Middle East university

Faculty of Engineering
Power Systems and Electronics Lab 0954702

Experiment Name: over current relay

Experiment Number: 2

Student’s Name: Rula Mohammed hasan

Student’s ID: 202010721

Submission date: Thursday 11/7/2024

1. Introduction:
Overcurrent relays are critical protective devices used in electrical systems to safeguard equipment and
infrastructure from the potentially damaging effects of excessive current. By sensing abnormal current
levels, overcurrent relays help prevent faults, fires, and equipment failure in power systems. They operate
by monitoring current flow and disconnecting circuits when current exceeds predefined levels, ensuring
system reliability and safety.
Principle of Operation
An overcurrent relay works by measuring the current flowing through a system and comparing it to a
preset threshold. When the current exceeds this threshold, it signals a circuit breaker to open and isolate
the faulted section. This protects the equipment from the effects of high currents, which could result from
short circuits, overloads, or other faults.
Types of Overcurrent Relays
1. Instantaneous Overcurrent Relay:
o This relay activates immediately when the current exceeds the preset value, without
intentional delay.
o It is suitable for applications where immediate response to high fault currents is
necessary, such as protecting transformers or sensitive equipment.
2. Time-Delay Overcurrent Relay:
o This relay introduces a time delay before tripping, allowing for temporary surges that are
common during startup or other normal conditions.
o Time-delay relays are used in scenarios where a quick trip is not required, as in systems
that experience temporary current spikes.
3. Inverse-Time Overcurrent Relay:
o The trip time of this relay decreases as the magnitude of overcurrent increases. This
provides flexibility in coordinating with other relays in the system.
o Commonly used in complex power systems, it allows selective coordination and helps
maintain system stability.

Figure 1: a graph showing the types of overcurrent relay

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Applications of Overcurrent Relays
Overcurrent relays are extensively used in various parts of electrical power systems:
• Distribution Networks: To protect distribution lines and feeders from faults.
• Transformers: To prevent overloading and protect against internal transformer faults.
• Motors: For overload protection, ensuring motors are disconnected if excessive current flows.
• Generators: To protect against overcurrent scenarios that can cause overheating and damage.
Key Parameters and Settings
1. Pick-up Current (I-pick up):
o The threshold at which the relay is set to operate. It is based on the normal operating
current of the system and set above this to avoid nuisance tripping.
2. Time Setting Multiplier (TSM):
o Used in inverse-time overcurrent relays to adjust the time delay for operation. A higher
TSM extends the trip time, which can help in coordination with other relays.
3. Current Setting Multiplier (CSM):
o A multiplier is used to set the exact pick-up current based on system requirements. It is
applied to adjust the relay sensitivity.
4. Reset Time:
o The time required for the relay to reset after the current returns to normal levels. This is
crucial in systems where repeated faults may occur, as it prevents unwanted tripping.
Coordination and Selectivity
Proper coordination between overcurrent relays is essential to ensure that only the closest relay to a fault
trips, while upstream relays remain intact. This approach, known as selective coordination, minimizes
power disruption by isolating only the faulted segment.
Advantages of Overcurrent Relays
• Reliability: They provide consistent and reliable protection for electrical systems.
• Flexibility: Adjustable settings allow them to be tailored to various system requirements.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Overcurrent relays are generally less expensive compared to more complex
protective devices.
• Ease of Installation: They are simple to install and integrate into existing systems.

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Limitations of Overcurrent Relays
• Coordination Complexity: Ensuring selectivity in complex systems can be challenging.
• Limited Fault Discrimination: They may not differentiate between types of faults, as they
respond solely to current magnitude.
• Time Delay Risks: In high-speed applications, time delays may lead to slower responses, which
can be undesirable.
Materials and Equipment:
-Relay (definite time) -Circuit
breaker.
-Power supply.
-Load (squirrel cage three phase induction motor).

Figure 2: circuit breaker

Figure 3: power supply

1. Data Analysis and Discussion:

Figure 4: Definite time overcurrent relay

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 Figure 5: connection for definite time overcurrent relay

2. Discussion:
To test an overcurrent relay’s response by setting a delay (T) to disconnect the circuit if overcurrent
persists and allowing a brief recovery time (Tc) for the load current to return to normal.
Setup
1. Connect Power Supply: Wire the power supply to the overcurrent relay, circuit breaker, and load
in series.
2. Place Ammeter: Install an ammeter on any phase to monitor current values.
Relay Configuration
• Set relay delay time T = 5 seconds (time before tripping if overcurrent persists).
• Set SP (set point) to trigger relay timing when current exceeds the nominal level.
• Define Tc as the maximum period allowed for the current to return to normal before the relay
trips (Tc < T).
Procedure
1. Start Normal Operation: Turn on the power supply, observe the nominal current.
2. Induce Overcurrent: Gradually increase current above SP, starting the relay timing.
3. Monitor Response:
o If current drops to normal within Tc, the relay should not trip.

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 o If overcurrent persists beyond T (5 seconds), observe the relay tripping the circuit
breaker.
Observation
Record the current values, the time delay at trip, and whether the relay successfully avoided tripping
during brief overcurrent.
Summary
This setup demonstrates the relay’s ability to handle transient spikes by using Tc to prevent unnecessary
trips while enforcing disconnection if the overcurrent persists beyond T.

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