



Advanced Digital Feeder Protection for Reliable Medium-Voltage Distribution
The ABB REF615E_1G (HBFBABACNDA1ANA11G) is a high-performance feeder protection and control relay from ABB’s Relion® protection family, designed for utility and industrial medium-voltage power distribution systems. It provides fast, selective, and reliable protection for overhead lines and cable feeders while integrating control, measurement, and monitoring functions in a single compact Intelligent Electronic Device (IED).
Built for modern and legacy substation environments, this relay ensures high system availability, precise fault detection, and seamless integration into SCADA and substation automation systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Series | Relion® 615 |
| Product Type | Feeder Protection & Control Relay (IED) |
| Model Number | REF615E_1G |
| Order Code | HBFBABACNDA1ANA11G |
| Function | Feeder protection, control, measurement, supervision |
| Protection Functions | Overcurrent, earth fault, voltage, frequency, power-based protection |
| Application | Medium-voltage feeders (radial, looped, meshed networks) |
| Auxiliary Supply | 48–250 V DC / 100–240 V AC |
| Rated Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz |
| CT Inputs | 1A / 5A configurable |
| Communication | IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-103 (variant dependent) |
| Ethernet | Optional RJ45 / fiber configurations |
| Time Synchronization | IEEE 1588 V2 / SNTP (depending on configuration) |
| Binary Inputs/Outputs | Configurable (varies by ordering code) |
| Mounting | Flush-mounted / panel-mounted IED |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +55°C |
| Dimensions | Approx. 177 × 177 × 201 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 2–5 kg (configuration dependent) |
Industrial Applications
The REF615E_1G is widely deployed in medium-voltage electrical infrastructure, including:
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Utility distribution substations
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Industrial power distribution networks
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Renewable energy collection systems (wind and solar farms)
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Oil and gas electrical distribution systems
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Mining and mineral processing facilities
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Railway traction substations
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Transformer and feeder bays
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Smart grid automation systems
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Heavy industrial manufacturing plants
Its flexibility allows it to support both simple radial feeders and complex meshed network configurations.
Key Advantages
Fast and Selective Protection
Ensures rapid fault isolation, reducing equipment damage and improving system reliability.
Multi-Function Integration
Combines protection, control, measurement, and supervision in one device.
Flexible Configuration
Supports a wide range of protection schemes through configurable logic and signal matrix tools.
Digital Substation Ready
Fully compatible with IEC 61850-based automation and modern SCADA systems.
High Reliability Design
Built for continuous operation in harsh electrical environments with strong EMI resistance.
Lifecycle Efficiency
Supports long-term upgrades and parameter adjustments without hardware replacement.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the main function of the REF615E_1G?
It provides protection and control for medium-voltage feeder circuits in power distribution systems.
2. What does the code HBFBABACNDA1ANA11G mean?
It defines the relay’s configuration, including protection functions, I/O setup, communication options, and hardware version.
3. Is this relay suitable for transmission lines?
No. It is primarily designed for distribution-level feeder protection, not high-voltage transmission lines.
4. What happens during a fault?
The relay detects abnormal current/voltage conditions and issues a trip command to isolate the faulty section.
5. Can it work in renewable energy plants?
Yes, it is widely used in wind and solar grid integration systems.
6. Does it support IEC 61850?
Yes, many configurations support IEC 61850 for digital substation communication.
7. Is it a PLC?
No. It is an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) specifically designed for protection and control.
8. Can it be reconfigured after installation?
Yes, settings and logic can be modified using ABB engineering tools like PCM600.
9. What industries commonly use it?
Utilities, energy generation, heavy industry, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
10. Is it still actively used today?
Yes. It remains a widely deployed relay in both new and existing substation systems.