Differential protection

• Differential protection is based on the fact that any

fault within an electrical equipment would cause the
current entering it, to be different, from that leaving it.
• Thus, we can compare the two currents either in
magnitude or in phase or both and issue a trip output
if the difference exceeds a predetermined set value.
• This method of detecting faults is very attractive when
both ends of the apparatus are physically located near
each other.
 Dot marking (Polarity marking)
• When current enters the dot mark on the
primary side of a CT the current must leave the
similarly marked dot mark on the secondary
side.
• If currents are made to enter dot marked
terminals on two or more coupled coils then
the fluxes produced by these currents are such
that they add up.
 Simple differential protection (Behaviour
during load)

When current enters the dot mark on the primary side of the CT, the current must leave the
Similarly marked dot mark on the secondary side.
Simple differential scheme during internal fault
Simple differential scheme during external fault
Simple differential scheme in a double fed
system operates for internal fault
Zone of protection of the Differential relay
Actual behaviour of simple differential relay
during heavy through fault condition
Through fault stability and stability ratio
Equivalent circuit of CT
KNEE POINT: The knee point is defined as that
point on the excitation characteristic at which
10% increase in excitation voltage results in a
50% increase in the magnetizing current
Earth leakage protection for single phase load
Earth leakage protection for three phase load