The ABB SPAJ160C-DA (Part No. RS611051-DA, Rev. A) is a robust and highly reliable multi-functional protective relay belonging to the well-known SPACOM product family. This device is specifically engineered for the selective short-circuit and earth-fault protection of radial distribution feeders in power systems, providing integrated measurement and control capabilities in a compact, field-proven housing.

⚙️ Product Parameters & Technical Datasheet
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Device Type: Numerical Overcurrent and Earth-Fault Relay
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Part Number: RS611051-DA (Rev. A)
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Measurement Inputs: 3-phase overcurrent and 1-phase earth-fault currents
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Protection Functions: Definite time or inverse definite minimum time (IDMT) characteristics
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Communication Interface: Fiber-optic SPA-bus port
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Auxiliary Voltage: Typically 80–265V AC/DC (wide-range)
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Dimensions: 135 mm (W) x 150 mm (H) x 230 mm (D) – standard flush-mounted design
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Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg
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Origin: Finland (Original ABB Distribution Automation production)
🏗️ Application Areas
The SPAJ160C-DA is a versatile solution used in various power distribution infrastructures, including:
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Medium-Voltage Switchgear: Protecting primary and secondary distribution feeders.
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Industrial Substations: Safeguarding transformers, motors, and capacitor banks.
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Utility Networks: Providing backup protection for transmission lines and distribution substations.
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Retrofit Projects: Serving as a drop-in replacement for aging electromechanical relays due to its compact size and established logic.
🛠️ Product Usage Instructions
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Safety Warning: Ensure all current transformer (CT) secondary circuits are short-circuited before disconnecting the relay. Failure to do so can result in extremely high, dangerous voltages.
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Mounting: The relay is designed for flush mounting. Secure it into the panel cutout using the provided mounting sleeves to ensure a tight, dust-resistant fit.
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Wiring: Connect the 3-phase current inputs (I1, I2, I3) and earth-fault input (Io) to the rear terminal blocks according to the specific wiring diagram provided in the user manual.
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Configuration: Set the protection parameters (start currents, trip times, and curves) using the front panel push-buttons and LED display. The relay can also be configured remotely via the fiber-optic interface using the SPACOM configuration software.
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Testing: Before putting the unit into operation, perform a secondary injection test to confirm the pickup values and timing accuracy of the programmed protection curves.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
What does the “C-DA” suffix indicate? The “C” denotes the version of the software/hardware feature set within the SPAJ160 family, while “DA” specifically identifies the communication and hardware configuration for this module.
Why is the fiber-optic port used? The fiber-optic connection provides excellent immunity against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is critical in high-voltage substation environments where copper communication lines might suffer from signal noise.
What should I do if the “Self-Check” LED is flashing? A flashing or lit self-check LED indicates a hardware or software error detected by the internal monitoring system. First, power cycle the unit; if the error persists, the module likely requires professional repair or replacement.
Can this relay be used for directional protection? No, the SPAJ160C-DA is designed specifically for non-directional overcurrent and earth-fault protection. For directional applications, an alternative relay model from the SPACOM or Relion series would be required.
📋 Similar Model Recommendations
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ABB SPAJ160C (Standard Version)
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ABB SPAJ140C (Overcurrent Relay)
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ABB REF615 (Modern Relion Series Equivalent)
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Schneider Electric Sepam 1000+
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Siemens Siprotec 7SJ60
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GE Multilin 750/760 Series
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VAMP 50 Series Protection Relay
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Alstom MiCOM P12x Series
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SEL-501 Dual Universal Overcurrent Relay
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Woodward MFR Series Protection

