MEENAKSHI RAMASWAMY ENGINEERING

COLLEGE
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi, Affiliated to Anna University,
Chennai-25)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS
ENGINNERING

EE3601- PROTECTION AND SWITCHGEAR

UNIT I

PROTECTION SCHEMES

Part-A: 2 Marks Questions with Answers

1. What is a protective scheme in a power system?

A protective scheme is a system of relays, circuit breakers, and other devices designed to
detect faults and isolate faulty sections to prevent damage and ensure stability.
2. Why is power system protection necessary?
Power system protection is essential to prevent equipment damage, ensure system
stability, protect human lives, and maintain reliable power supply.
3. What are the main causes of faults in a power system?
Faults can be caused by natural factors (lightning, storms), equipment failure, human
errors, and external interference (animals, pollution).
4. What is a symmetrical fault?
A symmetrical fault is a balanced three-phase fault (L-L-L or L-L-L-G) where all three
phases are equally affected.
5. List any two types of unsymmetrical faults.
o Single line-to-ground (L-G) fault
o Line-to-line (L-L) fault

6. What are the effects of faults in a power system?

Faults can cause high current flow, equipment damage, voltage instability, power
outages, and system blackouts.
7. Define the term "zone of protection."
A zone of protection is a specific section of a power system monitored and protected by a
particular protection scheme.
8. What are the essential qualities of a protection system?
The key qualities are reliability, selectivity, speed, sensitivity, simplicity, and economy.
9. What is overcurrent protection?
Overcurrent protection detects excessive current flow due to faults and isolates the
affected area using fuses or circuit breakers.
10. What is the principle of differential protection?
Differential protection compares current entering and leaving a protected section; if there
is a difference, a fault is detected.
11. What is distance protection in transmission lines?
Distance protection detects faults by measuring impedance between the fault point and
the relay location.
12. How does directional protection work?
Directional protection determines the direction of fault current flow to ensure selective
tripping of only the affected section.
13. What is earth fault protection?
Earth fault protection detects and isolates faults where a phase conductor comes in
contact with the ground.
14. What is the purpose of grounding in a power system?
Grounding provides a controlled path for fault currents, improves safety, and reduces
electrical shock hazards.
15. Name two types of grounding methods.
o Solid grounding
o Resistance grounding

16. What is solid grounding?

In solid grounding, the system is directly connected to the ground without any resistance
or reactance.
17. What is reactance grounding?
Reactance grounding uses an inductor (reactor) to limit fault current in case of a ground
fault.
18. What is the function of a circuit breaker in a protection scheme?
A circuit breaker interrupts fault current to isolate the faulty section and protect the rest
of the system.
19. How does resistance grounding help in fault conditions?
Resistance grounding limits fault current, reducing damage to equipment and minimizing
transient overvoltages.
20. What is the difference between low resistance and high resistance grounding?
o Low resistance grounding limits fault current to a few hundred amperes.
o High resistance grounding limits fault current to a very low value (less than
10A).

Part-B: 13 Marks Questions

1. Explain in detail the need for power system protection. Discuss the various types of
faults occurring in a power system.
2. Describe the different effects of faults in a power system. How do protective schemes
help in mitigating these effects?
3. What are zones of protection? Explain the essential qualities required in a
protection system.
4. Explain the working principles of overcurrent protection, differential protection,
and distance protection with necessary diagrams.
5. Discuss in detail the different types of grounding methods used in power systems.
Compare their advantages and disadvantages.
6. Explain the concept of directional protection and earth fault protection with their
working principles and applications.
7. Describe the construction and working of a circuit breaker. Explain how it
contributes to power system protection.
8. Explain the significance of power system stability and the role of grounding in
ensuring system reliability.
9. Discuss the principles and working of a relay in a protection system. What are the
different types of relays used in power system protection?
10. Explain how power system protection schemes are designed for transmission lines,
transformers, and generators.

Part-C: 15 Marks Question

1. Describe in detail the various protection schemes used in power systems. Explain
their working principles, advantages, and applications with suitable diagrams.
2. Discuss the concept of power system grounding in detail. Explain the different
methods of grounding and compare their effectiveness with suitable examples.
3. Explain the working of distance protection with impedance measurement. How does
it contribute to fault detection and isolation in transmission lines?
4. Write a detailed note on the coordination of protective relays in a power system.
Explain how relay coordination is achieved for effective fault clearance.

