 25s due
to possible safety implications.
Field reclosers with fixed Automatic Reclose Attempts

The same principle detailed above should be applied to all field reclosers, however it is
acknowledged that some recloser types installed on the network cannot alter either their number of
reclose attempts or their dead times. These units are exempt from the requirements of 2.3.3.2,
however if the units are replaced, they shall be upgraded to a device type that can comply.

HV Customers / Private lines

The customer must request in writing that auto reclose be enabled and state that they understand
the following.
• What auto reclose means and its function.
• That they accept responsibility for the implications on their network of auto reclose.
• The dead time should be set at 10s.

2.3.2.3 Reclaim Time

Reclaim time must in all cases be longer than the operating time of any protection that may initiate
an auto-reclose operation. (See 1 below).

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Reclaim time settings must consider the mechanical limitations of the Recloser, CB and protection
relays, which include but are not limited to:
• switch operating mechanism reset and stabilise time, such as spring charge time required
to set up CB for a normal trip-close-trip sequence;
• thermal limits requiring cooling time between successive fault current incidents in
equipment; and
• time for electromechanical relays to reset.

Generally, a reclaim time of 30s is sufficient, however refer to Attachment A for Total Fault Clearing
Time calculations, methods and Terms.

1 This can be quite long for an Extremely Inverse IDMT overcurrent relay operating at about 150% of its nominal
setting.

2.3.3 Automatic Field Reclosers

An automatic recloser is a self-contained device with the necessary circuit intelligence to sense
overcurrents, to time and interrupt the overcurrents, and to reclose automatically to re-energize the
line. If the fault should be “permanent” the recloser will “lock open” after the pre-set number of
operations (usually one to three) and thus isolate the faulted section from the main part of the
system.

Modern automatic reclosers enjoy the feature that they can employ different curves for each
reclose attempt. If there are line section fuses downstream of the recloser it is beneficial to have at
least one fast shot to provide some protection for the fuses for a transient fault.

Reclosers Classifications
Automatic circuit reclosers are classified on the basis of single or three phases, Hydraulic;
Electronic or Microprocessor controls, Oil or vacuum interrupters.

2.3.3.1 O/C, E/F and SEF Protection online Reclosers

When selecting reclosers for field application, consideration should be given to ensure the unit is
suitably rated for the interrupting capacity at the location being installed.
Overcurrent Protection covering phase and earth faults shall be set to detect faults on the line in
the recloser’s zone. The line recloser shall meet the same requirements as laid down in the
distribution part of the guideline on Overcurrent and Earth Fault for grading and backup (including
the setting of SEF protection).

2.3.3.2 Inrush Restraint

Used to temporarily prevent the recloser tripping on the initial close due to inrush currents. Before
implementing inrush restraint, consideration should be given as to the need for its implementation
and the setting required, which will be dependent on the load type and overcurrent and earth fault
protection settings in the recloser. It is important to note that if turned on, inrush restraint may
become active in times of very light load.

Typical settings for this function are 4 x full load current with a time setting of 0.15 second.

2.3.3.3 Cold Load Pickup

Used to temporarily prevent higher than normal load currents causing a trip due to loss of diversity
when switching on to a system after an extended outage. Cold load pickup temporarily increases
recloser protection pickup settings. It is recommended to turn on cold load pickup only where
necessary.

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How Cold Load pickup is applied can vary between recloser types, including when it becomes
enabled. It is important to understand the particular implementation in the recloser being set by
referring to the manufacturer’s literature.

If cold load pickup is implemented, then backup and primary operating factors need to be
maintained as per section 2.3.1.1 while cold load pickup is active.

Typical settings for this function are 1.5 - 2 x full load current and a time setting of 120 minutes

2.3.3.4 Recloser Delayed Operation

For reclosers where a delayed operation function is available (i.e ‘Hit and Run’) this function shall
be enabled for operator-initiated closes. For all manual operations there is to be a 40 second delay
before a close operation is initiated.
2.3.3.5 Coordination- Grading between ZS Relays, Reclosers and Recloser in Series
Recloser to recloser coordination is achieved by time-current grading primarily by the selection of
different series trip-coil rating in hydraulic reclosers, or different minimum-trip current values in
electronic reclosers and determination of the recloser time-current characteristics.

