REX615
ABB Relion REX615 Multiapplication Protection and Control Relay
ABBProtection Relay
When one modular relay must cover changing feeder, transformer, line, motor, generator, busbar, capacitor and voltage applications, ABB REX615 combines selectable application packages on one scalable platform.
IEC 60255-1IEC 61850 Edition 1/Edition 2.1IEC 60870-5-103IEC 60870-5-104ModbusDNP3
About this product
ABB Relion REX615 is a freely configurable, all-in-one protection and control relay for power generation and distribution applications. It combines modular hardware with selectable software packages so the same platform can be adapted to feeder, transformer, line, machine, generator, busbar, capacitor bank, voltage and interconnection duties.
Application coverage
REX615 can be configured for:
- Feeder protection and bay control
- Transformer protection
- Line distance and line differential protection
- Motor and generator protection
- Busbar and capacitor-bank protection
- Voltage protection and load shedding
- Grid automation, Petersen coil control, and auto-synchronization
- Interconnection and arc protection
ABB divides this functionality into base functions, 12 selectable application packages, and two alternative machine-protection add-on packages: current protection, voltage protection, fault location, feeder extensions, earth-fault extensions, line differential protection, shunt capacitor protection, interconnection protection, machine protection, power transformer protection, busbar protection, on-load tap-changer control, and line distance protection. The package set must be selected against the actual single-line diagram, instrument-transformer arrangement, switchgear control scope, and communication architecture.
Modular hardware and two sizes
REX615 is available in standard and wide sizes. ABB states that the standard size is mechanically aligned with the 615 Series and the wide size with the 620 Series. Hardware dimensions, modules, wiring connections and mounting kits are designed to support modernization and one-to-one replacement planning. The standard version includes four configurable function buttons, while the wide version includes sixteen.
Protection, control and arc detection
The available protection functions depend on the selected application packages. The platform can cover phase overcurrent protection (50/51), earth-fault protection (50N/51N), directional overcurrent protection (67), directional earth-fault protection (67N), line differential protection (87L), distance protection (21), transformer differential protection (87T), machine differential protection (87M/87G), thermal overload protection (49), motor start-up supervision (48/66), breaker failure protection (50BF), auto-reclosing (79), synchrocheck (25), voltage and frequency protection (27/59/81), load shedding and application-specific functions.
Integrated arc detection can supervise the busbar, circuit-breaker and cable compartments. The final sensor count, high-speed output arrangement and trip logic must be verified from the selected hardware and application configuration.
Communication and engineering
REX615 is configured with ABB PCM600. Depending on the communication module, it can support IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 60870-5-104, Modbus and DNP3. IEC 61850-based station-bus, GOOSE and process-bus functions are configuration dependent. Cybersecurity, user access and network design must be included in the project engineering rather than treated as default settings.
Modernization from 615 and 620 Series
ABB identifies REX615 as the next step for the 615 and 620 Series and states that no further releases are planned for those earlier series. REX615 should therefore be the first comparison point for new specifications, panel extensions and lifecycle modernization. Existing configurations cannot be assumed to migrate automatically; protection functions, logic, I/O, communication, mounting and wiring must be checked application by application.
Technical Specifications
| Applications | Feeder, transformer, line differential, line distance, motor, generator, busbar, capacitor bank, voltage, interconnection and arc protection |
| Platform | Fully modular and scalable all-in-one relay in standard and wide sizes |
| Communication | IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 60870-5-104, Modbus and DNP3 depending on module |
| IEC 61850 | Edition 1 and Edition 2.1; GOOSE and process-bus functions depending on configuration |
| Sensor Support | Conventional instrument transformer and sensor interfaces depending on hardware modules |
| Arc-Flash Protection | Integrated three-compartment arc protection capability |
| Mounting | Withdrawable plug-in unit; mechanically aligned with 615 standard and 620 wide sizes |
| Engineering Software | ABB PCM600 |
| Product Status | Current successor platform for Relion 615 and 620 Series |
Application Packages
| Package | Main task | Typical use | Selection note |
|---|---|---|---|
| APP1 | Overcurrent protection | Basic feeder, cable and distribution transformer backup protection | Considered the starting package for basic overcurrent and earth-fault coverage in most REX615 applications |
| APP2 | Earth-fault protection extension | Advanced earth-fault methods for compensated, isolated or high-resistance earthed networks | Should be selected after determining the network's neutral arrangement, measured zero-sequence quantities and the directional method |
