ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH Feeder Protection Relay

Applications

The ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH is a microprocessor-based feeder protection relay designed for use in medium- and low-voltage distribution networks. It provides comprehensive protection, control, and monitoring for feeders, motors, and small generators. This relay is commonly installed in industrial plants, substations, and utility networks where dependable protection and system coordination are essential.

Typical application areas include:

Feeder protection in industrial and commercial power systems

Motor and transformer protection

Substation automation and control

Renewable energy integration (solar and wind)

Backup protection for transmission and distribution lines

Its compact, modular design allows easy integration into ABB’s Relion protection and control platform, supporting both standalone and system-based applications.

Overview

The REF601 CE446BB1NH offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for overcurrent and earth-fault protection. It continuously monitors system parameters such as current, voltage, and frequency, ensuring fast and selective fault clearance to minimize downtime and equipment damage.

Built with ABB’s advanced digital protection algorithms, it ensures precise fault detection and coordination with upstream and downstream devices. The relay also features self-supervision, ensuring internal health monitoring and alerting operators in case of any abnormal conditions.

Technical Specifications (in paragraph form for variety)

The REF601 CE446BB1NH operates on a nominal auxiliary supply of 24–250 V DC or 100–240 V AC, supporting flexible installation conditions. It provides three-phase current inputs for overcurrent detection and an earth-fault current input for ground fault protection.

Measurement accuracy is typically within ±1% for current and ±0.2 Hz for frequency, ensuring reliable system analysis. The relay features trip contacts rated for 30 V DC / 5 A and signal outputs for remote SCADA communication.

It supports Modbus RTU and IEC 60870-5-103 protocols, ensuring seamless communication with ABB and third-party automation systems. The relay is designed for operation in ambient temperatures between –25°C and +70°C, with protection class IP54 for front panel and IP20 for terminal areas.

Key Features

Comprehensive Protection Functions: Phase overcurrent, earth-fault, thermal overload, and under/overvoltage protection.

Multi-Protocol Communication: Compatible with Modbus RTU and IEC 60870-5-103 for system integration.

User-Friendly Interface: LCD display and LED indicators provide real-time status, event, and fault information.

Self-Diagnostics: Continuous internal monitoring ensures reliability and early fault detection.

Programmable Logic: Enables customization of tripping and signaling logic.

Event and Fault Recording: Stores disturbance records and time-stamped event logs.

Compact Design: Space-saving housing suitable for panel mounting or retrofitting existing systems.

Structure & Composition

The REF601 CE446BB1NH comprises:

Front Panel Interface: With control buttons, LCD screen, and status LEDs.

Processing Unit: Houses the microcontroller, signal converters, and communication circuits.

Input/Output Terminals: Provide connections for CTs, power supply, trip contacts, and communication lines.

Protective Casing: Ensures mechanical and electrical safety in harsh environments.

Its modular construction enables straightforward maintenance and quick replacement, minimizing downtime during servicing.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation:

Mount the relay in a standard 19-inch or flush panel cutout.

Connect CT inputs, auxiliary power, and trip circuits as per ABB wiring diagrams.

Configure protection settings using ABB’s Relay Setting Tool (RST600) software.

Verify communication via Modbus or IEC 60870-5-103 connection tests.

Perform a functional test before energizing the feeder.

Maintenance:

Periodically test trip circuits and protection settings using secondary injection tests.

Keep the front panel clean and free of dust.

Inspect wiring terminals for tightness and corrosion.

Back up relay configuration files regularly for redundancy.

Additional Information

The ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH complies with IEC 60255, CE, UL, and ISO 9001 quality standards. It offers high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMC) and meets environmental testing for vibration, humidity, and temperature endurance.

As part of ABB’s Relion 600 series, this relay ensures safe, efficient, and intelligent power distribution management—enhancing reliability and operational efficiency across industrial and utility sectors.