Grading margins starting from the source:

• Relay Disc type to hydraulic 400ms
• Relay Disc type to electronic 400ms
• Electronic to hydraulic 300ms
• Electronic to Electronic 300ms*
• Hydraulic to hydraulic 400ms
• Hydraulic to electronic 400ms.

Dead times should take into account slow reset times of hydraulic reclosers and margins between
hydraulic devices should be increased with the number of reclose attempts.
Where fuse saving schemes are employed that use fast/slow curves upstream reclosing devices
shall have sequence control enabled.
*Note: 300ms is recommended, however this margin can reduce to 200ms if required. The
reduction should be applied to the devices affecting the least number of customers.
2.3.3.6 Coordination between Recloser and Sectionaliser in Series
Installation of a sectionaliser does not affect the operating factor required at the recloser.
2.3.3.7 Coordination between Reclosers and Fuses in Series:
Coordination will depend on the number of shots set on the recloser for the downstream fuses.

In rural areas where transient faults may be a problem, reclosers may be set to give at least one
fast trip, so if the fault is of a transient nature, it can be cleared without blowing the fuse and
interrupting supply.

For optimum coordination between a recloser and fuse, their characteristics should be such that
whilst all transient faults would be cleared by one or more fast recloser operations without the fuse
blowing, permanent faults would blow the fuse before the recloser reached the lockout condition.
This ideal is not always attainable for all faults values, yet a reasonable compromise can often be
achieved by examination of recloser and fuse characteristics where ideally the fuse characteristic
should fit between the instantaneous and the delay tripping for the recloser.

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Where fast curves are employed on reclosers to protect fuses during transient faults, a minimum of
1.5 times operating factor should be used for fault detection.

For electronic reclosers the preferred fast trip is to use an Instantaneous setting. When using
instantaneous trips a minimum time (usually 0.1 sec) should be used to prevent unnecessary
spurious trips and provide protection stability e.g. from indirect lightning surges etc.

Backup protection is not required for high voltage fuses.

Where fuses are used to provide backup protection for a recloser a minimum operating factor of
3.0 times the fuse rating should be used for the backup fault coverage.

Consideration should be given to fuse element heating when coordinating with fuses, the grading
margin will decrease for source side fuses with subsequent recloses, an increased grading margin
and/or reclose times should be considered to ensure grading, the grading margin for load side
fuses will be increased by successive recloses.

Coordination between Reclosers and Fuses

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2.3.3.8 Coordination between Fuses and Downstream Reclosers

It is common on isolated SWER systems, rural zone substations and other rural networks for fuses
to be the primary SWER isolation or zone substation transformer protection, with reclosers used to
clear faults on the downstream distribution network respectively.

The source side fuses will normally be rated to provide protection to the transformer and will
basically determine what the combination of recloser curves will be used, so that the fuse does not
interrupt the circuit for any fault current on the recloser. The recloser’s modified delayed curve
must be faster than the fuse’s minimum melt curve.

For the maximum available recloser fault current, the fuse minimum melting time must be greater
than the average clearing time of the recloser delayed curve, multiplied by a specific factor which
includes the impact of fuse heating (during the fault) and fuse cooling (during recloser deadtimes).
The impact of this factor is usually expressed as an adjusted recloser delay curve which is
coordinated with the fuse minimum-melting time curve. A tool to assist the calculation of this factor
is included in the Essential Energy Grading Spreadsheet. This tool should be used to ensure
correct coordination between the upstream fuse and downstream recloser.
In this scenario a fuse is being used to provide backup fault coverage for a Recloser.
A minimum operating factor of 3.0 times the fuse rating should be used when selecting fuses for
the primary protection zone. Where a fuse is required to provide backup fault coverage for a
downstream device (such as a Recloser) a minimum operating factor of 3.0 times the fuse rating
should also be used.
2.3.3.9 Basic Coordination Principles to be Observed
• The load-side device must clear permanent or temporary faults before the source side
device interrupts the circuit (fuse link) or operates to lockout (recloser)
• Outages caused by permanent faults must be restricted to the smallest section of the
distribution system.

