Difference between Instantaneous and Definite Time Overcurrent Relay

The major difference between Instantaneous and Definite Time Overcurrent Relay lies
in their operating time. The former operates instantaneously while the latter one
operates after a definite time.

Both Instantaneous and Definite Time Overcurrent Relay senses an over current in the
circuit and gives tripping command to operate the circuit breaker for isolation of faulty
network. Thus their operating principle is same.

Instantaneous overcurrent relay takes no time in giving tripping command once

overcurrent is sensed. This means the operating time delay is zero and hence relay
operation is instantaneous.

In Definite Time Overcurrent Relay, there is a fixed intentional user settable operating
time delay Td. The relay operates if the actuating quantity persists at least for the pre-
set time delay. Since the relay operates if the actuating quantity (here overcurrent)
persists for definite time, hence the prefix Definite Time is added in the name of
overcurrent relay.

Let the overcurrent setting of Definite Time Overcurrent Relay is 2000 A and time delay
is Td. If 2000 A current flows for time Td, the relay will operate to change its output
contact status. This is shown in figure above. Let us make this clearer.

Suppose the set time delay Td is 200 ms. Does this means that the relay will give
tripping command after 200 ms after sensing the overcurrent in the circuit? Is this

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interpretation correct? No, this is not correct interpretation. The actual
interpretation is that the overcurrent in the protected circuit must remain for 200 ms for
Definite Time Overcurrent Relay to operate. If the overcurrent only exists for say 190
ms, the relay will not operate.

Apart from the above two types of overcurrent relays, there are various other type like
Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT), Inverse, Very Inverse and Extremely Inverse
Overcurrent Relay. Their operating principle is quite different from that of Instantaneous
and Definite Time Overcurrent Relay. Please read “Over Current Relay and Its
Characteristics” to know more about these other types.

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