Application Guide Volume I AG2017-22

Using an SEL-321 and an SEL-311 Series Relay

to Set Up POTT and DCB Schemes
Jared Candelaria and Hardesh Khatri

INTRODUCTION
In 1993, SEL introduced the SEL-321 Phase and Ground Distance Relay, and it has been widely
used to provide pilot protection on transmission lines ever since. Now, over 20 years later, many of
these relays are still in service and in good working order. However, as utilities upgrade their
systems, the SEL-321 is being replaced by relays that include additional functionality. It is not
uncommon for these upgraded relays to be installed on a tie in which each end of the line is owned
by a different utility. Occasionally, one utility upgrades its terminal as part of a new standard
relaying package, while the other chooses to keep its existing protection. Even though the
terminals have dissimilar relays, losing pilot protection is not acceptable.
This application guide details how to program the SEL-321 and SEL-311 Series Relays in order to
maintain pilot protection by using either a Permissive Overreaching Transfer Trip (POTT) or
Directional Comparison Blocking (DCB) scheme. This application guide can be applied to the
SEL-311C Transmission Protection System, the SEL-311L Line Current Differential Protection
and Automation System, and the SEL-311M Line Current Differential Protection and Automation
System. For the examples in this guide, we use the SEL-311C to represent all SEL-311 Series
Relays. We assume the reader has a basic understanding of pilot protection, so this application
guide does not go into detail on the schemes. For an in-depth discussion of POTT and DCB
schemes, refer to [1] and [2].

NOTE: POTT and DCB schemes are not available on the SEL-311A Phase and Ground Distance Relay, the
SEL-311B Distance Relay With Recloser, or the SEL-311C Advanced Distance Relay With Recloser.

SAMPLE SYSTEM
Figure 1 shows a typical two-terminal system. Relay 1 is an SEL-311C that has recently been
upgraded, and Relay 2 is an existing SEL-321. The two relays communicate through a fiber-optic
connection to implement POTT and DCB schemes.

RELAY 1 RELAY 2
PORT 2 (EIA-232) PORT 2 (EIA-232)
OPTICAL FIBER
TX RX
RX TX

Figure 1 MIRRORED BITS Communications via a Direct Fiber-Optic Connection

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PORT SETUP
To ensure that the relays can properly communicate with each other, set up a serial port on each
relay for MIRRORED BITS® communications. For direct fiber communication, use fiber-optic
transceivers to convert serial to fiber (e.g., the SEL-2800 Fiber-Optic Transceiver or SEL-2812
Fiber-Optic Transceiver With IRIG-B). The SEL-311C supports two separate MIRRORED BITS
channels (Channels A and B), while the SEL-321 supports one channel. The SEL-321 channel is
compatible with either of the SEL-311C channels. Table 1 and Table 2 provide example setting
values for Port 2 on the SEL-321 and SEL-311C, respectively. The port setup is identical for both
POTT and DCB schemes.
Table 1 SEL-321 Port 2 Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

