This balance of speed and coordination is achieved through IEC curves, which define the operating times of Overcurrent (OC) and Earth Fault (EF) relays under different fault conditions. The Time-Current Curves for cables are also known as “Damage” curves. The faster the protection operates, the smaller the resulting ha-zards, damage and the thermal stress will be. What is a Time Overcurrent Relay? Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) relays activate when current exceeds a predetermined pickup value with the. Relay protection against high current was the earliest relay protection mechanism to develop. Typically added to a breaker close circuit to prevent accidental reclosure after a trip. This signal level is typically 5A nominal in.
[PDF Version]