Relay Testing Steps

Follow This Test Procedure to Test Any Digital Relay

Obtain and review the relay Create a checklist of all elements, Isolate the relay output contacts
settings, drawings, and application outputs, and signals to be tested from the system then isolate the
(prefer description of operation or relay voltage, current, and inputs
coordination study) from the system

Decide what kind of test to perform Upload the Relay settings Connect the test-set to the relay
as per the 3-line drawing and DC
schematic.

Commissioning Acceptance Maintenance

Perform the Acceptance Tests Perform the relays self-test and Download all settings, events, and
record the results saved metering logs
Choose a protective element to test:
Check all digital inputs and outputs Perform the relays self-test and
record results
Understand the basic
operation of the element
Perform a meter test and record Perform a meter test and record
results results
Choose the appropriate Fault
Type (P-N, P-P, or 3P)
Verify all external inputs and watch
them change state in the relay
Perform a Pickup Test
(See reverse side for details)
Verify ALL relay outputs with a
Timing Test or Dynamic Test
Perform a Timing Test
(See reverse side for details)
(See reverse side for details)
for each enabled element

Repeat for all Enabled Elements

Verify all extra logic operation as if

it was a DC schematic

Verify that all output logic has been Clear metering maximums, sequence Return the relay to service, making
tested (Includes physical outputs, of events, and oscillography sure output contacts are connected
virtual outputs, display LEDs, and last. Perform in-service meter test.
display messages)
Relay Testing Steps
How to Apply a Realistic Fault
Decrease the faulted voltage;
All non-faulted phases stay the same
Pickup Test Procedure - Choose a Pickup Test Type
Ramping Pickup Test
Choose a method to detect pickup
(pickup light, software, spare contact)
Apply a nominal prefault voltage
for a few seconds
*Apply a realistic fault that should trip
*The pickup indication should operate
Apply a realistic fault that should not
trip outside the expected tolerance
Change the appropriate parameters so
the pickup indication turns on
Record the results and check percent error or allowable tolerances
Timing Test Procedure
Connect all outputs programmed to
operate with this element to test-set
inputs. Create timer for each input.
* indicates manual test only - skip for automated tests
Increase the faulted current;
All non-faulted phases stay the same
Pulse Pickup Test
Apply a nominal prefault voltage
*Apply a realistic fault that should trip
for a time longer than the expected
trip time; the relay should trip
Apply a realistic fault that should not
trip outside the expected tolerance for
a time longer than the expected trip
time; the relay should not trip
Apply a realistic fault that is 1% closer
to the pickup than the last step for a
time longer than the expected trip time
Did the relay trip?
No Yes
Check your settings,
test plan, and
connections
Apply a nominal prefault voltage for
a few seconds
The faulted current should lag the
faulted voltage 45-89
Dynamic Pickup/Timing Test
Connect all outputs programmed to operate
with this element to test-set inputs
Apply a nominal prefault voltage for a
few seconds
Apply a realistic fault that should not trip
outside the expected tolerance (6% less than
pickup) for a time longer than the expected
trip time: the relay should not trip
Immediately apply a nominal prefault
voltage for a few seconds
Immediately apply a realistic fault that should
trip (6% greater than pickup) for a time longer
than the expected trip time; monitor time
from test start to input operations
Did all inputs operate with the
correct time delay?
No Yes
Pickup is between the
two tests, time is the
measured time
Apply realistic fault (P-N, P-P, or 3P)
that should trip (multiples for inverse
elements, at least 120% for fixed
time elements) monitor time from test
start to input operations