PROTOCOL Communications Protocol MBa Enables MIRRORED BITS
communications.
SPEED Communications Baud Rate 9600b The SEL-321-3, -4 and the SEL-321-5
are limited to 9600.
RTS_CTS Enable Hardware Handshaking N Not needed for relay-to-relay
communication.
RBADPU MIRRORED BITS Receive Bad 60 A channel error must last 60 s before
Pickup RABD is asserted.
CBADPU PPM MIRRORED BITS Channel Bad 1000 CBAD asserts if the ratio of channel
Pickup downtime to total time exceeds this value.
TX_ID MIRRORED BITS Transmit Identifier 1 Must match the receive identifier of the
remote relay.
RX_ID MIRRORED BITS Receive Identifier 2 Must match the transmit identifier of the
remote relay.
RXDFLT MIRRORED BITS Receive Default XXXXXXXXc The default state in place of received data
Status in error condition.
RMBxPUd MIRRORED BITS RMBx Pickup 1 Number of received messages before
Debounce Messages RMBx picks up.
RMBxDOd MIRRORED BITS RMBx Dropout 1 Number of received messages before
Debounce Messages RMBx drops out.
a MB uses a 7-data bit format for data encoding. The other option is MB8, which uses an 8-data bit format. For direct
fiber applications, MB works adequately; however, select the MB8 protocol setting if additional communications
interface equipment is used on the channel. See [3] for further information. Only in the SEL-321-0, -1, if
PROTOCOL = MBG, then you can set RMBx from Group settings instead of Global settings.
b The SEL-321, at a baud rate of 9600, sends and receives MIRRORED BITS two times per power system cycle.
c
To maintain security during loss of communications, in a POTT scheme you can set the default state of the
permissive receive bit (RMB1) to 0, thus RXDFLT = XXXXXXX0; in a DCB scheme you can set the default state of
the block bit (RMB1) to 1, thus RXDFLT = XXXXXXX1.
d x = 1 to 8.

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Table 2 SEL-311C Port 2 Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

EPORT Enable Port Y The port must be enabled to set up
communication.
PROTO Communications Protocol MBAa Enable MIRRORED BITS communications on
Channel A.
SPEED Communications Baud Rate 9600 The SEL-311C-0 and SEL-311C-1 are limited
to 38400 and 57600, respectively.b
RTSCTS Enable Hardware N Not needed for relay-to-relay communication.
Handshaking
TXID MIRRORED BITS transmit 2 Must match the receive identifier of the remote
identifier relay.
RXID MIRRORED BITS receive 1 Must match the transmit identifier of the remote
identifier relay.
RBADPU MIRRORED BITS Rx Bad 60 (Default) A channel error must last 60 s before RABD is
Pickup Time asserted.
CBADPU PPM MIRRORED BITS 1000 (Default) CBAD asserts if the ratio of channel downtime
Channel Bad Pickup to total time exceeds this value.
RXDFLT MIRRORED BITS Receive XXXXXXXXc The default state in place of received data in
Default Status error condition.
RMBxPUd,e MIRRORED BITS RMB Pickup 1 Number of received messages before RMBx
Debounce Messages picks up.
RMBxDOd,e MIRRORED BITS RMB 1 Number of received messages before RMBx
Dropout Debounce Messages drops out.
a
MBA and MBB use a 7-data bit format for data encoding. The other options are MB8A, MB8B, MBGA, and MBGB,
which use an 8-data bit format. For direct fiber applications, MBA and MBB work adequately; however, select the
MB8A, MB8B, MBGA, or MBGB protocol if additional communications interface equipment is used on the channel.
See [3] for further information. If PROTO = MBGA or MBGB, the RXID and TXID settings will move from the Port
settings to the Group settings.
b
Ensure the baud rate of the SEL-311C matches the baud rate of the SEL-321.
c
To maintain security during loss of communications, in a POTT scheme you can set the default state of the
permissive receive bit (RMB1A) to 0, thus RXDFLT = XXXXXXX0; in a DCB scheme you can set the default state of
the block bit (RMB1A) to 1, thus RXDFLT = XXXXXXX1.
d
The SEL-311C, at a baud rate of 9600, sends and receives MIRRORED BITS four times per power system cycle.
e x = 1 to 8.

When you have set up the ports on both relays and connected the communications cable, verify the
status of the channel. Do this by targeting the ROK Relay Word bit in the SEL-321 (TAR 20 com-
mand) and the ROKA Relay Word bit in the SEL-311C (TAR ROKA command). These bits, when
asserted, indicate that the MIRRORED BITS communications channel is operational and ready to
transmit and receive data. Figure 2 and Figure 3 display the expected responses to the commands.

