ABB REF601CE446BB1 Feeder Protection Relay

Product Description

The REF601CE446BB1 feeder protection relay from ABB belongs to the Relion 600 family, engineered for dependable protection, measurement, and control of medium-voltage distribution feeders. Designed with a compact footprint and DIN-rail mounting, this relay is well suited for space-constrained switchgear panels in substations and industrial power systems.

Built on ABB’s proven protection platform, the REF601CE446BB1 combines essential feeder protection algorithms with advanced monitoring and communication capabilities. It supports digital substation architectures and integrates smoothly into modern automation environments through IEC 61850 and conventional serial protocols.

Technical Characteristics

• Manufacturer: ABB

• Product Series: Relion 600

• Product Type: Feeder Protection and Control Relay

• Model: REF601CE446BB1

• Installation Method: DIN-rail mounted

• Auxiliary Supply Voltage: 110–240 VAC / DC

• Rated Current Inputs: 1 A or 5 A (software selectable)

• System Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz

• Operating Temperature Range: −20 °C to +60 °C

• Enclosure Design: Compact modular housing

• Country of Manufacture: Sweden

Protection and Control Functions

• Phase overcurrent protection (definite and inverse time)

• Earth fault protection

• Thermal overload supervision

• Overvoltage and undervoltage protection

• Underfrequency and overfrequency detection

• Feeder control with circuit breaker supervision

• Event and fault recording with time stamping

Measurement and Monitoring

• Phase and residual current measurement

• Voltage and power monitoring

• Disturbance recording for post-fault analysis

• Internal self-diagnostics for relay health monitoring

Communication and Integration

• Communication Ports: RS-485, Ethernet

• Optional Fiber-Optic Interface

• Supported Protocols:

• IEC 61850 (substation automation)

• Modbus RTU

• SCADA system compatibility

This communication flexibility allows the REF601CE446BB1 to operate both in conventional substations and in fully digital IEC 61850-based installations.

Typical Applications

• Medium-voltage feeder protection in substations

• Industrial power distribution panels

• Utility and energy distribution networks

• Retrofit projects replacing legacy feeder relays

• Compact switchgear assemblies with limited panel space

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the REF601CE446BB1 suitable for IEC 61850 substations?
A: Yes. The relay natively supports IEC 61850, enabling seamless integration with modern digital substations and station-level systems.

Q: Can the same relay be used for both 1 A and 5 A CT inputs?
A: Yes. The rated current input is configurable via settings, allowing use with either 1 A or 5 A current transformers.

Q: Is this model suitable for retrofit projects?
A: Absolutely. Its compact DIN-rail design and wide auxiliary voltage range make it ideal for replacing older feeder protection relays.