Relay Protection Testing

Protective relays are the first line of defense in any power system. They must operate with split-second precision to isolate faults, protect equipment, and ensure personnel safety. VA-TEK relay protection test sets give you the accuracy, portability, and protocol coverage needed to verify every relay in your network.

Why Relay Testing Matters

Protective relays sit idle for months or years, then must trip within milliseconds when a fault occurs. Regular testing is the only way to confirm that:

• Pickup and drop-off settings remain within specified tolerances
• Operating times meet coordination study requirements
• Communication and interlock schemes behave as designed
• Logic schemes and interlocks behave as designed
• CT and VT circuits are wired correctly

Built for the Field

Our relay test sets — the VAE-660 (six-phase) and VAE-430 (three-phase) — combine high output power with a lightweight, rugged design. Each model runs from a standard mains supply and includes comprehensive test software with pre-configured test modules for all major relay types:

• Overcurrent (50/51, 50N/51N)
• Differential (87, 87T, 87B, 87L)
• Distance (21)
• Voltage / Frequency (27, 59, 81)
• Directional (32, 67)
• Synchronization (25)
• Motor protection (49, 46, 48)
• Transformer protection (87T, REF)
• Busbar protection (87B)
• Line differential (87L)

IEC 61850 and Digital Substations

As utilities transition to digital substations per IEC 61850, test equipment has to keep pace. VA-TEK’s relay test sets are analog secondary-injection instruments: they test a relay through its current and voltage inputs, which is the right tool for conventional and hybrid bays. Full process-bus testing — where Sampled Values replace the analog inputs and the test set must publish SV and GOOSE — requires a dedicated IEC 61850 test set, which VA-TEK does not currently offer.

Learn more about IEC 61850 testing →

Automated Reporting

VA-TEK Test Manager software generates professional test reports in PDF and Word formats with a single click. Reports include test parameters, actual vs. expected results, pass/fail indicators, and time-stamped signatures for audit compliance.

Training and Support

Every VA-TEK instrument purchase includes commissioning support and operator training. Our technical team can assist remotely or on-site to ensure your test program delivers reliable results from day one.