Description
Product Core Brief
- Model: REF610
- Brand: ABB
- Series: ABB feeder protection relay family
- Core Function: Overcurrent, earth-fault, thermal overload and arc-fault protection for medium-voltage feeders and switchgear.
- Product Type: MV feeder protection relay / IED
- Key Specs: Three-phase overcurrent | Earth-fault | Thermal overload | Arc protection | Auto-reclose | CBFP | Disturbance recorder | LCD HMI | Optional rear communication
- Lifecycle Note: REF610 is discontinued; REF611 and REF615 are commonly used successors.
- Condition: New Surplus / Used, depending on stock
Product Introduction
ABB REF610 is a medium-voltage feeder protection relay designed for incoming and outgoing feeders in MV distribution substations. It provides three-stage non-directional overcurrent protection, two-stage non-directional earth-fault protection, thermal overload protection, phase discontinuity protection, circuit-breaker failure protection and auto-reclose.
An optional arc protection function can be added for air-insulated metal-clad switchgear. The relay includes an alphanumeric LCD, programmable LEDs, disturbance recording, event logging and configurable binary I/O. Communication options depend on the installed rear module and may include SPA bus, IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/ASCII or DNP 3.0.
Because REF610 is no longer in active production, replacement projects usually evaluate REF611 or REF615 as successors. REF611 is positioned as the direct cost-effective successor, while REF615 offers broader functions and IEC 61850 support.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | ABB |
| Model | |
| Product Type | MV feeder protection relay |
| Typical Application | MV distribution feeders, switchgear, industrial and utility substations |
| Protection Functions | Three-phase overcurrent, earth-fault, thermal overload, phase discontinuity, arc protection, CBFP, auto-reclose |
| Measurement | Phase currents, residual current, demand values, primary current display |
| HMI | Alphanumeric LCD, navigation buttons, eight programmable LEDs |
| I/O | Three power output contacts, two signal output contacts, optional additional signal outputs and digital inputs |
| Communication | Front optical port; optional rear SPA, IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/ASCII or DNP 3.0 |
| Condition | New Surplus / Used |
Quality Control Process
- Full order code verification: Confirm model, order code, hardware version and communication module.
- Visual inspection: Check front HMI, terminal blocks, communication module, CT inputs and signs of overheating.
- Firmware and setting check: Verify protection settings, I/O mapping and communication parameters.
- Secondary injection test: Confirm overcurrent, earth-fault, arc protection and trip output operation.
- Communication test: Verify SPA, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-103 or DNP 3.0 integration if required.
- Packing: Anti-static bag, moisture barrier, rigid corner protection and reinforced carton.
Replacement Pitfall Guide
❗ Confirm the full order code. REF610 variants differ in communication module, I/O option and arc protection configuration.
❗ Do not assume IEC 61850 support. REF610 typically uses SPA, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-103 or DNP 3.0; IEC 61850 is not a standard feature on this model.
❗ Check arc protection option. Arc protection requires compatible sensors and input configuration; it is not present on every unit.
❗ Verify CT ratio and protection settings. Incorrect CT ratios, pickup values or time delays can cause nuisance trips or failure to clear faults.
❗ Plan successor migration carefully. REF610 is discontinued; REF611 or REF615 may be used as successors, but panel cutout, wiring, I/O mapping and communication must be confirmed before replacement.
Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
| Original Model | Replacement / Successor Model | Compatibility Level | Migration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABB | ABB | Direct | Match full order code, communication module and settings. |
| ABB | ABB REF611 | Needs Verification | Common successor; confirm I/O, communication and panel cutout. |
| ABB | ABB REF615 | Needs Verification | Broader function set; confirm wiring, I/O and SCADA compatibility. |
| ABB | Generic MV protection relay | Needs Verification | Requires engineering review of protection logic and communication. |
Benchmarks:
- MV feeder protection relay with three-stage overcurrent and two-stage earth-fault protection.
- Supports auto-reclose, CBFP, disturbance recording and optional arc protection.
- Discontinued; REF611 and REF615 are typical replacement paths.
If you can share the full order code, nameplate photo or existing protection settings, I can help confirm the exact REF610 variant and the most suitable replacement option.