=>>TAR 20
RBAD CBAD LBOK ROK * * * TOP
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Figure 2 Status of the ROK Bit in the SEL-321

=>>TAR ROKA
LBOKB CBADB RBADB ROKB LBOKA CBADA RBADA ROKA
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Figure 3 Status of the ROKA Bit in the SEL-311C

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RELAY ELEMENTS
Pilot schemes use forward-looking overreaching elements and reverse-looking elements. To set
this up, you can use distance elements, directional overcurrent elements, or both. Table 3 lists the
most commonly used relay elements for pilot schemes.
Table 3 Common Pilot Scheme Relay Elements

Relay Element Description

M2P Zone 2 phase mho forward distance element
Z2G Zone 2 ground mho distance element
67G2 Level 2 residual ground overcurrent forward element
67Q2 Level 2 negative-sequence forward overcurrent element
M3P Zone 3 mho phase reverse distance element
Z3G Zone 3 ground mho distance element
67G3 Level 3 residual ground reverse overcurrent element
67Q3 Level 3 negative-sequence reverse overcurrent element

POTT OVERVIEW
A POTT scheme is a communications scheme in which an asserted overreaching element at the
local terminal must receive permission to trip from the remote terminal. When a forward-looking
overreaching zone (Zone 2) asserts, it can only provide accelerated tripping if it receives
permission from the remote end. Zone 2 sends the permissive signal to the remote terminal, and a
reverse-looking zone (Zone 3) blocks sending the permission.
For example, as Figure 4 shows, if a fault occurs at point F1, the overreaching Zone 2 element at
Relay 1 asserts, while the reverse-looking Zone 3 element remains deasserted. This causes the
output AND 1 (shown in Figure 5) to assert, sending a permissive trip signal (Key) to Relay 2 and
causing the top input into AND 2 to be true. At the same time, Zone 2 at Relay 2 also asserts, while
the Zone 3 element remains deasserted. This causes the output of AND 4 to assert, sending a Key
to Relay 1 and causing the top input to AND 3 to be true. When each relay receives a Key from the
remote end, both outputs (AND 2 and AND 3) assert, which causes the relays to trip with no
intentional delay.
As another example, consider a fault at F2 (shown in Figure 4). In this scenario, the Zone 2 at
Relay 1 asserts and Zone 3 deasserts. Again, AND 1 asserts, which causes a Key to transmit and
the top input to AND 2 to assert. At this point, Relay 1 must receive a Key from Relay 2 to trip. At
Relay 2, the Zone 2 element remains deasserted, while the Zone 3 element asserts. As a result,
AND 4 is not true and a Key is not sent to Relay 1, which does not allow a high-speed trip. At
Relay 2, even though the bottom input of AND 3 has received a Key, the top input into AND 3
remains deasserted and does not allow a high-speed trip.

NOTE: The preceding section provides an overview of POTT schemes. For more in-depth information, refer to [1].

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F1 F2
RELAY 1 RELAY 2

OPTICAL FIBER
TX RX
RX TX

ZONE 3 ZONE 2

ZONE 2 ZONE 3

Figure 4 MIRRORED BITS Communications via a Direct Fiber-Optic Connection

KEY KEY
XMTR XMTR
ZONE 2 ZONE 2
AND 1 AND 4
ZONE 3 AND 2 TRIP TRIP AND 3 ZONE 3

KEY KEY
RCVR RCVR

RELAY 1 RELAY 2

Figure 5 Simplified POTT Logic

POTT SETUP
In order to set up a POTT scheme in the SEL-321 and SEL-311C, you must enable the logic in
both relays. The settings in both the relays are mostly similar, with some differences. Table 4 and
Table 5 provide a summary of how to set up the POTT logic in the SEL-321 and SEL-311C,
respectively.
Table 4 SEL-321 POTT Settings

Setting Name Value Description

EPOTT Enable Permissive Y Enables the POTT logic.
Overreaching Transfer Trip
Z3RBD Zone 3 Reverse Block Delay 5 (Default) Prevents a POTT scheme misoperation during current
reversal.
EBLKD Echo Block Time Delay 10 (Default) Prevents echoing of a received permissive trip for a
settable delay after dropout of local permissive elements.
ETDPU Echo Time Delay Pickup 2 (Default) Sets the minimum time requirement for received
permissive trip before echo begins.
EDURD Echo Duration Time Delay 4 (Default) Limits echo duration to prevent channel lockup.
EWFC Weak-Infeed Enable N (Default) Allows echo keying in the event of a weak terminal or an
open breaker (requires EVOLT = Y).

