IDMT curves for overcurrent protection - Arc protection - Motor protection - Feeder protection - Back-up protection - Technical Manual - REX610 Protection and control - 1.2 - IEC - ANSI - 03.05.2023

REX610 Technical Manual

In inverse-time modes, the operation time depends on the momentary value of the current: the higher the current, the faster the operation time. The operation time calculation or integration starts immediately when the current exceeds the set Start value and the START output is activated.

The OPERATE output of the component is activated when the cumulative sum of the integrator calculating the overcurrent situation exceeds the value set by the inverse-time mode. The set value depends on the selected curve type and the setting values used. The curve scaling is determined with the Time multiplier setting.

There are two methods to level out the inverse-time characteristic.
  • The Minimum operate time setting defines the minimum operating time for the IDMT curve, that is, the operation time is always at least the Minimum operate time setting.
  • Alternatively, the IDMT Sat point is used for giving the leveling-out point as a multiple of the Start value setting. (Global setting: Configuration > System > IDMT Sat point). The default parameter value is 50. This setting affects only the overcurrent and earth-fault IDMT timers.
Note: IDMT operation time at currents over 50 x In is not guaranteed.
Figure 1. Operation time curve based on the IDMT characteristic leveled out with the Minimum operate time setting is set to 1000 milliseconds ( the IDMT Sat point setting is set to maximum).
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Figure 2. Operation time curve based on the IDMT characteristic leveled out with IDMT Sat point setting value “11” (the Minimum operate time setting is set to minimum).
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Figure 3. Example of how the inverse time characteristic is leveled out with currents over 50 x In and the Setting Start value setting “2.5 x In”. (the IDMT Sat point setting is set to maximum and the Minimum operate time setting is set to minimum).
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The grey zone in Figure 3 shows the behavior of the curve in case the measured current is outside the guaranteed measuring range. Also, the maximum measured current of 50 x In gives the leveling-out point 50/2.5 = 20 x I/I>.