ABB REF620E-F-NBFNAANNNCC1BNN1X – Feeder Protection and Control Relay for Medium-Voltage Distribution

The ABB REF620 sits in the Relion 620 series and is purpose-built for medium-voltage feeders. It combines fast, dependable protection (overcurrent, earth fault, breaker failure, autoreclose) with practical control and monitoring, so your switchgear runs safely and predictably. From my experience, utilities and heavy industry choose the 620 series when they need a bit more I/O and functionality than a compact relay, plus native IEC 61850 for modern substation automation. The “REF620E-F-…” option string typically indicates an Ethernet-enabled variant with a standard protection package and configurable I/O, suitable for incoming and outgoing feeders, ring-main units, or sectionalizers.

Our Order Placement Process & Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days, covering manufacturing defects and normal-use failures.
• Lead time: in-stock items ship in 1 week; not in stock typically within 2–4 weeks, no more than one month at the latest.
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• Pre-shipment checks: functional power-up and I/O sanity test; firmware/version photo log on request.

Key Features

• Comprehensive feeder protection – 3-phase and ground overcurrent, directional options, breaker failure, autoreclose, cold-load pickup, and event/disturbance recording for easier fault analysis.
• Native substation communications – IEC 61850 (Ed.2) for fast GOOSE-based interlocking; Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 60870-5 variants are available for mixed-legacy systems.
• Configurable I/O – A practical mix of binary inputs/outputs and trip contacts; you can map logic without touching the PLC in many cases.
• Withdrawable design – Draw-out relay unit speeds replacement and routine testing; the base remains wired, which typically cuts downtime to minutes.
• Front HMI and local engineering port – Clear LCD with programmable LEDs and push-buttons; front USB for setting and disturbance file access via ABB PCM600.
• Time-synchronized recording – 1 ms time-stamping with SNTP/IRIG-B options (depending on variant) supports accurate fleet-wide analysis.
• Rugged environmental ratings – Built for MV switchgear conditions; typically supports wide temperature ranges and harsh substation EMC.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This model is a good match for MV feeders in primary and secondary substations, industrial plant distribution (cement, steel, chemical), mining feeders, oil & gas gathering and injection skids, and campus/data-center switchgear. You might notice that it integrates well in mixed-protocol sites—keeping older RTU links alive while enabling IEC 61850-based SCADA migration. One utility client told us they standardized on REF620 for ring-main units because the draw-out design and autoreclose logic reduced outage times during storm seasons.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability in protection: stable algorithms and disturbance records simplify fault location and reduce mis-ops risk.
• Compatibility: works with modern IEC 61850 systems while supporting Modbus/DNP3/IEC 60870 where needed.
• Lower lifecycle cost: withdrawable hardware and PCM600-based setting management cut maintenance hours in most cases.
• Scalable I/O and logic: adapts to different feeder schemes without redesigning your control cabinet.
• Supportable fleet: consistent UI and engineering tools across Relion 615/620 families make technician training simpler.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & environment – Mount in a clean, dry switchgear compartment with adequate ventilation; avoid heat sources. Maintain proper earthing and shield terminations for EMC.
• CT/VT wiring – Verify CT ratios and polarities; short CT secondaries during work. Use correctly rated fuses on VT circuits.
• Aux power & I/O – Match the relay’s nameplate supply range; use ferruled terminations; segregate control wiring from Ethernet/fiber where possible.
• Networking – For IEC 61850, validate GOOSE subscriptions and time sync (SNTP or IRIG-B). Redundant Ethernet (PRP/HSR) may be available depending on option code.
• Commissioning – Upload a baseline settings file via PCM600, test trip matrix and interlocks, and capture initial disturbance recorder files as references.
• Routine maintenance – Annual functional checks, breaker trip circuit tests, HMI LED verification, cleaning of front panel, and non-intrusive download of event/disturbance logs. Plan firmware updates during outages after settings backup.
• Safety – De-energize control voltage where required; follow live CT handling practices; lock out associated breakers when validating trip paths.

Quality & Certifications

• Conformity: CE marking; manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems. RoHS compliance commonly available for Relion series.
• Type tests: Meets relevant IEC protection, EMC, and environmental standards for substation equipment (exact list depends on final option code).
• Manufacturer’s warranty: typically as per ABB policy; our supply includes a 365-day warranty window from delivery.

If you share your protection scheme (feeder CT/VT data, aux supply, protocol needs), we can verify the REF620E-F-NBFNAANNNCC1BNN1X options match and keep your panel cut-out and terminal plan intact. That small check upfront usually saves rework later.