ABB REF542
ABB REF542
ABB REF542
ABB REF542
ABB REF542

ABB REF542PLUS | IEC 61850 Compatible Feeder Control & Protection Unit

  • Brand: ABB
  • Model: REF542PLUS
  • Product Type: Medium-Voltage Feeder Protection & Control Relay
  • Series: ABB Relion® 500 Series
  • Core Function: Provides overcurrent, ground fault, voltage, and frequency protection; supports switchgear control, measurement, and communication for distribution networks.
  • Key Specs: 24-250V DC/48-230V AC power supply; -25°C to +70°C operating temperature; IEC 61850/Modbus communication; 8-channel analog inputs.
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Description

REF542PLUS: Product Overview
The ABB REF542PLUS is a compact, multi-function digital relay designed for medium-voltage (6-36 kV) distribution systems, serving as a core component in switchgear for protecting feeders, transformers, and motors. As part of ABB’s Relion® 500 series, it integrates advanced protection algorithms, real-time monitoring, and flexible control capabilities to ensure grid stability and minimize downtime. The relay is engineered for harsh industrial environments, offering high reliability and compatibility with both ABB and third-party switchgear.
Its primary role is to detect and isolate faults​ (e.g., overcurrent, ground faults) in distribution networks while providing remote monitoring and control​ via communication protocols like IEC 61850. The REF542PLUS supports both feeder protection (for overhead or cable lines) and equipment protection (for transformers or motors), making it a versatile solution for utilities, industrial plants, and renewable energy facilities.
As a member of the Relion® 500 family, the relay benefits from ABB’s modular design, allowing easy expansion of I/O channels or communication modules. It adheres to international standards (e.g., IEC 60255 for electromagnetic compatibility) and is optimized for integration with substation automation systems (SAS), enabling smart grid functionalities like fault location and remote switching.

ABB REF542

ABB REF542

REF542PLUS: Technical Specifications
  • Model Number: REF542PLUS
  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Product Type: Medium-Voltage Feeder Protection & Control Relay
  • Series: ABB Relion® 500 Series
  • Power Supply: 24-250V DC or 48-230V AC (wide-range input for grid flexibility)
  • Operating Temperature: -25°C to +70°C (suitable for outdoor and industrial use)
  • Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (for logistics and backup)
  • Protection Functions:
    • Overcurrent (instantaneous, time-delay, inverse-time)
    • Ground fault (sensitive, directional)
    • Voltage (over/under-voltage, unbalance)
    • Frequency (over/under-frequency)
    • Motor protection (start-up overcurrent, locked rotor)
  • Communication Protocols: IEC 61850 (Ed. 2) for substation automation, Modbus RTU/TCP for legacy systems, DNP3 for utility networks.
  • I/O Configuration:
    • Analog Inputs: 8 channels (current/voltage transformers for measurement)
    • Digital Inputs: 16 configurable (fault indication, start/stop commands)
    • Digital Outputs: 12 configurable (trip signals, alarm relays)
  • Display & Interface: High-resolution LCD with touch screen (real-time status, fault logs); USB port for local data export.
  • Mounting: Panel mount or flush mount (adaptable to control cabinets or switchgear panels).
  • Dimensions: 200 x 150 x 100 mm (H x W x D); Weight: ~1.5 kg (compact for space-constrained environments).
  • Certifications: CE, UL, cUL, IEC 60255 (electromagnetic compatibility), IEC 61000 (EMI/EMC).
Core Features & Customer Value​
  • Multi-Function Protection: Integrates overcurrent, ground fault, voltage, and frequency protection in a single device, eliminating the need for multiple relays. This reduces cabinet space, wiring complexity, and maintenance costs—for example, in a 10 kV distribution substation, it can protect 10 feeders with one relay, replacing 5 legacy devices.
  • IEC 61850 Compatibility: Full support for IEC 61850 Ed. 2 enables seamless integration with modern substation automation systems (SAS). This allows features like GOOSE messaging (fast fault signal transmission) and MMS reporting (remote monitoring), which are critical for smart grid deployments. For instance, in a renewable energy plant, the relay can send feeder status data to a central SCADA system for real-time analytics.
  • Modular Design: Supports expansion of I/O channels (analog/digital) and communication modules (e.g., adding RS485 for legacy systems). This flexibility accommodates diverse application needs—for example, a factory can add a 4-20 mA analog input module to monitor transformer temperature.
  • Real-Time Monitoring & Diagnostics: Built-in disturbance recorder (captures 100+ events with 1 ms resolution) and event logger (stores 1000+ fault records) enable engineers to quickly identify fault causes (e.g., phase-to-ground short, overvoltage) and reduce downtime. The LCD display shows real-time waveforms, simplifying troubleshooting.
  • Wide Environmental Tolerance: Operates in -25°C to +70°C temperatures and meets IP52 front-panel protection (dust-resistant), making it suitable for outdoor substations, industrial plants, and remote locations.

    ABB REF542

    ABB REF542

Typical Applications​
The REF542PLUS is designed for medium-voltage distribution and equipment protection​ in a variety of settings:
  1. Utility Substations: Protects 6-36 kV feeders in primary and secondary substations, ensuring grid stability. For example, in a 33 kV substation, it can monitor 15 feeders and isolate faults within 50 ms, minimizing outage impact on residential areas.
  2. Industrial Plants: Safeguards transformers, motors, and feeders in steel mills, chemical plants, and paper mills—where heavy machinery (e.g., motors, furnaces) causes frequent voltage fluctuations. The relay’s motor protection function prevents burnout from prolonged overloading.
  3. Renewable Energy Facilities: Protects feeders in wind and solar farms. For instance, in a solar farm, it can monitor a central inverter feeder, ensuring safe operation during voltage spikes from cloud cover or equipment malfunctions.
  4. Commercial Buildings: Used in large commercial complexes (e.g., malls, hospitals) to protect backup feeders that supply power during outages. The relay’s voltage protection prevents damage from undervoltage or overvoltage conditions.

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