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Table 5 SEL-311C POTT Settings

Setting Name Value Description

ECOMM Communications-Assisted POTT Enables the POTT logic.
Trip Scheme
Z3RBD Zone 3 Reverse Block 5 (Default) Prevents a POTT scheme misoperation during current
Delay reversal.
EBLKD Echo Block Time Delay 10 (Default) Prevents echoing of a received permissive trip for a
settable delay after dropout of local permissive elements.
ETDPU Echo Time Delay Pickup 2 (Default) Sets the minimum time requirement for received
permissive trip before echo begins.
EDURD Echo Duration Time Delay 4 (Default) Limits echo duration to prevent channel lockup.
EWFC Weak-Infeed Enable N (Default) Allows echo keying in the event of a weak terminal or an
open breaker.

POTT LOGIC
When you have enabled each relay for a POTT scheme, you must program the elements that
qualify a communications-assisted trip. To program the logic, consider the following:
➤ In the SEL-321, the equation for the communications-assisted trip conditions is MTCS;
in the SEL-311C the equation is TRCOMM. SEL recommends setting both of these
equations by using the same elements so that each terminal responds similarly to fault
conditions.
➤ Each relay must be able to transmit a permissive trip signal. In the SEL-321, send the
permissive trip signal via TMB1; in the SEL-321, send it via TMB1A. Set each of these
elements to KEY.
➤ The relays must be programmed to map the KEY from the remote end into the POTT
logic. Do this by mapping the permissive trip to the received Mirrored Bit. In the
SEL-321, program RMB1 to PT; in the SEL-311C, program PT1 to RMB1A.
➤ A tripping output must be assigned to trip each relay's respective circuit breaker. In the
SEL-321, set OUT1 to 3PT; in the SEL-311C, set OUT101 to TRIP.
➤ You should wire a breaker contact status to each relay. In the SEL-321, wire a 52A
contact to IN1; in the SEL-311C, wire a 52A to IN101. This improves the three-pole
open logic.
Table 6 SEL-321 POTT Logic Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

MTCS Mask for Trip Communications M2P + Z2G The elements that allow high-speed,
Scheme Variable (Default) communications-assisted tripping.
TMB1 Transmit Mirrored Bit 1 KEY Send a permissive trip to the remote end.
a
RMB1 Receive Mirrored Bit 1 PT Receive a permissive trip from the remote end.
OUT1 Output Contact Logic OUT1 3PT Trip output to the circuit breaker.
IN1 Input Contact 1 Assignment 52A1 Assign to the circuit breaker 52A status.
a Because PROTOCOL = MB, set RMB1 in the Global settings.

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Table 7 SEL-311C POTT Logic Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

TRCOMM Communications-Assisted Trip M2P + Z2G The elements that allow high-speed,
Conditions (Default) communications-assisted tripping.
TMB1A Transmit Channel A Mirrored Bit 1 KEY Send a permissive trip to the remote end.
PT1 Permissive Trip 1 Equation RMB1A Receive a permissive trip from the remote end.
OUT101 Output Contact 101 Equation TRIP Trip output to the circuit breaker.
52A Circuit Breaker Status Equation IN101 Assign to the circuit breaker 52A status.

