ABB RED615 HCDCACADAHC2BNN11E – Advanced Protection Relay for Medium-Voltage Networks

If you’re managing medium-voltage substations in industrial or utility environments, the ABB RED615 is one of those relays that tends to show up reliably—year after year. From my experience, it’s not flashy, but it gets the job done with solid performance in motor and transformer protection applications. One thing I appreciate is how well it integrates into existing ABB ecosystem setups, especially when you’re already running other IEDs from the same vendor.

Key Features

• Comprehensive protection functions: Supports motor, transformer, and feeder protection with configurable logic. Typically used in mining plants and water treatment facilities where downtime is costly.
• IEC 61850 compliance: Uses GOOSE messaging and supports both Sampled Values and MMS protocols. In many cases, this makes system integration smoother if you’re modernizing a substation.
• Local HMI with intuitive navigation: The front panel includes a graphical display and soft keys, which simplifies troubleshooting during commissioning.
• Dual communication ports: Equipped with two Ethernet ports (RJ-45) and one RS-485 serial interface—useful for daisy-chaining devices without extra switches.
• Firmware flexibility: Can be upgraded remotely via engineering tools like PCM600, reducing the need for site visits.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This relay is commonly found in industries requiring dependable medium-voltage protection—think pulp and paper mills, offshore platforms, and municipal power distribution networks. It’s particularly strong in motor protection schemes where thermal overload, stall, and unbalance detection are critical. Some users have also applied it successfully in small transformer protection up to 2 MVA, though additional configuration effort may be needed compared to dedicated transformer relays.

Advantages & Value

Purchasing the RED615 isn’t just about hardware—it’s about long-term supportability. Since ABB continues to back this model with firmware updates and engineering tool compatibility, it reduces obsolescence risk. Integration with SCADA systems using IEC 61850 typically goes smoothly, saving engineering hours during commissioning. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its reliability often leads to lower total cost of ownership over time, especially in remote installations where service calls are expensive.

Installation & Maintenance

It fits standard 19-inch switchgear panels and works best in cabinets meeting IP54 standards. Make sure there’s at least 50 mm clearance on each side for ventilation—the internal power supply can generate heat under continuous load. Wiring should follow shielded twisted-pair practices, especially for analog and communication lines, to avoid noise interference. From a maintenance standpoint, periodic checks every 18–24 months seem sufficient: verify relay logic operation, inspect terminal tightness, and consider updating firmware if new versions address known issues. Calibration isn’t required annually unless local regulations mandate it.

Quality & Certifications

The RED615 carries CE, UL, and CSA certifications, and complies with IEC 60255 standards for electrical safety and EMC. It’s RoHS compliant and manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes. The unit comes with a standard 365-day warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. We’ve seen very few field failures outside of surge-related incidents—so pairing it with proper transient protection on control wiring is highly recommended.

Delivery is typically within one week for in-stock units, and never exceeds one month. Payment requires 50% upfront, with the balance due before shipment. We ship globally via FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on destination and urgency.