| APP3 | Feeder protection extension | Directional feeder protection, advanced current elements and power-based protections | Should be evaluated together with APP1 in ring, meshed or distributed-generation networks |
| APP4 | Fault location | Estimated location of short-circuit or earth faults on overhead-line and cable feeders | Line parameters, instrument transformers and network earthing data must be entered correctly |
| APP5 | Voltage and frequency protection | Comprehensive voltage and frequency supervision at busbars, feeders or connection points | Voltage input hardware and connection method should be determined at the start of the project |
| APP6 | Line differential protection | Fast and selective zone protection for two-terminal cable or overhead-line sections | REX615 hardware at both ends, CT ratios and the protection communication channel must be designed together |
| APP7 | Shunt capacitor protection | Overload and unbalance protection for single or double-star capacitor banks | Capacitor connection type, current and voltage measurement points, and fuse arrangement must be verified |
| APP8 | Grid connection protection | Supervision of interconnection conditions for distributed generation, microgrids and grid connection points | Should be based on the applicable grid code, low-voltage ride-through requirements and active/reactive power limits |
| APP9 | Machine protection | Thermal model, starting, locked-rotor, load-loss and unbalance protection for asynchronous motors | Motor data, starting time, load characteristics and breaker or contactor control should be evaluated together |
| ADD1 | Synchronous machine add-on package | Excitation, stator earth-fault and stability protections for generators and synchronous motors | Should be selected alongside APP9 or related generation/interconnection packages, based on the machine's earthing and excitation system |
| ADD2 | Machine differential add-on package | Differential main protection for the stator winding of a motor or generator | CT arrangement and ratios on both sides, neutral-point access and machine rated values must be verified |
| APP10 | Power transformer protection | Differential main protection, restricted earth fault and backup protection for a two-winding power transformer | CT ratios, transformer vector group, earthing and voltage inputs must be defined together |
| APP11 | Busbar protection | Differential zone protection for medium-voltage busbar sections | Busbar topology, number of feeders, CT connections, trip matrix and breaker-failure logic must be designed together |
| APP12 | On-load tap-changer control | Automatic voltage regulation and OLTC command for a power transformer | Voltage measurement, tap position, parallel transformer operating method and command interlocks must be defined |
| APP13 | Line distance protection | Five-zone phase and earth distance protection for medium-voltage lines, with communication-assisted tripping schemes | Line impedance, zero-sequence compensation, measurement polarity, power swing and the communication scheme must be engineered together |
Protection Functions
| Package | Protection scope | Main functions |
|---|---|---|
| APP1 | Phase and earth fault, thermal loading and breaker backup protection | 50/51, 50N/51N, 46, 49F, 50BF |
| APP2 | Sensitive and directional earth-fault protection | 67N, 51N, 59N, 32N |
| APP3 | Advanced and directional feeder protection | 67, 67Q, 51V, 32R/32O |
| APP4 | Location analysis of feeder faults and operational support | Short-circuit fault location; earth-fault location; fault analysis through event and disturbance records |
| APP5 | Undervoltage, overvoltage, frequency and voltage-sequence component protection | 27, 59, 81, 59N |
| APP6 | Two-terminal line differential main protection and communication-assisted backup protection | 87L, 67Q, 50BF, 85 |
| APP7 | Capacitor bank overload, undercurrent and unbalance protection | 51/37/86C, 60N/60P, 55ITHD, 59NU, 87V |
| APP8 | Connection-point voltage, power and islanding protection | 27RT, 78VS, 32Q/27, 32R/32O |
| APP9 | Protection of the asynchronous motor against electrical, thermal and mechanical stresses | 49M, 46M, 37, 50TDJAM, 48/66/50TDLR |
| ADD1 | Synchronous machine and generator-specific protections | 40, 64TN, 24, 78PS, 21G |
| ADD2 | Motor or generator differential main protection | 87M/87G, 87, 49R (application dependent) |
| APP10 | Power transformer main and backup protection | 87T, 87N, 24, 49T, 51V |
| APP11 | Busbar differential main protection and zone tripping logic | 87B, 87A/87B/87C, 50BF |
| APP12 | Transformer voltage regulation, tap-raise and tap-lower control | 90, 27/59, command interlocks |
| APP13 | Phase and earth distance main or backup protection, power swing and protection signaling | 21P/21N, 21LAL, 68, 78PS, 85 |
Ordering Options
