ABB REF545KM133AAAA | REF 545 Feeder Protection Terminal

Description

Product Overview

Power distribution feeders require protection that can distinguish an actual electrical fault from normal load changes. The ABB REF545KM133AAAA belongs to the REF 54 feeder terminal family, designed for feeder protection, electrical measurement, control, and monitoring in power distribution installations. By processing current-transformer and voltage-transformer signals, the terminal evaluates electrical conditions against configured protection settings and can initiate circuit-breaker tripping when the relevant protection criteria are met. Its role extends beyond a standalone overcurrent relay: the REF 545 platform combines protection functions with programmable logic, event recording, and a local operator interface.

Within the REF 54 family, the REF 545 provides a larger binary input/output complement than the REF 541 and REF 543 variants. The documented REF 545 hardware configuration includes 34 binary inputs, three single-pole power outputs, 11 double-pole power outputs, four normally open signal outputs, eight changeover signal outputs, two supervised trip circuits, and an internal relay-fault indication output. The platform also supports configurable analog measurement channels, with available RTD and analog output functions dependent on the installed hardware. These resources support breaker status monitoring, interlocking, alarm signaling, and coordination with substation control equipment.

For a feeder protection relay replacement or substation maintenance project, matching the complete ordering code matters. The REF 545 hardware family supports different auxiliary power-supply variants, and protection performance depends on correct CT/VT scaling, wiring, configuration, and validated setting files. Before replacing an installed REF 545, compare terminal assignments, supply requirements, current and voltage input ratings, trip-circuit supervision, communication interfaces, and application logic. A physically compatible terminal is not necessarily a functionally equivalent replacement. The REF 54 series is an established platform, so configuration backup, relay-setting verification, and secondary-injection testing should be part of the replacement plan.

Product Introduction (Non-Templated)

A feeder relay that fits the panel but carries the wrong CT input or supply configuration can delay a substation restoration. The ABB REF545KM133AAAA is identified with the REF 545 feeder protection terminal family, which combines electrical protection, measurement, programmable control, and breaker interface functions.

The documented REF 545 hardware family provides 34 binary inputs and multiple power and signal outputs. For a legacy replacement, verify the exact ordering code, protection settings, and trip-circuit wiring before energizing the device.

Key Technical Specifications

Specifications describe the documented REF 545 family. The exact ordering suffix REF545KM133AAAA should be reconciled with the device nameplate and applicable hardware manual before using this table as a commissioning or acceptance specification.

REF545KM133AAAA

Related Products

These models are related members of the ABB REF 54 feeder-terminal family or complementary equipment used in feeder protection systems. They are not automatically interchangeable.

1. REF541K_115AAAA — REF 541 feeder terminal with a different hardware configuration and fewer binary I/O resources than the REF 545. Suitable for applications requiring a smaller protection and control arrangement.

2. REF543K_115AAAA — REF 543 feeder terminal intended for feeder protection and control applications with a different I/O capacity from the REF 545. Verify the required signal count and protection functions before considering it as an alternative.

3. REF545K_133AAAA — REF 545 hardware configuration listed in the technical reference documentation. It is the closest configuration reference for checking the supplied model’s hardware arrangement, but the full ordering code and supply variant must be confirmed.

4. REF545K_133BAAA — Another documented REF 545 hardware configuration. Compare its power-supply and installed-board arrangement against the target unit before evaluating it as a replacement.

5. REF545K_133CAAA — A separate REF 545 hardware configuration listed in the product documentation. Use the ordering table to establish whether its supply and I/O configuration suit the intended installation.

6. REF545K_133AABA — A REF 545 ordering variant within the documented hardware family. It may be relevant when sourcing a replacement with a particular board arrangement; verify the complete suffix and installed modules.

7. REF545K_133BAAB — Another documented REF 545 configuration. It should be considered only after checking the relevant supply, interface, and board details against the installed relay.

8. REF545K_133BABA — A listed REF 545 hardware variant. Confirm its precise configuration and application settings before treating it as equivalent to the target unit.

