Primary relay or primary protection relay is the first line of power system protection whereas backup relay is operated only when primary relay fails to be operated during a fault. Over time, relay protection has advanced from basic mechanical designs to digital solutions that now support fast, reliable operation in electrical power systems. They are intended to quickly identify a fault and isolate it so the balance of the system continue to run under normal conditions. : 4 The first protective relays were electromagnetic devices, relying on coils operating on moving parts to provide detection of abnormal operating conditions such as. The first protective relays were electromechanical devices, introduced in the early 20th century. While reliable, these relays.
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