Roughly one-third of electric power T&D utility officials indicated in a survey that more than half of protective relays on their systems have been in service for more than 15 years. This is not such a long lifespan for EM relays, which can last 50 years or more, but for programmable, microprocessor relays the average lifespan is usually more in the ballpark of 20-25 years.
Newton-Evans Research Company has published findings from 97 surveyed electric power utility officials, relay manufacturers, suppliers and consultants. Here are a few observations on aging relays and testing intervals for microprocessor relays:
Thirty-five percent of North American Electric Utilities surveyed claimed that more than half of relays in service on their systems are over 15 years old (i.e. 15 years in service). Twenty-eight percent of International Electric Utilities surveyed said more than half of the relays on their networks have been in service for over 15 years.
About 1 in 5 utilities surveyed globally indicated that they test relays every 6 years. The overall trend seems to be 6 years or more frequently for testing.
The Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace in Electric Utilities: 2019-2022 measures current market sizes and contains projections on a world region basis for the next few years. More than 35 topics are covered in the utility survey portion of this study. The entire research program will define the product and market requirements which suppliers must meet in order to successfully participate in one or more of these diverse world market regions.
The new study also includes surveys of a combined total of nearly 50 P&C consultants and relay manufacturers. The observations of both groups will be reported in the market assessment report (Volume Three) of the series.
To order the Newton-Evans report, Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace In Electric Utilities: 2019-2022, complete this order form and send it to the address below or fax it to +1 443 218-3807:
https://www.newton-evans.com/2019ProtRelayBrochure.pdf
Send email inquiries to info@newton-evans.com or call +1 410 465 7316.
summary reviews and highlights from completed studies