UNIT II
BASICS OF RELAYS

Part A – 2 Marks Questions

1. What is a relay?
o A relay is an electrically operated switch that detects faults in an electrical system
and initiates protective action by isolating the faulty section.

2. State the universal torque equation of a relay.

o T=K1I2+K2VIcos⁡(θ−ϕ)+K3V2+K4T = K_1 I^2 + K_2 VI \cos(\theta - \phi) +
K_3 V^2 + K_4, where TT is the torque, and K1,K2,K3,K4K_1, K_2, K_3, K_4
are constants.

3. What is the function of an overcurrent relay?

o It operates when the current exceeds a preset value to protect electrical equipment
from overcurrent faults.

4. Differentiate between directional and non-directional relays.

o Directional relays operate based on both magnitude and direction of current, while
non-directional relays operate only based on current magnitude.

5. What is the significance of the R-X diagram?

o The R-X diagram represents the impedance characteristics of distance relays and
helps in setting protective zones.

6. Define a distance relay.

o A distance relay measures impedance and operates when the measured impedance
falls within the set protective zone.

7. What are the different zones of protection in distance relays?

 o Zone 1 (instantaneous), Zone 2 (time-delayed), and Zone 3 (backup protection).

8. What is a differential relay?

o A differential relay compares input and output currents and operates if the
difference exceeds a threshold, indicating a fault.

9. Where is a negative sequence relay used?

o It is used for protecting generators and motors from unbalanced faults.

10. Explain the working principle of an under-frequency relay.

 It operates when system frequency drops below a set value, preventing system instability
by triggering load shedding.

11. What is meant by plug setting multiplier (PSM)?

 PSM is the ratio of actual fault current to the relay’s pick-up current setting.

12. What are the applications of overcurrent relays?

 They are used in the protection of feeders, transformers, and motors.

13. What is meant by relay operating time?

 It is the time taken by a relay to operate after detecting a fault.

14. Name two types of time-delay characteristics used in relays.

 Definite time and inverse time characteristics.

15. What is an instantaneous relay?

 A relay that operates immediately without intentional time delay when the fault occurs.

16. What are the advantages of electromagnetic relays?

 Simple construction, high reliability, and fast operation.

17. What is meant by ‘pick-up value’ in a relay?

 The minimum value of current or voltage at which a relay operates.

18. How does a differential relay detect faults?

 It compares the incoming and outgoing currents and operates if the difference exceeds a
preset value.

19. What is meant by ‘burden’ of a relay?

 The power consumed by a relay when it is in operation.

20. What are the key components of an electromagnetic relay?

 Electromagnet, armature, contacts, and a spring mechanism.

Part B – 13 Marks Questions

1. Discuss the construction, working principle, and types of electromagnetic relays.

2. Explain the different types of overcurrent relays with suitable characteristics and
applications.
3. What is a directional relay? Explain its construction and working principle with a
neat diagram.
4. Describe the R-X diagram and its significance in the operation of distance relays.
5. Explain the working principle and application of differential relays in power system
protection.
6. Describe the operation of negative sequence relays and their application in
generator protection.
7. What is an under-frequency relay? Explain its operation with suitable applications
in power systems.
8. Discuss the various time-current characteristics of protective relays and their
applications.
9. Explain the three-zone protection concept of distance relays and how it enhances
power system reliability.

Part C – 15 Marks Question

1. Discuss in detail the different types of protective relays used in power systems.
2. Explain their working principles, applications, and advantages with relevant
diagrams.

UNIT III
OVERVIEW OF EQUIPMENT PROTECTION
PART-A

1. What is the primary function of a Current Transformer (CT)?

o A CT steps down high currents to a lower, measurable value suitable for
protection and metering devices.

2. What is the primary function of a Potential Transformer (PT)?

o A PT steps down high voltage levels to a lower, standardized value for relays and
meters.

3. What are the different types of CTs used in protection systems?

o Measuring CTs, Protection CTs, and Class X CTs (Special Accuracy CTs).