KEY KEY
(TMB1A) (TMB1)
TRCOMM MTCS
TRIP 3PT

PT1 PT
(RMB1A) (RMB1)
ZONE 3 ZONE 3
3PO SEL-311C SEL-321 3PO

Figure 6 Simplified POTT Logic Between the SEL-321 and SEL-311C

(+) (+) (+) (+)

SEL-311C A01 A17

SEL-321 218 201
(Partial) (Partial)

OUT101 IN101 OUT1 IN1

A02 A18 217 202

Circuit 52A 52A Circuit 52A 52A

Breaker Breaker
(Partial) (Partial)

52TC 52TC

(–) (–)

Figure 7 Simplified Relay Wiring

DCB OVERVIEW
A DCB scheme is a communications scheme in which an asserted overreaching element at the
local terminal must receive a blocking signal from the remote terminal to not trip. When a forward-
overreaching zone (Zone 2) at the local terminal asserts, it trips at high speed, unless it receives a
blocking signal from the remote end. A reverse-looking zone (Zone 3) at the remote terminal sends
the blocking signal.

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As Figure 4 shows, if a fault occurs at point F1, the overreaching Zone 2 element at Relay 1
asserts, and Zone 3 remains deasserted. Because Zone 3 is deasserted, Relay 1 does not send a
block signal to Relay 2. The assertion of Zone 2 starts TIMER 1 (see Figure 8). If Zone 2 is
asserted for longer than the programed timer delay (CTD) in TIMER 1, then the top input into
AND 1 becomes true. If the top input in AND 1 is true and Relay 1 has not received a block from
the remote end, then Relay 1 will issue a trip. At Relay 2, Zone 2 asserts and Zone 3 remains
deasserted. Because Zone 3 remains deasserted, Relay 2 does not send a block signal to Relay 1,
and Zone 2 starts TIMER 2. If Zone 2 is asserted for longer than the programed timer delay (CTD)
in TIMER 2, the top input into AND 2 becomes true. If the top input in AND 2 is true and Relay 2
has not received a block from the remote end, then Relay 2 issues a trip. In this scenario, both
relays identify the fault in their respective Zone 2 and do not receive a block signal from the
remote end, which allows both relays to trip their respective breakers and clear the line at high
speed.
As another example, consider a fault at point F2 (see Figure 4). In this scenario, Zone 2 at Relay 1
asserts, and Zone 3 remains deasserted. Again, Relay 1 does not send a block signal to Relay 2,
and Zone 2 starts TIMER 1. At Relay 2, Zone 2 deasserts; Zone 3 asserts, and assertion of Zone 3
sends a block to Relay 1. This causes the AND 1 to not allow a high-speed trip. At Relay 2, even
though Relay 1 does not send a block signal, Zone 2 remaining deasserted causes AND 2 to not
allow a high-speed trip.

NOTE: The preceding section provides an overview of DCB schemes. For more in-depth information, refer to [2].

ZONE 3 ZONE 3
BLOCK XMTR BLOCK XMTR
TIMER 1 TIMER 2
CTD CTD
ZONE 2 ZONE 2
AND 1 TRIP TRIP AND 2

BLOCK BLOCK
RCVR RCVR

RELAY 1 RELAY 2

Figure 8 Simplified DCB Logic

DCB SETUP
To set up a DCB scheme in the SEL-321 and SEL-311C, you must enable the logic in both relays.
The settings in both the relays are mostly similar, with some differences. Table 8 and Table 9
provide a summary of how to set up the DCB logic in the SEL-321 and SEL-311C, respectively.
Note that these settings only apply to directional starting; this application guide does not discuss or
include nondirectional starting.

