ABB REF615C-E-HCFDACADABC2BAN11E – Feeder Protection and Control IED for MV Distribution

The ABB REF615C is a compact, IEC 61850-native feeder protection relay designed for medium-voltage distribution switchgear. The specific code REF615C-E-HCFDACADABC2BAN11E indicates a C-hardware generation unit with an Ethernet-enabled configuration and an enhanced I/O set, which—based on similar builds—typically suits radial or ring-main feeders with directional earth-fault, thermal overload, and breaker control functions. From my experience, utilities and industrial plants pick this series when they want dependable protection, fast GOOSE messaging, and straightforward engineering via PCM600 without overcomplicating the panel design.

Our Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

One thing I appreciate is the predictable lead time on REF615C-series units. In many cases we can cross-check your ordering code against available stock and propose an equivalent build if time is tight.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Feeder Protection – Time/directional overcurrent, earth-fault, negative-sequence, thermal overload; breaker failure and autoreclose are available on this platform and are commonly enabled on E-configurations.
• Native IEC 61850 (Ed.2) with GOOSE – Fast peer-to-peer tripping and interlocking; typically reduces hard-wired interlocks and field labor.
• Flexible CT/VT inputs – Supports 1 A or 5 A CTs and nominal VT inputs for MV systems, making retrofits smoother.
• Multiple Protocols – Besides IEC 61850, the REF615 series supports Modbus (TCP/RTU), DNP3 (serial/TCP) and IEC 60870-5-103 in most builds.
• Switchgear Integration – Breaker control, interlocking, synch/check (as applicable), and logical nodes aligned with common MV feeder schemes.
• Event & Disturbance Recording – SOE logs with millisecond time-stamps and waveform records simplify root-cause analysis after a trip.
• Engineering with PCM600 – Settings management, signal mapping, and firmware handling through ABB’s PCM600 tool; you might notice the learning curve is gentler than many expect.
• Front USB Service Port – Quick access for settings or reports during commissioning.

Technical Specifications

Note: Exact I/O count, port types, and auxiliary supply variant are defined by the ordering code. If you share your single-line and CT/VT data, we’ll validate compatibility before shipment.

Application Fields

• Utility MV feeders in primary/secondary substations (radial or ring topology)
• Industrial distribution boards for mining, oil & gas, chemicals, cement, and datacenter MV intake
• Renewables collection feeders and BESS MV switchgear with directional earth-fault needs
• Motor and transformer feeder bays where fast GOOSE interlocking is preferred to hard-wiring

A utility client recently told us their commissioning time dropped by “about half a day per bay” when they switched interlocking to GOOSE on REF615 and standardized settings in PCM600. It seems to be a common outcome when teams already use IEC 61850 elsewhere in the substation.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability – Field-proven Relion platform with extensive type testing (IEC 60255). Disturbance and event records aid fast recovery after faults.
• Interoperability – Strong protocol set for mixed-vendor stations; cuts down on gateways in many cases.
• Lifecycle & Support – Firmware updates and settings can be maintained centrally via PCM600. We can preload a settings template to match your scheme.
• Cost Control – GOOSE-based schemes and standardized hardware reduce wiring, panel space, and maintenance visits over time.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & Environment – Install in a clean, ventilated switchgear compartment; avoid conductive dust and condensation. Provide proper earthing to the relay chassis.
• Wiring – Use shielded twisted pairs for comms; segregate CT/VT wiring from aux/control to minimize noise. Verify CT polarity and shorting blocks before energization.
• Settings & Testing – Parameterize via PCM600. Perform secondary injection for overcurrent/earth-fault curves and check GOOSE subscriptions if used.
• Routine Care – Back up settings/event logs, clean front panel and vents, and review SOE after any operation. Plan periodic firmware updates per ABB release notes.
• Safety – De-energize CT circuits safely; never open-circuit a live CT. Lockout/tagout before wiring changes.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliant; type-tested to IEC 60255 series
• RoHS compliant design
• Manufacturing under ISO 9001 quality systems
• Manufacturer’s warranty policy per ABB Relion series (typically 12 months; project terms may vary)