Instantaneous, Inverse Time, and Definite Time Overcurrent Relays
1. Instantaneous Overcurrent Relay
Operating Principle:
An instantaneous overcurrent (OC) relay trips immediately when the current exceeds a
preset value. Unlike other relays, it has no intentional time delay, ensuring fast response.
Time-Current Characteristics:
- Immediate tripping once the current exceeds the set limit.
- No time delay mechanism is involved.
Response to Faults:
- Operates within 0.01 to 0.02 seconds.
- Does not discriminate between near and far faults.
Applications:
- Used in high-voltage transmission systems where fast disconnection is needed.
- Busbar and generator protection.
- Used as backup protection for circuit breakers.
Advantages:
- Fastest relay, ensuring quick fault clearance.
- Simple operation without the need for time settings.
Limitations:
- Low selectivity – cannot differentiate between close and distant faults.
- Not suitable for long-distance protection due to its lack of discrimination.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Inverse Time Overcurrent Relay
Operating Principle:
The Inverse Time Overcurrent Relay (ITOC) operates with a time delay inversely
proportional to the fault current magnitude. Higher fault currents cause faster operation,
while smaller fault currents result in a delayed response.
Time-Current Characteristics:
- Higher fault current → Faster tripping.
- Lower fault current → Slower tripping.
- Uses an induction disk mechanism to adjust tripping time.
Response to Faults:
- Provides selective fault clearance based on the severity of the fault.
- Ideal for systems where gradual overloads must be tolerated.
Applications:
- Protection of transmission and distribution networks.
- Used for feeder, transformer, and motor protection.
- Ideal for coordinated system protection.
Advantages:
- Best coordination with other protective relays.
- Reduces unnecessary tripping by delaying operation for minor overloads.
Limitations:
- Slower than instantaneous relays for high-magnitude faults.
- Coordination can be complex due to its non-linear time delay.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Definite Time Overcurrent Relay
Operating Principle:
The Definite Time Overcurrent Relay (DTOC) operates when the current exceeds the preset
threshold, but with a fixed time delay, regardless of the magnitude of the overcurrent.
Time-Current Characteristics:
- Fixed tripping time, independent of fault severity.
- Electronic or mechanical timer determines the delay.
Response to Faults:
- Provides predictable operation for time-coordinated protection schemes.
- Used as backup protection in industrial substations.
Applications:
- Used for backup protection in substations.
- Employed in time-coordinated schemes for feeders and transformers.
- Used where fixed response time is required.
Advantages:
- Easy coordination in multi-relay systems.
- Prevents nuisance tripping for temporary overloads.
Limitations:
- Slower than inverse-time relays for high-magnitude faults.
- Cannot adjust based on fault severity.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Comparative Analysis of Overcurrent Relays
Feature Instantaneous Inverse Time Definite Time
Overcurrent Relay Overcurrent Relay Overcurrent Relay
Operating Principle Trips immediately Trips after a delay Trips after a fixed
when fault current that is inversely time delay once the
exceeds the set proportional to the fault current
value. fault current exceeds the pick-up
magnitude. value.
Time-Current No intentional time Higher fault current Fixed time delay,
Characteristics delay (fastest → Faster tripping, independent of fault
response). Lower fault current current magnitude.
→ Slower tripping.
Usage in Power High-voltage Transmission and Used for backup
Systems transmission distribution protection,
systems, Generator systems, industrial
and Busbar Transformer and substations, and
protection. Feeder protection. time-coordinated
schemes.