4. Why are CTs and PTs necessary in power systems?

o They provide electrical isolation, step down high values for safe handling, and
improve accuracy in measurements.
5. What is the knee-point voltage of a CT?
o It is the voltage at which a small increase in excitation current causes a large
increase in secondary voltage.

6. Define the accuracy class of a CT.

o It indicates the permissible error limits in current measurement (e.g., 5P10,
10P20).

7. What is differential protection in a transformer?

o It compares primary and secondary currents and trips the breaker if a difference is
detected due to internal faults.

8. What is Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection?

o It protects against earth faults within a transformer winding, using a CT-based
differential scheme.

9. How does generator differential protection work?

o It detects differences in current between the generator’s input and output,
indicating an internal fault.

10. What is the purpose of Overfluxing Protection in transformers?

 It prevents damage due to excessive flux caused by overvoltage or low frequency.

11. What is the role of Negative Sequence Protection in a generator?

 It protects the generator from unbalanced loads, which can cause overheating.

12. How does a Buchholz relay protect a transformer?

 It detects gas accumulation and oil flow disturbances inside the transformer due to
internal faults.

13. What protection schemes are used for large motors?

 Overload, phase unbalance, locked rotor, and earth fault protection.

14. What is the importance of distance protection in transmission lines?

 It detects faults by measuring impedance and isolates only the faulty section of the line.

15. What is Busbar Differential Protection?

 It compares currents entering and leaving a busbar to detect faults within the bus zone.

16. What is the function of a directional overcurrent relay?

 It operates only when the fault current flows in a specific direction.

17. What are the different types of relay operating characteristics used in distance
protection?
 Impedance relay, Reactance relay, and Mho relay.

18. What is the function of a surge arrester in power systems?

 It protects equipment from overvoltage transients caused by lightning or switching

surges.

19. What are the main causes of transformer failure?

 Overheating, insulation failure, short circuits, overloading, and mechanical stress.

20. Why is busbar protection more challenging than other protections?

 Due to multiple connections, high fault currents, and the requirement for fast and
selective tripping.

Part B – 13 Marks Questions

1. Explain the working principle, construction, and types of Current Transformers

(CTs) with applications in protection schemes.
2. Discuss in detail the classification, working principle, and applications of Potential
Transformers (PTs) in protective relaying.
3. Describe in detail the differential protection scheme for transformers and its
advantages and limitations.
4. Explain the various protection schemes used for generators with suitable diagrams
and their importance.
5. Describe the different types of busbar protection schemes and compare them.
6. Discuss the overcurrent and earth fault protection schemes used in power
transformers.
7. Explain the protection of large motors against overload, phase unbalance, and other
faults.
8. Describe the working of distance protection in transmission lines, its types, and their
applications.
9. Explain the working of a Buchholz relay with a diagram and discuss its role in
transformer protection.
10. Compare and contrast overcurrent, differential, and distance protection used in
transmission lines.

Part C – 15 Marks Questions

1. Explain in detail the various protection schemes used for transformers, including
differential, overcurrent, earth fault, and Buchholz relay protection.
2. Describe the different types of protection schemes used for generators, including
differential, overvoltage, negative sequence, and overfluxing protection.
3. Discuss in detail the complete protection system used in transmission lines,
including distance protection, directional overcurrent protection, and pilot relaying
schemes.
4. Explain the concept of busbar protection, the different schemes used, and their
advantages and disadvantages in power systems.
5. Describe the working principle, types, and applications of Instrument Transformers
(CTs and PTs) in power system protection with detailed diagrams.