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Table 8 SEL-321 DCB Settings

Setting Name Value Description

EDCB Enable Directional Comparison Y Enables the DCB logic.
Blocking
Z3XD Zone 3 Pickup Extension Time Delay 5 (Default) Prevents a DCB scheme misoperation
during current reversal.
BTXD Block Trip Receive Extension Delay 1 (Default) Sets the reset time of a block trip received
condition after the reset of block trip input.
Z2PSD Zone 2 Phase Coordination Time See following Delays M2P element output.
Delay note
Z2GSD Zone 2 Ground Coordination Time See following Delays Z2G element output.
Delay note
67N2SD 67N Coordination Time Delay See following Delays 67N2 element output.
note
67Q2SD 67Q Coordination Time Delay See following Delays 67Q2 element output.
note

Table 9 SEL-311C DCB Settings

Setting Name Value Description

ECOMM Communications-Assisted Trip DCB Enables the DCB logic.
Scheme
Z3XPU Zone 3 Reverse Pickup Time Delay 1 (Default) Current reversal guard pickup timer.
Z3XD Zone 3 Pickup Extension Time Delay 5 (Default) Prevents a DCB scheme misoperation
during current reversal.
BTXD Block Trip Receive Extension Delay 1 Sets the reset time of a block trip received
condition after the reset of block trip input.
21SD Zone 2 Phase and Ground See following Delays M2P and Z2G element outputs.
Coordination Time Delay note
67SD 67G and 67Q Coordination Time See following Delays 67G2 and 67Q2 element outputs.
Delay note

NOTE: When determining the coordination time delay (CTD), you must evaluate the operating time of the
tripping elements. You must consider both the SIR and distance from the relay. For both the SEL-321 and
SEL-311C you can find this information in their respective instruction manuals. You must delay the CTD at
the faster relay to coordinate with the slower relay's blocking elements. You should add all of this to the
communications channel delay, plus some additional margin. The CTD must be greater than the
communications channel delay.

There is an inherent two-cycle delay in the SEL-321 from the time Zone 3 picks up and the
blocking (START) bit asserts. However, there is no time delay in the SEL-311C; it sends the block
instantaneously when Zone 3 picks up. To ensure proper coordination between these relays, the
SEL-321 should send an instantaneous block when Zone 3 picks up or when the START bit
asserts. In this situation, the Zone 2 coordination time delays can be set the same on both the
relays. Z3XPU is present only in the SEL-311C and behaves as a guard against current reversal.
All other time delays are dropout times, so SEL recommends setting these to a similar value in
both the relays.

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DCB LOGIC
When you have enabled each relay for a DCB scheme, you must program the elements that qualify
a communications-assisted trip. To program the logic, consider the following:
➤ In the SEL-321, the equation for the communications-assisted trip conditions is MTCS;
in the SEL-311C, it is TRCOMM. SEL recommends setting both equations by using the
same elements so each terminal responds similarly to fault conditions.
➤ Note the polarization choices for the directional element in the SEL-321.The
SEL-321-0, -1, SEL-321-2, and SEL-321-3, -4 only have negative-sequence voltage
polarization; the SEL-321-5 has both negative- and zero-sequence voltage polarization;
the SEL-311C allows you to choose a combination of negative-sequence voltage, zero-
sequence voltage, or zero-sequence current polarization. To prevent miscoordination,
set the SEL-311C to use negative- and zero-sequence voltage polarization when used
with an SEL-321-5 (ORDER = QV). When used with any other SEL-321, set the
SEL-311C to use only the negative-sequence voltage polarization (ORDER = Q).
➤ Each relay must be able to transmit a block signal. In the SEL-321, send the block
signal via TMB1; in the SEL-311C, send it via TMB1A.
➤ The relays must be programmed to map the BLOCK from the remote end into the DCB
logic. Do this by mapping the BLOCK to the received Mirrored Bit. In the SEL-321,
program RMB1 to BT; in the SEL-311C, program BT to RMB1A.
➤ A tripping output must be assigned to trip each relay’s respective circuit breaker. In the
SEL-321, set OUT1 to 3PT; in the SEL-311C, set OUT101 to TRIP.
➤ You should wire a breaker contact status to each relay. In the SEL-321, wire a 52A contact
to IN1; in the SEL-311C, wire a 52A to IN101. This improves the three-pole open logic.
Table 10 SEL-321 DCB Logic Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

MTCS Mask for Communications- M2P + Z2G (Default) Elements that allow high-speed,
Assisted Tripping communications-assisted tripping.
TMB1 Transmit Mirrored Bit 1 START + M3P + Z3G Send a block signal to the remote end.
RMB1a Receive Mirrored Bit 1 BT Receive a block signal from the remote end.
OUT1 Output Contact Logic OUT1 3PT Trip output to the circuit breaker.
IN1 Input Contact 1 Assignment 52A1 Assign to the circuit breaker 52A status.
a
Because PROTOCOL = MB, set RMB1 in the Global settings.

