National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata

Department of Electrical Engineering

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Laboratory Manual
POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION LABORATORY

1.0 Title of the Experiment: Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Over Current Relay
1.1 AIM: To study the Operation of an Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Over Current Relay and plot
the inverse time current characteristics of IDMT over current
 National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering
1.2 Performance Objectives: On completion of this experiment, participants will be able to understand
working of numerical over current relay and plot its inverse time/current
characteristics with definite minimum time
(i) To plot inverse definite minimum time characteristics of numerical
over current relay.
(ii) To perform experiment on definite / instantaneous mode setting of the
relay.
1.3 Theory: Inverse Definite Minimum Time (I.D.M.T) Characteristics: When a protection element is
programmed as an inverse time over current (OC) element, the trip relay operates if, the input signal
exceeds the set threshold OC setting by 1.2 (typical) times.
The operating time of the trip relay is a function of the relative value of the relay current with
reference to the set threshold current value; the variation in curve is brought about by constants K
and 𝛼.
There are six inverse time operating characteristics

(i) 3.0s Normal Inverse Curve

(ii) 1.3s Normal Inverse Curve
(iii) 1.5s Very Inverse Curve
(iv) 0.8s Extreme Inverse Curve
(v) 0.6s Extreme Inverse Curve
(vi) 13.3s Long Inverse Curve

For timing calculations, we use the following equation,

𝐾
T= × 𝑇𝑝
(𝐼/𝐼𝑠)𝛼 −1

Where,
I = Fault current
Is = Fault current level set in the relay
T = Operating time in secs.
Tp = Time Multiplier Setting (TMS)
K and 𝛼 = Curve constants

Table 1: Curve constant

Curve K 𝛼
3.0s Normal Inverse Curve 0.14 0.02
1.3s Normal Inverse Curve 0.0607 0.02
1.5s Very Inverse Curve 13.50 1
0.8s Extreme Inverse Curve 80 2
0.6s Extreme Inverse Curve 60 2
13.33s Long Inverse Curve 120 1

Current Setting: The current above which an over current operate can be set. Suppose that a relay
is set at 5A. It will then operate if the current exceeds 5A. Below 5A, the relay will not operate. In
this numerical type of relay, there is phase OC (IDMT) setting from 2% to 250% in step of 2% i.e.,
for 5A relay setting PH>(IDMT) setting will be 0.1A to 12.5A using keyboard setting. An over
current relay which is used for phase to phase fault protection, can be set at 2% to 250% of the rated
current in steps of 2%. The usual current rating of this relay is programmable as 1A or 5A.

If the time-current curves are drawn, taking current in amperes on the X-axis, there will be one graph
for each setting of the relay. To avoid this complex situation, the plug setting multipliers (PSM) are
taken on X-axis. The actual r.m.s. current flowing in the relay expressed as a multiple of the setting
 National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering
current (pick up current) is known as the plug setting multiplier (PSM). Suppose, the rating of a relay
is 5A and it is set at 200%, i.e. at 10A. If the current flowing through relay (secondary fault current)
is 100A, then the plug setting multiplier will be 10. Against each multiplier, the manufacturer
specifies trip time. In this case for PSM 10, relay shall trip @3sec which we can verify by experiment.
The PSM can be expressed as

Primary current (I)

PSM = Primary setting current (Is)

Primary CT fault current

= Relay current setting X CT ratio

Secondary CT fault current

= Relay current setting

Trip Time Setting: The operating time of the relay can be set at a desired value. In this relay TMS
values can be set from 0.02 to 1.0 in step of 0.01 by using front keyboard.

IDMT Curve: While plotting the time current characteristics, if PSM is plotted on the X-axis, there
will be one curve for each trip time setting (TMS) of the relay. The curves are generally plotted as
shown below. From ratio of secondary fault current to relay current setting, we get PSM, then follow
particular curve for set TMS to get trip time in seconds on Y-axis

Figure 1: IDMT curve

From the figure the operating / trip time, when plug (current) setting multiplier is 10 and the time
multiplier is set to 1, is 3 seconds

1.4 Equipment Used: (i) Single Phase AC Input Supply panel (EMT 16A)

(ii) Current Injector (EMT 23 A)

(iii) Current Measurement and Elapse Time Counter panel (EMT 39)

(iv) Numerical IDMT Over Current relay (EMT 50)

 National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering

1.5 Block Diagram The Block Diagram of Numerical IDMT Relay is given below:

230 V ac
Single Phase AC Current measurement & Numerical IDMT
Current Injector
Input Supply Panel Elapsed time Counter Over Current
EMT 23A
Supply EMT 16A Panel relay
EMT 39 EMT50

230 V Ac Auxiliary
Supply
1.5 Procedure: Make wiring sequence in the experimental setup as per schedule given below:

No. From To No. From To

1 EMT 16A (9) EMT 23A (1) 2 EMT 16A (10) EMT 23A (3)
3 EMT 23A (6) EMT 23A (9) 4 EMT 23A (8) EMT 23A (11)
5 EMT 23A (14) EMT 39 (1) 6 EMT 23A (16) EMT 39 (2)
7 EMT 39 (3) EMT 50 (A1) 8 EMT 39 (4) EMT 50 (A2)
9 EMT 39 (5) EMT 50 (B1) 10 EMT 39 (6) EMT 50 (B2)
11 EMT 16A (7) EMT 50 (B16) 12 EMT 16A (8) EMT 50 (B15)