These principles primarily influence the selection of curves and the sequences of operation of both
source side and load side devices, and the general location of these devices on the distribution
system.

2.3.3.10 Basic Guidelines for the Location of Reclosers

• Reclosers should be located to segment the system to minimise customer exposure to
faults.
• Reclosers should be located to ensure fault coverage and to meet backup requirements.
• The principal fault causes in Essential Energy are storms, lightning, birds, branches and
bark in roughly that order. Remote controlled electronic reclosers allow protection to be
customised to these fault types to reduce fire risk and outage time.
• Excessive use of series reclosers can cause grading problems, and sectionalisers should
be considered where applicable.
• Reclosers are the minimum requirement for new single customer spurs with load or
generation above 1MVA as the connection point device.

2.3.4 Line Fuses

Fuses are the most basic protection devices available for overcurrent protection on a distribution
system. Their primary function is to serve as inexpensive weak links in the circuit that open to clear
(interrupt) overcurrent and protect equipment against overload and short circuit. They can also be
used as line sectionalising.

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Backup protection is not required for high voltage fuses. Where a fuse is required to provide
backup fault coverage for a downstream device (such as a Recloser) refer to sect 2.3.3.8
All fuses operate in the same way. A conductor of limited cross-section is heated by current
passing through it until it melts. This takes time, represented in time/current characteristics for the
fuse. On melting, a break is caused in the element, at which an electrical arc is established. The
arc burns in the fuse until the current returns to zero. Thus, there are two stages in fuse operation:
• The pre-arcing time (time/current characteristics)
• The arcing time.
The arcing behaviour is different for small, large and intermediate overcurrents.
The most common fuse type in use on the Essential Energy network are K type expulsive drop out
(EDO) type. A minimum operating factor of 3.0 times the fuse rating should be used when
selecting fuses. Note that fuse continuous rating is typically above nominal rating. Always check
the actual clearing time. For fuses other than K type refer to the manufacturer’s literature for
clearing characteristics

Fuse to Fuse Coordination

Discrimination: Fuse to fuse 100ms.

2.3.4.1 Principles of Operation of Fuses

Low overcurrents
At low overcurrents, the fuse breaks initially at just one point – the ‘M’ effect spot. This single arc
needs to lengthen before the voltage developed across the fuse is large enough to allow extinction.
It lengthens by burning away element’s materials. The longer the time taken to do this, the more
probable is the catastrophic failure.
High overcurrents
At high overcurrents fuse element vaporizes at all its constrictions. This produces a voltage drop
sufficient to rapidly reduce the current to zero.
Current-time curves for both pre-arcing time and total operating time are published for higher
overcurrents, but there is a large tolerance band for both, which gets wider (as a proportion of the
total operation time) as the current increases. This is because both pre-arcing and arcing times
depend heavily on the degree of DC offset current in the fault, which itself is determined by the
point–on–wave of the voltage where the fault occurs (an unpredictable variable). For this reason,
‘virtual time’ curves are used at high currents, when operating times are less than about 0.1 sec.
The virtual time curves are not intended, therefore, to indicate actual operating times, but serve as
a guide to grading fuses. The virtual total operating time of the minor fuse lie below the virtual pre-
arcing time of the major fuse.
Intermediate overcurrents
The worst-case energy dissipation in fuses may occur at intermediate currents. The inductive
energy dissipated by the arc, 0.5LI², does not continuously increase with increasing prospective
current, but peaks and then decreases.
The maximum Ldi/dt voltage developed across a fuse during operation is a function of the element
length and design (number of construction) rather than circuit inductance. This voltage is limited by
design and is fairly constant for any given fuse in a circuit up to its voltage rating. Above this
voltage, the peak voltage may rise as the wider parts of the element disintegrate (due to persistent
arcing caused by the higher circuit voltage) and from globules. The moral of this is: do not use a
fuse in a circuit that exceeds its voltage rating.

