Re: 50/51G and 50/51N 50 a IEEE Device number defined as an "Instantaneous over current relay, or rate-ofrise relay that

functions instantaneously on an excessive value of current, or on an excessive rate of current rise, thus indication a fault in the apparatus of circuit being protected. Device 51 is an AC time over current relay which is a relay with either a definite or inverse time characteristic that functions when the current in the AC circuit exceeds a Predetermined value. 'G'=Generator, or ground 'N'=Network, or neutral Suffix "N" generally used in reference to "G" for devices connected in the secondary neutral current transformers, or in the secondary of a current transformer whose primary winding is located in the neutral of a machine or power transformer, except in the case of transmission line relaying, where the suffix "G" is more commonly used for those relays which operate on ground fault. The actual protective relay being applied would most likely be in the "CO" relay family used with a suitable sized CT on the neutral. However, the selection as well as the setting values of the device would be the responsibility of a electrical engineering consultant who has experience in protective relaying and distribution system coordination.
Current transformers are used to transform high currents to standardized values for control equipment as relays and meters. The primary winding in a current transformer is incorporated in the line and carries the current flowing in the network. The magnitude of the secondary current is dependent of the ratio of the transformer. A current transformer (CT) is a type of instrument transformer designed to provide a current in its secondary winding proportional to the alternating current flowing in its primary. They are commonly used in metering and protective relaying in the electrical power industry where they facilitate the safe measurement of large currents, often in the presence of high voltages. The current transformer safely isolates measurement and control circuitry from the high voltages typically present on the circuit being measured. The most common design of CT consists of a length of wire wrapped many times around a silicon steel ring passed over the circuit being measured. The CT's primary circuit therefore consists of a single 'turn' of conductor, with a secondary of many hundreds of turns. The CT acts as a constant-current series device with an apparent power burden a fraction of that of the high voltage primary circuit. Hence the primary circuit is largely unaffected by the insertion of the CT. Usage Current transformers are used extensively for measuring current and monitoring the operation of the power grid. The CT is typically described by its current ratio from primary to secondary. Often, multiple CTs are installed as a "stack" for various uses (for example, protection devices and revenue metering may use separate CTs). Similarly potential transformers are used for measuring voltage and monitoring the operation of the power grid.