REF615 / REF601
ABB Relion REF Series Feeder Protection Relay
When MV feeder protection is needed across utility substations and industrial power systems — from cost-optimised entry-level to advanced IEC 61850 Ethernet-enabled configurations — the ABB REF series is what we specify. REF601 covers essential overcurrent protection for straightforward applications, while REF615 adds directional earth fault, arc flash detection, IEC 61850 communication and full PCM600 engineering tool integration.
About this product
The ABB REF series provides MV feeder protection across the full range from essential overcurrent to advanced directional and arc flash applications. REF601 is the entry-level model delivering core overcurrent and earth fault protection (ANSI 50/51/50N/51N) with RS485 communication, designed for cost-sensitive retrofit projects where IEC 61850 is not required. REF615 extends the platform with directional phase and earth fault (67/67N), arc flash detection, breaker failure (50BF), LPCT/LPVT low-power sensor inputs and full IEC 61850 Edition 1 and Edition 2 Ethernet communication. REF615 is available in four hardware configurations: the E variant for standard IEC markets, the G variant with UL and CE certifications, the H variant for applications requiring high-density digital I/O, and the LPCT variant for installations using low-power current and voltage sensors. All variants are engineered via PCM600 for consistent parameterisation, virtual injection testing and disturbance analysis. Typical applications include MV feeder bays in DSO distribution substations, industrial switching stations and renewable energy collection grids. The REF601 and REF615 can be deployed together across a single project — REF601 for straightforward radial feeders and REF615 for directional and IEC 61850 bays — providing a cost-effective single-vendor solution that matches protection capability to each specific bay requirement.
Technical Specifications
| tool | PCM600 |
| models | REF601 / REF615 |
| arc flash | optional (REF615) |
| lpct lpvt | REF615 |
| application | MV feeder protection |
| communication | RS485 + Ethernet IEC 61850 (REF615) |
| ansi functions | 50/51/50N/51N/67/67N/79/27/59/81/50BF (model dependent) |
| supply voltage | 24-250V DC / 48-230V AC |
Ordering Options
| Article Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| REF601 | Basic feeder overcurrent + earth fault, RS485 only | |
| REF615 E | Standard IEC 61850 feeder relay | |
| REF615 G | Global certifications (UL/CE) variant | |
| REF615 H | High-density I/O variant | |
| REF615 LPCT | Low power sensor (LPCT/LPVT) variant |
Request a Consultation
Send us your project requirements and we will get back to you.