Thermal: Responds to heat generated by current. The earliest form of protection relay, still widely used today. Characteristics: Typical applications: Simple overcurrent protection, backup protection. Thermal Relay Definition: A thermal relay is defined as a device that uses the unequal expansion rates of metals in a bimetallic strip to detect overcurrent conditions. Working Principle: The thermal relay operates by heating a bimetallic strip, causing it to bend and close normally open contacts. Structurally, a standard electrothermal relay is a small device that consists of a sensitive bimetallic plate, a heating coil, a lever-spring system and electrical contacts. A bimetallic plate is made from two dissimilar metals, usually Invar and chromium-nickel steel, firmly joined together by a. Protective relays and devices have been developed over 100 years ago to provide “lastline”of defense for the electrical systems. 100-1992), a protective relay is: “A relay whose function is to detect defective lines or apparatus or other power system conditions of an abnormal or dangerous nature and to initiate appropriate control circuit action.
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