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2.3.4.2 Grading of Fuse to Fuse of the Same Voltage

The method of ensuring coordination is to inspect current-time curves, which generally include
minimum pre-arcing time and maximum clearing time. Such curves are only available on
distribution circuits. Time curves permit fuses of different manufacturers and designs to
successfully coordinate. We simply need to ensure that the minimum pre-arcing time of the
upstream fuse is greater than the maximum clearing time of the downstream fuse, up to the
maximum fault current that can be seen by both. This maximum current condition is a fault just
beyond the downstream fuse.
An acceptable rule for coordinating fuse links is that the maximum clearing time of the protecting
fuse should not exceed 80% of the minimum melting time for the protected fuse. This assures that
the protecting fuse will interrupt and clear the fault before the protected fuse is damaged in any
way.

2.3.4.3 Types of Distribution Fuses

• Expulsion type fuses – These are the most commonly used fuse in distribution systems, the
main duty of the fuse is to protect equipment against overcurrent of the system, secondary to
indicate the fuse has been blown by dropping out of its in-service position.
• Powder filled fuses.
• Boric Acid fuses.
Reference should be made to the Distribution Transformer Fusing Policy CEOS5099 for the correct
sized fuses.

2.4 Generators

All Generation proposed for installation on Essential Energy’s Network shall be assessed on an
individual case basis considering the type of Generator proposed and the proposed location on the
network.
Reference should be made to the Generation Connection Protection guidelines CEOP8012 when
checking/applying protection for these systems.

2.5 High Voltage Customers

The customer is to provide a protective system approved by Essential Energy to disconnect their
equipment from the supply in the event of a fault on their equipment:
• all protection settings shall provide suitable discrimination with Essential Energy’s system
protection.
• protection pickup values should be set to 120% of agreed transfer capacity.
• all protective equipment must be maintained to an industry recognised standard.
• Essential Energy’s is not required to provide backup protection to customer’s equipment
• fuses can be used as the connection point for customers <1MVA. For customers => 1MVA, a
recloser is to be used as the minimum connection point device to ensure that other Essential
Energy customers are not affected by faults in the HV customer’s network.
• if auto reclose is nominated for use refer to conditions in 2.3.3.2.
• minimum requirement would be OC, EF and SEF; and
• for UG networks use of an approved protection relay with a minimum of OC and EF. A self-
powered type relay is acceptable.

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3.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Summarise responsibilities allocated to employees (by job/position title) within the process
specified under Actions.

Position / Title Responsibility

Head of Asset Management • Shall have overall responsibility for the content,
approval and maintenance of this Guideline.

Network Planning Manager and • shall be responsible for the implementation of this
Regional Planning Managers Guideline.

Zone Substation Maintenance • shall be responsible for the operational aspects of

Group / System Control / Regional implementation of these Guidelines on the
Operations Managers distribution system.

Modifications to protection systems or settings are to be undertaken by authorised

protection personnel or under direction of authorised protection personnel only.
Disciplinary action will be taken against any employees found to be interfering with the
protection systems without the appropriate authority.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

Backup protection
Protection system that provides protection coverage on the network to back-up a protective device
that fails to operate or is out of service to the next downstream protective device.
EI
Extremely Inverse characteristic as defined in IEC 60255
Discrimination/ Grading
The coordination of non-unit protection by time
IDMT
Inverse Definite Minimum Time – A relay/ device operating characteristic that is inversely
proportional to the measured quantity, eg, as the current increases, the operating time decreases.
The definite minimum time varies between relay types, and typically occurs at 20 or 30 times the
relay pickup.
Operating Factor- Safety Margin
Fault level divided by the protection pickup value.
Maximum Fault level
Fault level with maximum (lowest impedance) network configuration.
Minimum Fault level
Fault level with weakest (highest impedance) network configuration.
Normal Fault level
Fault level with normal network configuration.
NPS
Negative Phase Sequence – an overcurrent protection where the operating quantity is the I2 or
Negative Phase Sequence current that is derived from the three phase quantities.

