ABB REF615 Modules — REF615E-C

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB REF615 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The ABB REF615 is a dedicated feeder protection and control relay belonging to ABB's Relion® 615 protection series. It is deployed across medium-voltage distribution networks in chemical plants, nuclear facilities, oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and utility substations worldwide. The REF615 provides overcurrent, earth-fault, and arc protection functions in a compact, panel-mount IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) form factor. Its IEC 61850 Edition 2 compliance and GOOSE messaging capability make it a standard component in modern digital substation architectures. Installed base spans multiple continents, with particularly high penetration in European and Asian heavy industrial grids.

The Evolution of REF615 Architecture

The REF615 was introduced as part of ABB's second-generation Relion® platform, succeeding the SPAJ 140 C and SPAJ 141 C feeder protection relays from the SPACOM/SPAM series. Early REF615 variants (A-configuration) offered basic ANSI 50/51/50N/51N overcurrent and earth-fault protection with a local HMI and RS-485 Modbus interface. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced IEC 61850 Ed.1 Ethernet communication (B/C configurations), followed by IEC 61850 Ed.2 with GOOSE and MMS support (D/E configurations).

The E-configuration, to which the REF615E-C belongs, represents the current production standard. It integrates a wider protection function library (including voltage, frequency, and thermal overload elements), a higher-resolution LCD, and dual Ethernet ports for ring topology (HSR/PRP). Backward compatibility with earlier REF615 configurations is maintained at the IEC 61850 logical node level, though hardware interchangeability between A/B and D/E generations is not supported due to different backplane connectors and firmware architectures.

The REF615 series is currently in its mature/sustained phase. ABB continues to supply spare units and firmware updates, but the platform is not receiving new feature development. Long-term maintenance customers should plan migration to the REF615 successor platform (REF630/REF650) within a 7–10 year horizon.

REF615 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked configurations within the ABB REF615 series. Units are classified by protection function set and communication variant.

Overcurrent & Earth-Fault Protection (Standard Feeder)

• REF615A-C: A-config, ANSI 50/51/50N/51N, Modbus RTU, no Ethernet
• REF615B-C: B-config, adds IEC 61850 Ed.1, single Ethernet RJ45
• REF615C-C: C-config, IEC 61850 Ed.1 + DNP3, dual-port Ethernet option
• REF615D-C: D-config, IEC 61850 Ed.2, GOOSE, MMS, single Ethernet
• REF615E-C: E-config, IEC 61850 Ed.2, dual Ethernet (HSR/PRP), full function library

Voltage & Frequency Protection Variants

• REF615E-V: E-config with extended voltage protection (ANSI 27/59/81O/81U)
• REF615E-F: E-config with frequency protection elements (ANSI 81R, df/dt)
• REF615E-VF: Combined voltage and frequency protection, E-config hardware

Arc Flash Protection Variants

• REF615E-A: Integrated arc flash detection (ANSI 50ARC), point sensor inputs
• REF615E-AC: Arc flash + standard overcurrent, combined protection set

Motor Feeder Protection Variants

• REF615E-M: Motor feeder variant, adds ANSI 49/46/48/51LR thermal and unbalance
• REF615E-MC: Motor feeder + overcurrent, full combined function set

Communication & I/O Expansion Modules

• REF615-LPIO: Local panel I/O extension module, 8DI/4DO binary expansion
• REF615-COM-IEC: IEC 61850 communication module, field-replaceable
• REF615-COM-DNP: DNP3 serial communication module, RS-485/RS-232
• REF615-PSM-24VDC: 24 VDC auxiliary power supply module for REF615 chassis
• REF615-PSM-110VDC: 110 VDC auxiliary power supply module
• REF615-PSM-220VDC: 220 VDC auxiliary power supply module

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete REF615 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for the ABB REF615 series, covering both current-production E-configuration units and legacy A/B/C/D variants that ABB no longer manufactures to order. Our sourcing network spans certified ABB channel partners, decommissioned substation equipment, and tested surplus from utility and industrial clients.

For end-users operating REF615A-C or REF615B-C units in aging substations, DriveKNMS provides: (1) direct unit replacement with tested surplus stock, (2) configuration file migration support between hardware generations, and (3) long-term consignment stocking agreements for maintenance contractors managing large installed bases. All units are tested against ABB factory acceptance test criteria prior to dispatch.

Quality Control for the REF615 Range

Each REF615 unit processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured test protocol specific to the relay's protection function set and communication architecture. Testing covers: (1) auxiliary power supply input range verification (AC/DC, per nameplate rating), (2) binary input threshold and pickup time measurement across all DI channels, (3) binary output contact resistance and trip coil continuity check, (4) protection element pickup and timing accuracy test (ANSI 50/51 per IEC 60255-151), (5) IEC 61850 GOOSE subscription and publication verification via network analyzer, (6) HMI display, LED indicator, and keypad functional check, and (7) 48-hour powered burn-in at ambient temperature. Units with arc flash detection (REF615E-A/AC) additionally undergo optical sensor input sensitivity calibration. Test records are retained and available upon request.