Description
The ABB SAFT136 is a plug-in output relay module that provides six independent,programmable changeover(SPDT)relay contacts.These contacts are used to interface the digital protection relay with external devices such as:
Circuit breaker trip coils
Alarm annunciators
SCADA systems
Interlocking circuits
Auxiliary relays
Each output can be configured via software(ABB PCM600)to respond to various protection or logic events within the relay—such as overcurrent,earth fault,differential protection,or manual commands from the HMI.
The SAFT136 ensures galvanic isolation between the low-voltage logic circuits and high-power external systems,enhancing safety and noise immunity in electrically harsh environments like substations and industrial plants.
Application Scenarios
At a petrochemical plant in Texas,a critical 11 kV motor driving a feed pump was protected by an ABB REF615 relay.During a routine test,the relay detected a simulated earth fault but failed to trip the circuit breaker.Investigation revealed that one of the internal output relays had welded contacts due to repeated high inrush currents.Maintenance teams replaced the faulty SAFT136 module with a new unit.After reconfiguration,the relay successfully tripped the breaker in under 20 ms during the next test.The SAFT136 restored full protection functionality,preventing a potential arc flash incident during actual fault conditions.Its modular design allowed a quick fix without replacing the entire relay,minimizing downtime in a safety-critical process.
Parameter
Parameter Value/Description
Model SAFT136
Manufacturer ABB
Product Type Output Relay Module
Number of Outputs 6 programmable changeover(SPDT)relay contacts
Contact Rating 8 A resistive 250 VAC/30 VDC<br>0.5 A inductive 250 VAC(cosφ=0.4)
Switching Capacity Up to 2,000 VA/180 W
Electrical Life>100,000 operations(resistive load)
Mechanical Life>1,000,000 operations
Isolation Voltage Reinforced insulation(2.5 kV AC for 1 min)
Status Indication LED per output channel–Visual confirmation of activation
Mounting Plug-in module for Relion 615 relay base(DIN rail compatible)
Operating Temperature-25°C to+70°C–Suitable for industrial environments
Compliance IEC 60255,IEC 61000-6-2/6-4(EMC),IEC 60068
Order Code 3AHM936001R0101(Common variant)
Compatibility REF615,REL615,RED615,and other Relion 615 series IEDs
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1:The six fully programmable outputs allow engineers to assign any internal relay logic signal(e.g.,”Overcurrent Trip”,”Earth Fault Alarm”,”Manual Close”)to a physical contact,enabling flexible and application-specific control schemes.
Innovation Point 2:High switching capacity(8 A)allows direct driving of trip coils,latching relays,and alarm horns without intermediate amplification,reducing system complexity and failure points.
Innovation Point 3:Reinforced insulation between the control circuit and output contacts ensures operator safety and prevents noise coupling from high-energy circuits into the sensitive digital relay.
Innovation Point 4:LED status indicators per channel provide immediate visual feedback during commissioning,testing,and troubleshooting—critical for fast diagnostics in outage conditions.
Innovation Point 5:Plug-and-play modular design allows hot-swapping(with power off)in the field,minimizing downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
Innovation Point 6:High mechanical and electrical endurance ensures long service life even in applications with frequent operations,such as motor control or auto-reclosing schemes.
Application Cases and Industry Value
In a metro rail traction substation in India,SAFT136 modules were used in REL615 transformer protection relays to send trip signals to multiple circuit breakers in a redundant configuration.When a phase-to-phase fault occurred,two independent outputs from the SAFT136 simultaneously energized separate trip coils,ensuring reliable breaker operation even if one coil failed.This redundancy enhanced system availability and passenger safety.
At a data center in Germany,SAFT136 outputs were configured to send”Generator Start”and”Bypass Active”signals to the building management system during utility outages,enabling seamless transition to backup power.
Related Product Combination Solutions
ABB REF615:Motor/feeder protection relay–Primary host for SAFT136
ABB REL615:Transformer protection relay–Uses same output module
ABB RED615:Distance protection relay–Compatible platform
ABB SAFT111POW:Power supply module–Provides power to the relay system
ABB SAFT111HMI:Human-Machine Interface–Allows local output control
ABB SAFT111CPL:Communication module–Enables remote triggering of outputs via IEC 61850 GOOSE
ABB PCM600:Configuration software–Used to assign logic to SAFT136 outputs
ABB 1SFC990001R1000:Replacement relay element(if individual contacts fail)
Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support
The SAFT136 is installed by inserting it into the designated slot on the Relion 615 relay base(typically next to the power supply and communication modules).Field wiring for trip circuits,alarms,and interlocks is connected to the screw or spring-clamp terminals on the module.
Configuration is done via ABB PCM600 software,where each of the six outputs is assigned a logic function(e.g.,”50P1T”for phase overcurrent trip).
Routine maintenance includes:
Visual inspection of terminals and contacts
Checking for overheating or discoloration
Functional testing using relay test sets
Replacing the module if contacts fail to operate or show high resistance
ABB provides long-term support,spare parts,and technical documentation,ensuring decades of reliable service in critical infrastructure.
Conclusion
The ABB SAFT136 is a dedicated output relay module for the Relion 615 series protection relays,not a standalone PLC.It plays a vital role in executing protection commands by interfacing digital logic with high-power external devices.
For PLC solutions,consider ABB’s AC500,AC800M,or PM800 series.The SAFT136 is essential for protection engineers,substation designers,and maintenance technicians who require reliable,configurable,and high-integrity output signaling in power systems.