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Operating Factor
The fault level divided by the pickup (setting value) with reference to an overcurrent, earth fault or
NPS relay.
Overcurrent
An overcurrent protection where the operating quantity is derived from any of the three phase
quantities.
Primary distribution feeder
a distribution line connecting a sub-transmission asset to either other distribution lines that are not
sub-transmission lines, or to distribution assets that are not sub-transmission assets. (from NER)
PSA
Protection Setting Advice
Primary protection
Protection system that provides protection coverage on the network to the next downstream
protective device.
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
SI
Standard Inverse characteristic as defined in IEC 60255
Sub-transmission
any part of the power system which operates to deliver electricity from the transmission system to
the distribution network and which may form part of the distribution network, including zone
substations.
Sub-transmission line
a power line connecting a sub-transmission asset to either the transmission system or another sub-
transmission asset. (from NER)
SWER
Single wire earth return.
NPS
Negative phase sequence.
SEF
Sensitive earth fault.
VI
Very Inverse characteristic as defined in IEC 60255
Zone Substation
A substation for the purpose of connecting a distribution network to a sub-transmission network
(from NER).

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5.0 REFERENCES

Internal

CEOP8002.01 – Branch Procedure: Transmission and Policy Library

Sub-transmission Protection Guidelines

Company Procedure (Governance) - Information Policy Library

Security Sensitivity Labelling and Handling - CEOP1096

Branch Procedure (Network) - Subtransmission Policy Library

Protection Guidelines – CEOP8002.01

Annexure A - Total Fault Clearing Time Calculations, Policy Library

Methods and Terms.

CEOP8012 Generation Connection: Protection Policy Library

Guidelines.

CEOF6186 – Subtransmission: Protection Design Policy Library

Request

CEOS5099 – Distribution: Transformer Fusing Policy Library

External

ENA C(b)1-2006 : Guidelines for design and maintenance of overhead distribution and
transmission lines.

“Guide to the Application of Autoreclosing to Radial Overhead Lines Supplying Urban and Rural
Areas”, D (b) 12 1991, Electricity Supply Association of Australia.

IEC 61000 Electromagnetic Compatibility.

IEC 60255 Electrical Relays

Appropriate Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3000 (SAA Wiring Rules);

National Electricity Rules.

6.0 RECORDKEEPING

The Essential Energy employees associated with protection shall be responsible for the recording,
storage and maintenance of all protection records. Details of all the current and historic settings,
tripping schemes, instrument transformer ratios, reclose times, configurations, software files,
firmware and software versions, calculations and analysis details etc of all transmission, sub-
transmission and distribution protection equipment and devices, should be stored. All Essential
Energy employees associated with planning, protection, control and maintenance should have
read access to PSAs

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7.0 REVISIONS

Issue Section Details of changes in this revision Change

No. Risk
Impact?
1 All CEOP8002 split into two Documents

- CEOP8002.01 Subtransmission Protection Guidelines

- CEOP8002.02 Distribution Protection Guidelines

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Annexure A - Total Fault Clearing Time Calculations, Methods and Terms

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the method of calculation of Total Clearing Time and clarify
some of the terms used.

Figure 1: Permanent Fault Trip Sequence with One Reclose

Fault Detected
Trip Reclose Trip to Lockout
On

Off

Fault Dead Fault

Clearance Time Clearance
Time Time
Total Clearing Time

Figure 2 Permanent Fault Sequence with Three Recloses when used in conjunction
with a sectionaliser

Fault Detected
Reclose Trip to Lockout
Trip Trip Reclose Trip Reclose
On

Off

FCT DT FCT DT FCT DT FCT

Total Clearing Time

FCT = Fault Clearance Time DT = Dead Time

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