Dependability refers to a relay operating when expected to, while security means a relay does not operate when not expected to. Sensitivity is the ability to detect small faults, and selectivity is the ability to discriminate faults within the relay's zone of. A practical guide to how protective relays detect faults, trip circuit breakers, coordinate protection zones, and improve power system reliability. A protective relay is an intelligent electrical device designed to detect faults in power systems and initiate corrective actions such as tripping a circuit breaker. The relays operate usually from currents and voltages. Protection is the branch of electric power engineering concerned with the principles of design and operation of equipment (called 'relays' or 'protective relays') that detects abnormal power system conditions, and initiates corrective action as quickly as possible in order to return the power. In electrical engineering, a protective relay is a relay device designed to trip a circuit breaker when a fault is detected.
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