Inverse Time Overcurrent Relays

and Curves Explained

By
testguy
 July 28, 2021
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Over-current Relays: Inverse Time Characteristics Explained

Overcurrent relaying is one of the most simple and economical types of protection
used for power system feeders, transformers, generators and motors. Since the advent
of simple electromechanical elements, to advanced microprocessor applications used
in modern relays, overcurrent protection has been at the heart of the power system for
centuries.

The characteristics of overcurrent relays are based on operating times typically

governed by a time vs. current curve. There are three main types of overcurrent relay:
(1) Instantaneous, (2) Time-Dependent (Definite time or inverse), and (3) Mixed
(Definite time and Inverse).

1. Instantaneous relays operating time are usually less than 3 cycles. These relays
operate without an intentional time delay, so they are referred to as instantaneous
units. The pickup current is adjustable and the application engineer can choose
various settings from a wide range.

2. Time-dependent relays, as the name implies, operate with an intentional time

delay. The minimum current at which the relay operates (pick up current) and time
before trip are both adjustable.

There are a total of five types of time dependent relay, broken into two categories:
Definite Time and Inverse Time.

A. Definite-time relays operate with some intentional time delay and is adjustable
along with the current pickup level. Although these relays are adjustable, their time
delays are not necessarily dependent on the current value.

B. Inverse-time relays have an operating time depending on the magnitude of the

current, generally with an inverse characteristic (the operation time of the relay is
smaller as the current gets larger). These relays also have two settings: the pick-up
current and the curve type.

In electromechanical relays the curve is set by means of a dial which is why the
setting is referred to as the “time dial setting” or TDS. In some relays, a Time Dial
Multipler is used instead of Time Dial setting but their functions are similar.

TOC & IDMT

Inverse Time Over Current is also referred to as Time Over Current (TOC), or Inverse
Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) which indicates that the trip time of the relay is
inversely proportional to the applied fault current.
There are a total of five types of time dependent relay, broken into two categories:
Definite Time and Inverse Time.

The trip time of an inverse curve is calculated from the following parameters:

1. Trip curve. Selected from the standard set of IEC and IEEE curves.
2. Relay pickup current (A). The electrical current pickup set point Is in the relay.
3. Fault current (A). The expected short circuit fault current I.
4. TMS or TD setting. IEC time multiplier setting (TMS). IEEE time dial (TD).

Degrees of Overcurrent Inverse Curves

How long it takes for the relay to trip will vary depending on the curve slope, these
curves can be used by engineers to coordinate with other protective devices upstream
for selectivity and backup. There are five different types of time overcurrent relay
according to American standards.

Their time-current characteristic curves are:

1. Definite minimum (CO-6)

2. Moderately inverse (CO-7)
3. Inverse (CO-8)
4. Very inverse (CO-9)
5. Extremely inverse (CO-11)

Degrees of Overcurrent Inverse Curves

When plotted on a chart, the different characteristics between each curve become
apparent. The more inverse the curve shape, the greater difference in trip times.

Electromechanical overcurrent relays are often constructed to a specific curve shape,

such as the ABB CO-6, CO-7, CO-8, ect. To change the EM curve shape means to
replace the whole unit, which can be very expensive and results in surplus equipment.
Modern digital relays are programmable and thus curve shapes can easily be changed
without the need for replacement.

How Inverse Time Curves are Calculated

Each standardized relay protection curve will have its trip time calculated from either
IEEE C37.112 or IEC 60255 equations.

IEEE C37.112-1996 Equation for Trip Time

 A = Time factor for over-current trip

 I = Actual Current
 Is = Relay Pickup Setting
 p
= Exponent for inverse-time
 B = Timer coefficient for over-current trip

Note: IEEE C37.112-1996 does not specify coefficients in their standard curve
equation and therefore each manufacturer’s curve is similar. A TDM (Time Dial
Multiplier) is sometimes used instead of TD (Time Dial). The relationship is: TDM =
TD / 7

Curve type A B p
Moderately 0.0515 0.114 0.02
inverse
Very inverse 19.61 0.491 2.0
Extremely inverse 28.2 0.1217 2.0

IEC 60255 Equation for Trip Time

 Is is the current setting.

 I is the actual current.
 k and α are the curve type constants.

Curve type k α
Standard inverse 0.140 0.020
Very inverse 13.5 1
Extremely inverse 80 2
Long time standard
120 1
inverse

Examples

A. Calculate the tripping time for a relay set at 1000A pickup current and TMS setting
of 1 (IEEE Very Inverse) with 10kA of fault current.

1. 10000 / 1000 = 10
2. 10^2 = 100
3. 100-1 = 99
4. 19.61 / 99 = 0.198
5. 0.491 + 0.198 = 0.689

0.689 Seconds

B. Calculate the tripping time for a relay set at 1000A pickup current and TMS setting
of 1 (IEC Very Inverse) with 10kA of fault current.
 1. 10000 / 1000 = 10
2. 10^1 = 10
3. 100-1 = 9
4. 13.5 / 9 = 1.5

1.5 Seconds