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IDMT Overcurrent Relay

An Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Overcurrent Relay is a protective device that trips a circuit breaker based on the magnitude of overcurrent, with a faster response for higher fault currents. It features a definite minimum time delay to prevent unnecessary trips for minor overloads, ensuring effective coordination with other protection devices. IDMT relays are commonly used in power distribution networks, transformers, and industrial electrical systems.

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22 views2 pages

IDMT Overcurrent Relay

An Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Overcurrent Relay is a protective device that trips a circuit breaker based on the magnitude of overcurrent, with a faster response for higher fault currents. It features a definite minimum time delay to prevent unnecessary trips for minor overloads, ensuring effective coordination with other protection devices. IDMT relays are commonly used in power distribution networks, transformers, and industrial electrical systems.

Uploaded by

leenavellai
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Overcurrent Relay

Introduction
An Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Overcurrent Relay is a type of protective relay
used in electrical power systems to detect and clear overcurrent faults. It operates based on
the principle that the higher the fault current, the faster the relay operates, but with a
definite minimum time for very high fault currents.

1. What is an Overcurrent Relay?


An overcurrent relay is a protective device that trips (opens) a circuit breaker when the
current flowing through it exceeds a predetermined limit. This helps prevent damage to
equipment like transformers, generators, and transmission lines.

2. What is IDMT?
The term IDMT stands for:

- Inverse – The relay operating time is inversely proportional to the fault current.

- Definite Minimum Time – The relay has a minimum time delay even for very high fault
currents.

Why is this important?


This ensures that:

1. Small overcurrents don’t immediately trip the relay, allowing temporary surges to clear
naturally.

2. Severe faults are cleared quickly to minimize damage.

3. The relay coordinates well with other protection devices in the system.

3. How Does an IDMT Relay Work?


1. Current Detection

- The relay monitors the current in a circuit.

- If the current exceeds the set threshold, the relay starts timing.

2. Time-Current Characteristic

- The time delay before the relay trips depends on how much the current exceeds the limit.

- More current → Less time to trip

3. Trip Signal to Circuit Breaker


- Once the relay’s time delay expires, it sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker.

- The circuit breaker disconnects the faulty section from the power system.

4. IDMT Relay Characteristics


There are different time-current curves for IDMT relays:

1. Standard Inverse (SI) – Moderate inverse relationship.

2. Very Inverse (VI) – Steeper inverse relationship, suitable for long lines.

3. Extremely Inverse (EI) – Even steeper inverse relationship, ideal for fuse coordination.

5. Advantages of IDMT Relays


✅Fast response to severe faults

✅Time delay prevents unnecessary trips for minor overloads

✅Better coordination with other relays

✅Reliable and widely used in power distribution systems

6. Where are IDMT Relays Used?


- Power distribution networks

- Transformers and generators

- Industrial electrical systems

- Transmission and distribution lines

- Motor protection circuits

Summary
An IDMT overcurrent relay is a smart protective device that trips a circuit breaker when
current exceeds a preset level, but with a delay that depends on the fault magnitude. The
higher the fault current, the faster it operates, ensuring efficient fault clearing and system
protection.

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