Description
| Product model | REC670 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product category | Protection & Control Relay / Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) |
| Series | SIPROTEC 4 |
| Primary function | Feeder Protection & Control (MV/HV) |
| Voltage levels | Medium Voltage (MV) to High Voltage (HV), up to 765 kV (system dependent) |
| Core protection functions | Overcurrent (OC), Earth Fault (EF), Distance Protection (21), Differential Protection (87), Auto Reclosing (79), Breaker Failure (51BF), Voltage Protection (27/59), Frequency Protection (81), Arc Flash Detection (50BF) |
| Communication protocols | IEC 61850 (MMS, GOOSE, Sampled Values), IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/TCP, DNP3 |
| Network interfaces | Dual redundant Ethernet (10/100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX), Fiber optic options |
| Redundancy support | PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol), HSR (High-availability Seamless Redundancy) |
| Human-Machine Interface (HMI) | Integrated color display, navigation keys, status LEDs |
| I/O capability | Configurable binary inputs/outputs, analog inputs (optional) |
| Cybersecurity | Role-based access control, secure boot, audit logging, TLS/SSH encryption |
| Environmental rating | Operating temp: -25°C to +70°C, IP20 (panel mounted) |
| Standards compliance | IEC 60255, IEC 61850, IEEE C37.90, IEC 62443 (cybersecurity) |
| Application | Substation automation, power transmission & distribution, rail traction, industrial plants |
Product Introduction
The ABB REC670 is a high-performance feeder protection and control relay belonging to ABB’s renowned SIPROTEC 4 series of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Engineered for medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) power systems, the REC670 provides comprehensive protection, control, interlocking, and automation functions for electrical feeders in transmission and distribution networks, industrial plants, rail traction systems, and substations. As a flagship product in ABB’s digital substation portfolio, the REC670 is designed to ensure grid stability, personnel safety, and equipment protection under both normal and fault conditions.
Built on the IEC 61850 communication standard, the REC670 enables seamless integration into modern digital substations using GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event), Sampled Values (SV), and MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification). Its dual redundant Ethernet interfaces support advanced networking protocols like PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol) and HSR (High-availability Seamless Redundancy), ensuring zero packet loss and high availability even during network failures—critical for mission-critical power systems.
The REC670 offers a wide range of protection functions, including distance protection (21) for transmission lines, differential protection (87) for feeders and transformers, overcurrent and earth fault protection, auto-reclosing (79), breaker failure protection (51BF), and arc flash detection for personnel safety. It also supports voltage and frequency protection, making it suitable for generator and grid-connected applications.
With its integrated HMI (Human-Machine Interface) featuring a color display and intuitive navigation, the REC670 allows operators to monitor system status, view fault records, and perform local control operations. The relay is fully configurable via ABB PCM600 engineering tool, supporting IEC 61131-3 logic programming for custom automation schemes.
ABB REC670
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Comprehensive protection suite for MV/HV feeders
The REC670 integrates multiple protection functions into a single device, reducing panel space and wiring complexity. Its distance protection algorithm is highly accurate and adaptive, capable of handling complex network topologies and fault conditions. Differential protection ensures fast and selective tripping for critical feeders, minimizing outage impact.
Full IEC 61850 compliance for digital substations
As a core component of smart grid and digital substation architectures, the REC670 supports IEC 61850-9-2 (Sampled Values) for merging unit integration, GOOSE messaging for fast peer-to-peer communication, and MMS for supervisory control. This enables substation-wide interoperability and eliminates the need for hardwired interlocks.
Redundant and high-availability communication
With dual Ethernet ports and support for PRP/HSR, the REC670 ensures uninterrupted communication even in the event of a single network failure. This is essential for railway signaling, offshore platforms, and critical industrial processes where downtime is unacceptable.
Advanced automation and logic programming
Using IEC 61131-3 (via PCM600), users can implement custom interlocking logic, sequence control, and automation sequences. This allows the REC670 to act as a local automation controller, reducing dependency on SCADA systems for time-critical operations.
Enhanced cybersecurity and system integrity
The REC670 includes robust cybersecurity features such as role-based access control, secure firmware updates, audit trails, and encrypted communication (TLS/SSH). It complies with IEC 62443 standards, protecting against unauthorized access and cyber threats in critical infrastructure.
User-friendly HMI and diagnostics
The color display provides real-time visualization of primary system status, fault currents, event logs, and oscillography. Built-in diagnostic tools help engineers quickly identify and resolve issues, reducing commissioning and maintenance time.
Typical Application Scenarios
The ABB REC670 is widely used in transmission and distribution substations to protect overhead lines, underground cables, and busbars. In rail traction systems, it safeguards 25 kV AC or 1.5 kV DC feeders, ensuring reliable power delivery to trains.
In industrial plants (e.g., refineries, steel mills, data centers), the REC670 protects main incoming feeders and critical process lines, minimizing production downtime. It is also deployed in renewable energy installations (wind farms, solar parks) for grid interconnection protection.
For offshore and marine applications, its robust design and redundancy features make it ideal for FPSOs, drilling rigs, and naval vessels where reliability is paramount.
Related Model Recommendations
REL670 – Similar feeder protection relay with enhanced distance and line differential functions.
REF615 – Compact feeder protection for MV applications, cost-effective alternative.
RED615 – Busbar protection IED, often used alongside REC670 in substation schemes.
RTU560 – Substation gateway and automation controller for SCADA integration.
ABB PCM600 – Engineering and configuration software for REC670 and other SIPROTEC devices.
Merging Units (e.g., MUON 100) – For IEC 61850-9-2 sampled value integration.
SAS600 – Substation Automation System for centralized monitoring and control.
ABB REC670
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Mount the REC670 in a standard 19” or 23” substation panel. Ensure proper grounding and shielding of CT/VT and signal cables. Connect current transformers (CTs), voltage transformers (VTs), breaker status inputs, and control outputs according to the wiring diagram. Use fiber optic cables for long-distance or high-noise environments.
Commissioning steps: Power on the relay and verify HMI display. Use ABB PCM600 to upload the IED configuration (SCD file). Configure protection settings, communication parameters, and logic functions. Perform primary injection tests and GOOSE communication tests to validate protection and control schemes. Verify time synchronization (IRIG-B, SNTP, or PTP).
Maintenance suggestions: Perform regular functional tests and firmware updates. Review event reports and oscillography after faults. Monitor GOOSE communication status and network health. Use ABB’s Asset Health Center or SAS600 for remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