9. REF545K_133AAAB — A documented REF 545 ordering variant that can help with hardware identification and replacement research. Similar family membership alone does not establish drop-in compatibility.

10. REF543K_127AAAA — A related REF 543 feeder terminal configuration. It may be considered for a redesigned application with lower I/O requirements, but it should not be substituted for an REF 545 without a full protection and wiring review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I replace an existing ABB REF545 with REF545KM133AAAA without modifying the panel wiring?

Not without checking the complete configuration.

Although the REF 545 family shares a common platform, the installed hardware determines auxiliary power requirements, signal assignments, and available interfaces.

Before replacement:

• Compare both nameplates and full ordering codes.
• Check CT and VT terminal assignments.
• Verify auxiliary supply voltage and polarity.
• Compare trip outputs, binary I/O, and supervised trip circuits.
• Confirm that the replacement accepts the existing settings and application logic.

A matching REF 545 designation is a starting point, not sufficient evidence of drop-in compatibility.

2. Does REF545KM133AAAA support firmware version 3.1?

The available documentation does not establish that firmware version 3.1 is supported by this exact ordering code. Compatibility should be confirmed against the hardware revision, installed software, and applicable ABB documentation.

For an upgrade or replacement, identify the existing firmware and configuration-tool requirements first. Do not load a firmware package or transfer settings solely because another REF 545 uses the same platform.

3. Can I hot-swap this feeder protection terminal while the switchgear is energized?

Do not assume live replacement is permitted.

Removing the relay may interrupt protection, breaker trip signaling, interlocking, and monitoring. Depending on the substation design, this can leave a feeder without its normal protection functions.

A controlled replacement plan should include an approved outage or protection-transfer procedure, verified isolation requirements, and functional testing before the feeder returns to normal operation. Follow the site’s electrical safety procedures and protection-engineering requirements.

4. Will I lose the existing protection settings and logic when replacing the REF 545?

The replacement should be treated as requiring configuration restoration and validation.

Before removing the installed terminal, preserve the available settings and logic files. Record the active protection functions, pickup thresholds, time delays, CT/VT ratios, breaker control logic, and communication settings.

After installation, compare the restored configuration against the approved baseline. Secondary-injection testing and trip-circuit verification should confirm that the relay operates as intended. Never assume that identical model numbers mean identical application settings.

5. How can I verify whether an offered as new surplus is authentic and functional?

Use both identity checks and functional testing. Unused appearance or original packaging does not prove that the relay has been tested or that its internal configuration is correct.

Recommended checks:

1. Match the complete model and serial number to the physical nameplate.
2. Inspect the enclosure, connectors, terminals, and display for damage or signs of previous installation.
3. Verify the power-supply board and installed I/O hardware against the ordering information.
4. Request a test report covering power-up, measurements, binary inputs, output operation, and applicable protection functions.
5. Confirm that the original configuration and relevant test records are available, where applicable.

For a critical feeder, acceptance should be based on documented test results rather than condition labeling alone.

6. What warranty should I expect when buying this REF 545 relay?

Warranty coverage depends on the supplier’s written terms, the item’s condition, and any applicable manufacturer coverage. Do not assume that discontinued or new-surplus equipment carries the same warranty as a newly purchased device.

Before ordering, request written confirmation of the warranty period, functional-failure coverage, return procedure, and whether a test report is included. Confirm the exact hardware variant on the quotation to reduce the risk of receiving an incompatible unit.

7. Can communicate with a substation SCADA or DCS system?

Integration depends on the installed communication hardware, supported protocol, and configured interface. The REF 54 family is designed for feeder protection and control, but the exact communication options should be confirmed from the applicable hardware and communication manuals.

Before connecting it to a PLC, DCS, or SCADA system, verify the physical interface, protocol, addressing, signal mapping, and required data points. Test measurements, alarms, breaker status, and communication-failure indications before relying on the interface for operational monitoring.

Procurement note: The is identified with the ABB REF 545 feeder-terminal family. Before purchase or commissioning, confirm the complete nameplate code, auxiliary supply, installed board configuration, protection settings, and condition. Those checks are essential when replacing a feeder relay in an operational substation.