UNIT IV
STATIC RELAYS AND NUMERICAL PROTECTION

Part-A (2 Marks Questions)

1. What is a static relay?

A static relay is a protection relay that uses electronic components such as transistors and
operational amplifiers instead of mechanical moving parts.
2. List the advantages of static relays over electromechanical relays.
Higher reliability, faster operation, reduced maintenance, low power consumption, and
compact size.
3. What is the function of a phase comparator in static relays?
A phase comparator compares the phase angles of two input signals to determine fault
conditions in power systems.
4. What is an amplitude comparator?
An amplitude comparator compares the magnitudes of two or more input signals and
triggers a relay operation based on predefined conditions.
5. What are numerical relays?
Numerical relays are digital protection relays that use microprocessors to perform
protection functions, allowing for greater flexibility and reliability.
6. What are the basic components of a numerical relay?
Microprocessor, analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital input/output, communication
interface, and software algorithms.
7. What is overcurrent protection?
Overcurrent protection detects excessive current in a system and isolates the faulty
section to prevent damage.
8. What is the difference between instantaneous and time-delay overcurrent protection?
Instantaneous protection operates immediately, while time-delay protection allows a
delay before tripping to improve coordination.
9. What is a transformer differential relay?
It compares the current entering and leaving a transformer to detect faults within the
transformer zone.
10. What is the significance of percentage differential protection?
It helps in avoiding false tripping due to inrush currents and CT saturation by introducing
a percentage restraint factor.
11. What is meant by distance protection in transmission lines?
Distance protection measures impedance (voltage/current) to detect faults and isolate
faulty sections of a transmission line.
12. What is the main principle of distance relays?
It works on the concept that the impedance seen by the relay changes during a fault,
allowing it to detect and locate the fault.
13. Mention different types of distance relays.
Impedance relay, reactance relay, and Mho relay.
14. What is the purpose of an Mho relay?
An Mho relay is used in distance protection and has a circular operating characteristic
that makes it suitable for long transmission lines.
15. Why are static relays preferred over numerical relays?
Static relays are simple, fast, and reliable, while numerical relays offer flexibility,
programmability, and self-diagnosis capabilities.
16. What are the main protection schemes used in transmission lines?
Overcurrent protection, distance protection, and differential protection.
17. Why is relay coordination important?
It ensures proper operation of protective relays, minimizing outages and preventing
unnecessary tripping of upstream devices.
18. What is the significance of a relay operating time?
Operating time affects the speed of fault clearance and overall system stability.
19. What is the role of CTs and PTs in protection systems?
Current transformers (CTs) and potential transformers (PTs) step down high voltage and
current to measurable levels for relays.
20. How does a numerical relay differ from a static relay?
Numerical relays use microprocessors and digital processing, whereas static relays use
analog electronic components for protection.

Part-B (13 Marks Questions)

1. Explain the working principle of static relays with a neat block diagram. Discuss
their advantages and limitations.
2. Describe the working of phase and amplitude comparators in static relays. How are
they used in relay operation?
3. Explain the synthesis of overcurrent and differential relays using static
comparators.
4. Discuss the block diagram of a numerical relay and explain its key components in
detail.
5. Describe the working principle of overcurrent protection relays with different time
characteristics (instantaneous, definite-time, inverse-time).
6. Explain transformer differential protection and the role of percentage differential
relays in avoiding false tripping.
7. Describe the principle of distance protection in transmission lines. Explain
impedance, reactance, and Mho relays with their characteristics.
8. Discuss the importance of relay coordination in power systems. How is selectivity
achieved in overcurrent protection?
9. Explain the significance of current and potential transformers in numerical relays.
How do they affect relay operation?
10. Discuss the advantages of numerical relays over conventional relays. Explain how
microprocessors improve protection schemes.

Part-C (15 Marks Questions)

1. Design and explain a complete protection scheme for a power transformer using
differential, overcurrent, and backup protection. Include necessary diagrams.
2. Discuss in detail the working principle and application of distance protection.
Compare impedance, reactance, and Mho relays with their operating
characteristics.
3. Explain how static relays are used to implement overcurrent, directional, and
differential protection. Provide a detailed comparison between static and numerical
relays.
4. Design a protection scheme for a transmission line incorporating overcurrent and
distance relays. Explain the relay settings and coordination.
5. With the help of a block diagram, explain the architecture of a numerical relay.
Discuss how digital signal processing (DSP) techniques improve relay performance.