| Article Code | Main Application | Protection Scope | Protection Functions | selection differentiator | selection note | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APP1 | Overcurrent protection | Phase and earth fault, thermal loading and breaker backup protection | 50/51, 50N/51N, 46, 49F, 50BF | Basic feeder, cable and distribution transformer backup protection | Considered the starting package for basic overcurrent and earth-fault coverage in most REX615 applications | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP2 | Earth-fault protection extension | Sensitive and directional earth-fault protection | 67N, 51N, 59N, 32N | Advanced earth-fault methods for compensated, isolated or high-resistance earthed networks | Should be selected after determining the network's neutral arrangement, measured zero-sequence quantities and the directional method | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP3 | Feeder protection extension | Advanced and directional feeder protection | 67, 67Q, 51V, 32R/32O | Directional feeder protection, advanced current elements and power-based protections | Should be evaluated together with APP1 in ring, meshed or distributed-generation networks | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP4 | Fault location | Location analysis of feeder faults and operational support | Short-circuit fault location; earth-fault location; fault analysis through event and disturbance records | Estimated location of short-circuit or earth faults on overhead-line and cable feeders | Line parameters, instrument transformers and network earthing data must be entered correctly | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP5 | Voltage and frequency protection | Undervoltage, overvoltage, frequency and voltage-sequence component protection | 27, 59, 81, 59N | Comprehensive voltage and frequency supervision at busbars, feeders or connection points | Voltage input hardware and connection method should be determined at the start of the project | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP6 | Line differential protection | Two-terminal line differential main protection and communication-assisted backup protection | 87L, 67Q, 50BF, 85 | Fast and selective zone protection for two-terminal cable or overhead-line sections | REX615 hardware at both ends, CT ratios and the protection communication channel must be designed together | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP7 | Shunt capacitor protection | Capacitor bank overload, undercurrent and unbalance protection | 51/37/86C, 60N/60P, 55ITHD, 59NU, 87V | Overload and unbalance protection for single or double-star capacitor banks | Capacitor connection type, current and voltage measurement points, and fuse arrangement must be verified | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP8 | Grid connection protection | Connection-point voltage, power and islanding protection | 27RT, 78VS, 32Q/27, 32R/32O | Supervision of interconnection conditions for distributed generation, microgrids and grid connection points | Should be based on the applicable grid code, low-voltage ride-through requirements and active/reactive power limits | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP9 | Machine protection | Protection of the asynchronous motor against electrical, thermal and mechanical stresses | 49M, 46M, 37, 50TDJAM, 48/66/50TDLR | Thermal model, starting, locked-rotor, load-loss and unbalance protection for asynchronous motors | Motor data, starting time, load characteristics and breaker or contactor control should be evaluated together | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| ADD1 | Synchronous machine add-on package | Synchronous machine and generator-specific protections | 40, 64TN, 24, 78PS, 21G | Excitation, stator earth-fault and stability protections for generators and synchronous motors | Should be selected alongside APP9 or related generation/interconnection packages, based on the machine's earthing and excitation system | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| ADD2 | Machine differential add-on package | Motor or generator differential main protection | 87M/87G, 87, 49R (application dependent) | Differential main protection for the stator winding of a motor or generator | CT arrangement and ratios on both sides, neutral-point access and machine rated values must be verified | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP10 | Power transformer protection | Power transformer main and backup protection | 87T, 87N, 24, 49T, 51V | Differential main protection, restricted earth fault and backup protection for a two-winding power transformer | CT ratios, transformer vector group, earthing and voltage inputs must be defined together | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP11 | Busbar protection | Busbar differential main protection and zone tripping logic | 87B, 87A/87B/87C, 50BF | Differential zone protection for medium-voltage busbar sections | Busbar topology, number of feeders, CT connections, trip matrix and breaker-failure logic must be designed together | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP12 | On-load tap-changer control | Transformer voltage regulation, tap-raise and tap-lower control | 90, 27/59, command interlocks | Automatic voltage regulation and OLTC command for a power transformer | Voltage measurement, tap position, parallel transformer operating method and command interlocks must be defined | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
| APP13 | Line distance protection | Phase and earth distance main or backup protection, power swing and protection signaling | 21P/21N, 21LAL, 68, 78PS, 85 | Five-zone phase and earth distance protection for medium-voltage lines, with communication-assisted tripping schemes | Line impedance, zero-sequence compensation, measurement polarity, power swing and the communication scheme must be engineered together | This code identifies a REX615 application or add-on package, not a standalone relay model and not a complete ABB commercial ordering code. The final relay requires a compatible Standard or Wide REX615 hardware configuration plus any other selected packages. |
Request a Consultation
Send us your project requirements and we will get back to you.