Schneider Electric has introduced its Square D SEPAM (Square D Electrical Protection and Monitoring) digital relay product line. The Sepam line comprises the Series 80 relay for critical sources and loads; the Series 40 relay for important sources and loads; and the Series 20 relay for more basic source and load requirements. All of the Sepam models comply with ANSI standards and use ANSI symbols. Sepam relays are suited for the most commonly encountered applications in utility substations, and industrial and large commercial environments at low-, medium- and high-voltage levels.

"The new Sepam series of digital protective relays not only function as simple protection relays, but also have the capability to work as multifunctional communicating protection units for remote network management and operation," says Tom White, U.S. Sepam business manager for Schneider Electric. "They provide metering, monitoring, analysis and diagnosis for an entire operation, while helping improve power system reliability and extend the life of power equipment."

The Sepam product family includes a graphical software package that easily programs all relays with context-sensitive help. The relays also are modular, with a base unit that's easy to install with plug and play DIN rail mount options. Whereas Sepam relays keep the same form factor for each relay series, other relays have different form factors for the same application. This makes the work easier for maintenance and installation personnel because they don't have to learn or read instructions for each relay type. It also reduces the chance of wiring mistakes. The unique design of the Sepam relays allows adaptation to almost any situation because users can functionally enhance them by adding optional modules.

In addition, Sepam relays have an intuitive backlit LCD display that allows multi-line text plus graphics. The display lets users view multiple metered values, and alarm and diagnostic functions for simpler troubleshooting.