UNIT V
CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Part - A (2 Marks Questions)

1. What is an electric arc?

An electric arc is a sustained electrical discharge due to ionization between separated
circuit breaker contacts.
2. What are the two main methods of arc extinction?
High resistance interruption and current zero interruption.
3. Why is arc extinction more difficult in DC than in AC?
DC lacks a natural current zero, requiring additional means to force current interruption.
4. Define re-striking voltage.
It is the transient voltage that appears across the circuit breaker contacts immediately
after current interruption.
5. What is recovery voltage?
It is the steady-state voltage appearing across the breaker contacts after arc extinction.
6. What is the rate of rise of recovery voltage (RRRV)?
It is the rate at which the recovery voltage increases after arc extinction.
7. What is current chopping?
Current chopping occurs when a circuit breaker interrupts a small inductive current
before its natural zero, leading to voltage transients.
8. Why is capacitive current interruption problematic?
It may lead to voltage oscillations and overvoltages in the system.
9. What is resistance switching?
It involves connecting a resistance in parallel with circuit breaker contacts to control
transient overvoltages.
10. Classify circuit breakers based on the medium used for arc extinction.
Air blast, oil, SF₆, and vacuum circuit breakers.
11. What are the types of air-blast circuit breakers?
Axial blast, cross blast, and radial blast types.
12. Why is SF₆ gas preferred in circuit breakers?
It has excellent dielectric strength and arc-quenching properties.
13. What are the main advantages of vacuum circuit breakers?
No arc re-ignition, high insulation, and fast operation.
14. What is the main disadvantage of oil circuit breakers?
Risk of fire due to the use of oil as an arc-quenching medium.
15. What is an HVDC breaker?
A circuit breaker designed to interrupt high-voltage DC circuits by forcing current to zero
using auxiliary circuits.
16. Differentiate between bulk oil and minimum oil circuit breakers.
Bulk oil CBs use a large quantity of oil for insulation and arc extinction, while minimum
oil CBs use oil only for arc extinction.
17. What is the function of a puffer in SF₆ circuit breakers?
It compresses SF₆ gas to blow over the arc for faster quenching.
18. What are the components of a vacuum circuit breaker?
Vacuum interrupter, fixed and moving contacts, and operating mechanism.
19. Why is a vacuum a good medium for arc extinction?
Due to the absence of ionizable particles, leading to high dielectric strength.
20. What are the main applications of HVDC circuit breakers?
Used in HVDC transmission lines, renewable energy integration, and offshore wind
farms.

Part - B (13 Marks Questions)

1. Explain the phenomenon of arc formation in circuit breakers. Describe different

methods of arc extinction with diagrams.
2. Discuss the challenges in DC circuit breaking and explain how an HVDC breaker
operates to interrupt the DC current.
3. Derive an expression for the rate of rise of recovery voltage (RRRV) and explain its
significance in circuit breaker design.
4. With neat diagrams, explain the working principle of an SF₆ circuit breaker.
Mention its advantages and applications.
5. Describe the phenomenon of current chopping in circuit breakers and its effect on
the power system. How can it be minimized?
6. Compare air blast, oil, SF₆, and vacuum circuit breakers in terms of construction,
working, advantages, and applications.
7. Explain the concept of resistance switching in circuit breakers. How does it help in
controlling overvoltages?
8. Describe the process of capacitive current interruption and its associated problems.
How can these issues be mitigated?
9. Discuss the working and applications of a vacuum circuit breaker with suitable
diagrams.
10. With the help of a neat diagram, explain the construction and operation of an oil
circuit breaker. What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Part - C (15 Marks Question)

1. Discuss in detail the phenomenon of arc formation, methods of arc extinction, and
factors affecting arc extinction in circuit breakers.
2. Explain the principle, construction, working, advantages, and disadvantages of
different types of circuit breakers with a comparative analysis.
3. With neat sketches, explain the phenomenon of restriking voltage, recovery voltage,
and the rate of rise of recovery voltage. Discuss their effects on circuit breaker
performance.
4. Describe the principle, design, and working of an HVDC circuit breaker. Compare
it with an AC circuit breaker and discuss its applications.
5. Write short notes on: (i) Current chopping (ii) Resistance switching (iii) Capacitive
current interruption (iv) Air blast circuit breakers (v) SF₆ circuit breakers.

SUBJECT INCHARGE HOD/EEE

(V.RAJESH KUMAR AP/EEE) (K.SRINIVISAN)