Table 11 SEL-311C DCB Logic Settings

Setting Name Value Comment

a
TRCOMM Communications-Assisted Trip Z2PGS Elements that allow high-speed,
Conditions communications-assisted tripping.
TMB1A Transmit Channel A Mirrored Bit 1 DSTRT Send a block signal to the remote end.
BT Block Trip Equation RMB1A Receive a block signal from the remote end.
OUT101 Output Contact 101 Equation TRIP Trip output to the circuit breaker.
52A Circuit Breaker Status Equation IN101 Assign to the circuit breaker 52A status.
b
ORDER Ground Directional Priority See note Set to match the SEL-321.
a
In the DCB logic, use Z2PGS instead of M2P + Z2G to provide the individual carrier coordination timers for the
Level 2 directional elements.
b
ORDER = QV when used with the SEL-321-5. ORDER = Q when used with any other SEL-321.

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TRCOMM MTCS
TRIP 3PT
BT (RMB1A) BT (RMB1)
ZONE 3 ZONE 3
DSTRT (TMB1A) START (TMB1)

SEL-311C SEL-321

Figure 9 Simplified DCB Logic Between the SEL-321 and SEL-311C

(+) (+) (+) (+)

SEL-311C A01 A17

SEL-321 218 201
(Partial) (Partial)

OUT101 IN101 OUT1 IN1

A02 A18 217 202

Circuit 52A 52A Circuit 52A 52A

Breaker Breaker
(Partial) (Partial)

52TC 52TC

(–) (–)

Figure 10 Simplified Relay Wiring

CONCLUSION
This application guide discusses the settings and configuration requirements to connect two
dissimilar relays, in this case, the SEL-321 and SEL-311 Series Relays, for implementing POTT
and DCB schemes. SEL does not recommend connecting dissimilar relays for pilot protection, but
if there is a need to do so, be aware of the capabilities of both relays. Some important factors to
consider are the following:
➤ If possible, match the directional and protective element sensitivities at both line ends.
Use the same protective elements at each line end whenever possible, and set reverse-
reaching elements at a greater sensitivity than remote overreaching elements.
➤ Verify that the directional elements and pickup settings at each line terminal have
sufficient operating quantities to detect both internal and external faults.

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REFERENCES
[1] A. Guzman, J. Roberts, and K. Zimmerman, “Applying the SEL-321 Relay to Permissive
Overreaching Transfer Trip (POTT) Schemes,” SEL Application Guide (AG95-29), 2014.
Available: selinc.com.
[2] J. Roberts, “Applying the SEL-321 Relay to Directional Comparison Blocking (DCB)
Schemes,” SEL Application Guide (AG93-06), 1993. Available: selinc.com.
[3] K. Behrendt and K. Fodero, “Implementing MIRRORED BITS Technology Over Various
Communications Media” SEL Application Guide (AG2001-12), 2007. Available: selinc.com.
[4] R. McDaniel, “Applying the SEL-421 Relay to Permissive Overreaching Transfer Trip
Schemes,” SEL Application Guide (AG2010-01), 2010. Available: selinc.com.

FACTORY ASSISTANCE
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2350 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman, WA 99163-5603 U.S.A.
Tel: +1.509.338.3838
Fax: +1.509.332.7990
selinc.com
info@selinc.com

© 2017 by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

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SEL Application Guide 2017-22 Date Code 20170803