ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG | Feeder Protection Relay for Medium-Voltage Distribution

  • Brand: ABB
  • Model: REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG
  • Product Type: Medium-Voltage Feeder Protection & Control Relay
  • Series: ABB Relion® 615 Series
  • Core Function: Provides directional/non-directional overcurrent, earth fault, voltage, and frequency protection for overhead lines, cable feeders, and busbar systems in distribution substations. Supports IEC 61850 communication and arc flash detection.
  • Key Specs: 4 Current Transformers (CTs), 6 Voltage Transformers (VTs), IEC 61850-9-2 LE process bus, arc flash detection (AFD), 1200A short-time withstand current, -25°C to +70°C operating temperature.
Manufacturer:
Part number: ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG
Our extensive catalogue, including : ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG , is available now for dispatch to the worldwide.

Description

REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG: Product Overview
The ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG is a high-performance feeder protection relay designed for medium-voltage (11kV-33kV) distribution systems, including overhead lines, cable feeders, and busbar sections in utility substations and industrial plants. As part of ABB’s Relion® 615 Series, it is built on the IEC 61850 standard for seamless substation automation and integrates advanced protection, control, and monitoring functions into a compact, draw-out chassis.
Its primary role is to safeguard distribution networks​ from faults like short circuits, earth faults, overvoltages, and frequency deviations while enabling remote operation and diagnostics. The relay supports both radial​ and ring/mesh​ network configurations, making it versatile for grids with or without distributed generation (DG). Key features include directional overcurrent protection​ (for selective fault clearing in complex networks), multi-frequency admittance earth fault protection​ (for high-resistance grounded systems), and arc flash detection​ (to mitigate risks in switchgear).
The HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG configuration is tailored for high-reliability applications, with 4 CT inputs (for current measurement) and 6 VT inputs (for voltage monitoring). It includes IEC 61850-9-2 LE process bus​ for integrating with smart sensors and merging units, reducing wiring complexity. The relay’s draw-out design​ allows for hot-swapping during maintenance, minimizing downtime.

ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG

ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG

REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG: Technical Specifications
  • Model Number: REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG
  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Product Type: Medium-Voltage Feeder Protection Relay
  • Series: Relion® 615 Series
  • Protection Functions: Directional/non-directional overcurrent (instantaneous/delayed), earth fault (directional/multi-frequency admittance), overvoltage (zero-sequence/negative-sequence), undervoltage (positive-sequence), frequency deviation (over/under), thermal overload.
  • Communication Protocols: IEC 61850-9-2 LE (process bus), IEC 61850-8-1 (GOOSE), Modbus RTU/TCP, DNP3.
  • I/O Configuration: 4 CT inputs (5A/1A), 6 VT inputs (100V/110V), 8 digital outputs (250V AC/30V DC), 16 digital inputs (24V DC).
  • Arc Flash Detection: Integrated arc flash sensor interface (supports up to 3 channels), 1ms response time.
  • Operating Temperature: -25°C to +70°C (with derating above 55°C).
  • Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C.
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing.
  • Power Supply: 85-265V AC/DC (single-phase), 100-250V DC (backup).
  • Dimensions: 180mm (H) x 160mm (W) x 120mm (D) (draw-out chassis).
  • Weight: 2.5kg.
  • Certifications: IEC 60255-1 (electrical safety), IEC 60255-21 (EMC), IEC 61850-3 (communication), RoHS.
Core Features & Customer Value
1. Advanced Fault Protection for Complex Networks
The REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG’s directional overcurrent protection​ uses voltage phasors to determine fault direction, enabling selective tripping in radial networks with multiple feeders. This prevents unnecessary outages of healthy lines. For earth faults, the multi-frequency admittance protection​ analyzes harmonic components of zero-sequence current, making it ideal for high-resistance grounded systems (common in industrial plants). This combination ensures reliable fault clearing even in challenging grid conditions, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
2. IEC 61850 Integration for Smart Substations
Support for IEC 61850-9-2 LE process bus​ allows the relay to communicate with smart sensors (e.g., merging units) using digital signals, eliminating the need for analog wiring. This reduces installation time by 30-40% and improves signal integrity. The relay also supports GOOSE messaging​ for peer-to-peer communication with other IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), enabling coordinated protection schemes (e.g., auto-reclose with upstream circuit breakers). For utilities upgrading to smart grids, this compatibility future-proofs their investment.
3. Arc Flash Safety for Personnel and Equipment
Integrated arc flash detection​ (AFD) uses light and current sensors to identify arc faults in switchgear (e.g., cable compartments, busbars). When a fault is detected, the relay sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker within 1ms, minimizing arc duration and reducing the risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment. This feature is critical for compliance with OSHA (U.S.) and IEC 62271-200 (international) arc flash standards, helping utilities avoid costly fines and lawsuits.
4. Flexible Configuration for Diverse Applications
The HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG configuration includes 4 CTs and 6 VTs, making it suitable for both overhead lines (which require current measurement) and cable feeders (which need voltage monitoring for earth fault protection). The relay’s software-configurable I/O​ allows users to tailor inputs/outputs to specific needs (e.g., adding more digital outputs for alarm signals). This flexibility makes it a versatile solution for industrial plants, commercial buildings, and utility substations.
5. Easy Maintenance with Draw-Out Design
The relay’s draw-out chassis​ allows for hot-swapping (replacing the relay without de-energizing the panel). This reduces maintenance downtime from hours to minutes, critical for utilities with high availability requirements. The front-panel LCD display provides real-time status updates (e.g., fault type, current/voltage values), simplifying troubleshooting.

ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG

ABB REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG

Typical Applications
1. Utility Substations (Overhead Lines)
In utility substations, the REF615 HBFKBCADABC1BNN1XG protects overhead distribution lines​ (11kV-33kV) from short circuits, earth faults, and lightning strikes. Its directional overcurrent protection ensures that only the faulty line is tripped, minimizing outages for customers. For example, in a radial network with 10 feeders, the relay can selectively clear a fault on Feeder 5 without affecting Feeders 1-4 or 6-10. This is particularly valuable for rural areas where outages can impact emergency services or agriculture.
2. Industrial Plants (Cable Feeders)
Industrial plants (e.g., steel mills, chemical factories) use the relay to protect cable feeders​ supplying power to motors, pumps, and conveyors. The multi-frequency admittance earth fault protection is ideal for these environments, where high-resistance grounding is common (to reduce fault currents and equipment damage). The arc flash detection feature protects workers from arc flashes in cable trenches or switchgear, complying with OSHA 1910.269 standards. For example, in a steel mill, the relay can detect an arc fault in a motor control center and trip the circuit breaker within milliseconds, preventing a catastrophic fire.
3. Commercial Buildings (Backup Power)
Commercial buildings (e.g., hospitals, data centers) use the relay to protect backup generators​ and transfer switches. The frequency deviation protection ensures that the generator synchronizes properly with the grid, while the undervoltage protection prevents damage to sensitive equipment (e.g., servers, medical devices). The relay’s communication capabilities allow it to integrate with building management systems (BMS), providing real-time status updates to facility managers. For example, in a hospital, the relay can send an alarm to the BMS if a feeder fault occurs, allowing staff to switch to backup power before a outage affects patient care.