1. Make the wiring sequence as per wiring schedule. Keep the dimmer at minimum position
on EMT-23A panel.
2. Keep bypass switch open (left hand side) on EMT-39 panel.
3. In the RYB three phase numeric over current relay (OCR) circuit on EMT-50 panel, we are
using only one phase, say ‘R’.
Please see the video to perform the video.
1.6 Results: Table -1: Observation Table for numerical IDMT over current relay with relay current (plug)
setting i.e. Is = PH > (IDMT) = 50% = 2.5A

Sr. Fault Current Plug Setting Relay operating Calculated Relay Calculated
No. Through relay Multiplier time in seconds time using operating time time using
=I(On (PSM)=I/Is for TMS = 1 formula for in seconds for formula for
EMT39) (On EMT-39) TMS = 1 (T) TMS= 0.5 (On TMS = 0.5
EMT39 (T)
1 2.5A 1 (2.5/2.5) - - - -
2 5A 2 (5/2.5) 9.916 10.029 4.982 5.015
3 7.5A 3 (7.5/2.5) 6.203 6.302 3.156 3.151
4 10A 4 (10/2.5) 4.919 4.979 2.497 2.490
5 12.5A 5 (12.5/2.5) 4.253 4.279 2.156 2.140
6 15A 6 (15/2.5) 3.806 3.837 1.933 1.919
7 17.5A 7 (17.5/2.5) 3.511 3.527 1.793 1.764
8 20A 8 (20/2.5) 3.231 3.296 1.670 1.648
National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering

Table-2: Observation Table for numerical IDMT over current relay with relay current

(plug) setting i.e Is = PH > (IDMT) = 100% = 5A

Sr. Fault Current Plug Setting Relay operating Calculated Relay Calculated
No. Through relay Multiplier time in seconds time using operating time time using
=I(On (PSM)=I/Is for TMS = 1 formula for in seconds for formula for
EMT39) (On EMT-39) TMS = 1 (T) TMS= 0.5 (On TMS = 0.5
EMT39 (T)
1 5A 1 (5/5) - - - -
2 7.5A 1.5 (7.5/5) 16.944 17.194 8.708 8.597
3 10A 2 (10/5) 9.900 10.029 4.982 5.014
4 12.5A 2.5 (12.5/5) 7.487 7.570 3.780 3.785
5 15A 3 (15/5) 6.255 6.302 3.150 3.151
6 17.5A 3.5 (17.5/5) 5.476 5.518 2.765 2.759
7 20A 4 (20/5) 5.000 4.980 2.492 2.490

Now take various reading for different current passing through protection relay as per
observation table.
Calculate the Tripping time using the following formula as given below

𝐾
T= × 𝑇𝑝
(𝐼/𝐼𝑠)𝛼 −1

where,
I = Fault current
Is = Fault current level set in the relay
T = Operating time in secs.
Tp = Time Multiplier Setting ( TMS )
QUIZ/MCQ
 IDMT relays are used to protect the power transformers against
(A) External short-circuit
(B) Overloads
(C) Internal short-circuits
(D) Both A and B

Answer. D

 A CT is connected in ___________________ with the line.

(A) series.
(B) across.
(C) not connected.
(D) both A and B.

Answer: A

 In the relay coil which is used?

(A) Current transformer.

(B) Potential transformer.
National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering
(C) Power transformer.
(D) Instrument transformer.

Answer: A

 What type of back up protection is used for alternators?

(A) IDMT relay.

(B) Buchholz relay.
(C) Mho relay.
(D) Impedance relay.

Answer: A

 Differential relays are used for protection of equipment against

(A) internal faults.
(B) overcurrent.
(C) reverse current.
(D) reverse power.

Answer: A

 Both voltage and current signals are required for

(A) a plain over current relay.
(B) a differential relay.
(C) a directional relay.
(D) a biased differential relay.

Answer: C

 In an inverse definite minimum time, electromagnetic type over-current relay, the minimum time feature
is achieved because of
(A) saturation of the magnetic circuit.
(B) proper mechanical design.
(C) appropriate time-delay element.
(D) electromagnetic damping.

Answer: A

 If the fault occurs near the relay, the V/I ratio will be
(A) lower than that of if the fault occurs away from the relay.
(B) constant for all distances.
(C) higher than that of the fault occurs away from the relay.
(D) none of the above.

Answer: A

 The relay with inverse time is:

(A) Directly proportional to the square of fault current
(B)Direct proportional to the of fault current
(C) Inversely proportional to the of fault current
(D) Inversely proportional to the square of fault current
National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata
Department of Electrical Engineering
Answer. C

 An efficient and well-designed protective relaying should have

(A) Good selectivity and reliability

(B) Economy and simplicity
(C) High speed and selectivity
(D) All the above

Answer. D

 When the fault current is 2000 A, for a relay setting of 50% with CT ratio 500/5, the plug setting multiplier
will be

(A) 16
(B) 12
(C) 4
(D) 8
Answer. D