Description
| Product model | REF601 CE446BB1NH |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product category | Feeder Protection Relay |
| Series | Relion® REF601 |
| Protection Functions | 3-phase overcurrent (50/51), earth fault (50N/51N), thermal overload (49) |
| Current Inputs | 3 × Phase (1A or 5A), 1 × Residual/Earth (1A or 5A) |
| Voltage Inputs | None (voltageless configuration) |
| Auxiliary Supply | 24–250 VDC / 100–240 VAC (wide-range) |
| Communication Interfaces | 1 × RJ45 Ethernet (IEC 61850, Modbus TCP), 1 × RS-485 (Modbus RTU) |
| Time Synchronization | IRIG-B (DC) input |
| Standards Compliance | IEC 61850 Ed.1, IEC 60255, IEEE C37.90, SIL 2 (IEC 61508) |
| Environmental Rating | IP20 (front panel), operating temp: -25°C to +55°C |
| Mounting | DIN rail (standard) |
Product Introduction
The ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH is a compact, multifunctional protection relay from ABB’s Relion® REF601 series, engineered for reliable protection of medium- and low-voltage feeders in utility substations, industrial plants, and commercial power distribution systems. This specific variant (CE446BB1NH) is configured as a voltageless feeder relay, featuring three phase current inputs and one residual (earth fault) current input—supporting both 1A and 5A CT secondary ratings—making it ideal for radial networks where directional protection is not required.
Despite its small footprint (only 45 mm wide), the ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH delivers comprehensive ANSI-standard protection, including instantaneous and time-delayed phase overcurrent (50/51), sensitive earth fault detection (50N/51N), and thermal overload (49). It integrates modern communication capabilities such as IEC 61850 (Edition 1), Modbus TCP/RTU, and IRIG-B time synchronization, enabling seamless integration into SCADA, substation automation, and remote monitoring systems. The absence of voltage inputs reduces wiring complexity and cost, particularly in retrofit projects or cost-sensitive applications, while maintaining high reliability through robust hardware design and self-monitoring diagnostics.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Cost-effective protection without compromise: The ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH brings utility-grade protection functionality to budget-conscious projects. Its voltageless design eliminates the need for potential transformers (PTs), saving on equipment, installation labor, and panel space—yet it still provides accurate earth fault detection using residual current summation or dedicated core-balance CTs. This makes it especially valuable in mining, water treatment, and light industrial settings where MV feeders lack VTs.
Dual-protocol communication for hybrid systems: Equipped with both Ethernet (IEC 61850/Modbus TCP) and RS-485 (Modbus RTU), the REF601 CE446BB1NH bridges legacy and modern control architectures. Utilities can deploy it in brownfield substations with existing Modbus RTU networks while preparing for future IEC 61850 migration. The built-in web server allows real-time monitoring of currents, trip logs, and oscillography via any standard browser—no additional software required for basic diagnostics.
SIL 2 certified for functional safety: Certified to SIL 2 per IEC 61508, the ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH meets stringent requirements for safety-related applications such as emergency shutdown circuits or critical motor feeders. Continuous self-supervision checks internal power supplies, analog circuits, and communication health, triggering alarms before failures occur—ensuring high availability and compliance with process safety standards.
User-friendly commissioning and maintenance: The front-panel LCD and navigation buttons enable local configuration, testing, and event review. For advanced setup, the relay is fully supported by ABB’s PCM600 engineering tool, which allows graphical logic programming, setting uploads/downloads, and disturbance recording analysis. Firmware updates and configuration backups simplify lifecycle management across large fleets of relays.
Typical Application Scenarios
The ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH is widely used in municipal power distribution networks to protect outgoing LV/MV cables feeding residential or commercial zones. In these applications, its sensitive earth fault function quickly isolates cable insulation faults—preventing fire hazards and service interruptions—without requiring costly VT infrastructure.
In industrial facilities such as food processing plants or textile mills, the REF601 CE446BB1NH safeguards motor control centers (MCCs) and transformer secondaries. Its thermal overload protection models actual motor heating curves, preventing nuisance trips during short overloads while ensuring protection during sustained overloads that could damage windings.
For renewable energy integration, the ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH is deployed in solar farm combiner boxes or small wind turbine step-up transformers, providing fast fault clearance to maintain grid stability. Its IRIG-B support ensures precise time-stamping of events—critical for post-fault analysis and regulatory reporting. Across all these roles, the REF601 CE446BB1NH delivers dependable, future-ready protection in a compact, economical package.
Related Model Recommendations
- REF601 CE446BB1NH: This exact model (voltageless, 3I+Io, IEC 61850).
- REF601 CE446BB1PH: Same as above but includes 3 voltage inputs for directional overcurrent.
- REF615: Larger, more advanced relay with enhanced metering, arc protection option, and IEC 61850 Ed.2.
- REF542plus: Older generation; REF601 offers smaller size, better comms, and lower cost.
- REF600 series base unit: Requires separate HMI module; REF601 has integrated display.
- PCM600: ABB’s configuration and diagnostics software—essential for advanced use of REF601.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Mount the ABB REF601 CE446BB1NH on a standard 35 mm DIN rail with at least 50 mm clearance above and below for ventilation. Connect CT secondary leads using twisted, shielded pair cables, grounded at the relay end only. Apply auxiliary power (24–250 VDC or 100–240 VAC) before energizing primary circuits. Ensure Ethernet cabling meets Cat5e standards if using IEC 61850; enable multicast if GOOSE is used (note: REF601 supports MMS only, not GOOSE).
Commissioning: Use the front HMI to verify CT ratios, set protection thresholds, and test trip outputs. For full configuration, connect via PCM600 over Ethernet or RS-485. Import the relay’s ICD file into your substation configuration tool for IEC 61850 integration. Perform primary or secondary injection tests to validate protection curves.
Maintenance: Review event logs and self-supervision status quarterly. After any fault, export oscillography data for analysis. Clean the front panel with a dry cloth—do not use solvents. Firmware updates should be performed using official ABB packages via PCM600. Replace the unit if “Internal Fault” or “CT Circuit Fault” persists after wiring verification.




Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

