BE1-59N

BE1-59N
GROUND FAULT
OVERVOLTAGE RELAY

The BE1-59N Ground Fault Overvoltage Relay provides sensitive protection for
ungrounded and high resistance grounded systems.

ADVANTAGES
Provides 100% stator ground fault protection.
100/120 Vac or 200/240 Vac nominal sensing input.
Four sensitivity ranges for overvoltage are available: 1-20 and 10-50 Vac for a
100/120 Vac input and 2-40 and 20-100 Vac for a 200/240 Vac input.
Four sensitivity ranges for undervoltage are available: 0.1-2.5 Vac and 0.5-12 Vac
for a 100/120 Vac input and 0.2-5 Vac and 1-24 Vac for a 200/240 Vac input.
Instantaneous, definite, and inverse time characteristics.
40 dB harmonic filtering.
Low sensing input burden.
Power supply status contact.
Qualified to the requirements of
IEEE C37.90.1-1989 and IEC 255 for surge withstand capability;
IEC 255-5 for impulse.
UL recognized per Standard 508, UL File #E97033.

APPLICATION
Page 2
SPECIFICATIONS
Page 3

Gost R certified; complies with the relevant standards of Gosstandart

of Russia.

EXTERNAL
CONNECTIONS
Page 6

Five year warranty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ORDERING
Page 7

Request publication 9171400990

STANDARDS, DIMENSIONS & ACCESSORIES

Request bulletin SDA

P. O. BOX 269 HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS 62249, U.S.A.

PHONE 618-654-2341

FAX 618-654-2351

UBG-9
5-10

BE1-59N

APPLICATION
PURPOSE
The available fault current for single-phase-to-ground
Faults is very limited for ungrounded systems and
systems that are grounded through a high resistance.
This current limiting reduces the possibility of extensive
equipment damage, and eliminates the need for a
neutral breaker by reducing the fault current below the
level required to sustain an arc.
But it remains important to detect and isolate singlephase- to-ground faults in order to prevent their evolution into more dangerous faults such as phase-tophase-to-ground and three-phase-to-ground faults.
Sensitive voltage relays can be used to detect ground
faults where the fault current is very small. The
BE1-59N is especially suited to the task.
HIGH RESISTANCE GROUNDING
A common method of grounding an ac generator is to
connect a distribution transformer between the neutral
of the generator and the station ground. The distribution transformers primary voltage rating is equal to, or
greater than, the generators rated line-to-neutral
voltage. The distribution transformer secondary is rated
at 200/240 Vac or 100/120 Vac, and a resistor is connected across the secondary winding. When reflected
through the transformer, the resistor is effectively a
high resistance.
R P = R S X N2
where RP is the effective primary resistance
RS is the actual value of the secondary resistor
N is the turns ratio of the distribution transformer
Available single-phase-to-ground fault current at the
generator terminals is greatly reduced by the high
effective resistance of the distribution transformer and
secondary resistor. The distribution transformer provides isolation for the protection scheme and reduces
the voltage to a convenient level.
The BEl-59N ground fault overvoltage relay is connected across the secondary resistor to detect the
increase in voltage across the distribution transformer
caused by a ground fault in the generator stator
windings. A ground fault at the generator terminals will
result in rated line-to-neutral voltage across the transformer primary, while ground faults near the neutral will
result in lower voltages. The overvoltage relay set point

must be higher than any neutral voltage caused by

normal unbalances in order to avoid nuisance trips.
This will allow a certain percentage of the stator
windings to go unprotected by the overvoltage relay.
The overvoltage relay function typically protects 90 to
95% of the generator stator windings.
The BEl-59N ground fault overvoltage relay monitors
the fundamental frequency (50 or 60 Hz) voltage that
accompanies a ground fault, and is insensitive to the
third harmonic voltage present during normal operation.
One hundred percent protection of the generator stator
windings is obtainable with the optional overlapping
undervoltage element. The undervoltage element is
tuned to measure the third harmonic voltage, which is
present in the generator neutral under normal operating conditions. The undervoltage element detects the
reduction of the normal third harmonic voltage that
accompanies a ground fault near the neutral point of
the generator.
An undervoltage inhibit feature is included with the
third harmonic undervoltage element. This feature
supervises the operation of the ground fault relay to
prevent operation during startup and shutdown by
monitoring the generator terminal voltage.
UNGROUNDED SYSTEMS
The BEl-59N ground fault overvoltage relay is used to
detect ground faults on ungrounded three-phase-threewire systems. The relay is connected as shown in
Figure 1. A set of voltage transformers is wired with a
grounded wye primary and a broken delta secondary.
The BEl-59N is connected across the broken delta. It is
often necessary to connect a resistor across the
broken delta to avoid ferroresonance.

Figure 1 - Ungrounded 3-Phase, 3-Wire System

BE1-59N

APPLICATION, continued
Grounded wye/broken delta voltage transformers act as
zero sequence filters by summing the three phase
voltages. Under normal conditions this sum is zero.
When a ground fault occurs, the BEl-59N ground fault
overvoltage relay will detect the presence of the secondary zero sequence voltage (3V0).

The BEl-59N ground fault overvoltage relay greatly

reduces the risk of equipment damage by detecting
and isolating the first ground to occur on an ungrounded system.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The specifications on these pages define the features
and options that can be combined to exactly satisfy an
application requirement. The block diagram (Figure 2)
illustrates the overall operation of the relay.

voltage. If this voltage exceeds the OVERVOLTAGE

PICKUP (controlled at the front panel), an LED illuminates, and an internal signal is developed that may be
employed three different ways, depending upon the
timing option selected.
1. The overvoltage output relay is energized instanta
neously.
2. A definite time delay (optional) is initiated whose
period is determined by the front panel TIME DIAL
over a range or 0.1 to 99.9 seconds. At the expiration of the time delay, the overvoltage output contacts close.
3. An inverse time delay (optional) is initiated whose
period is determined by two factors:
a. Magnitude of the overvoltage condition (2%
or 100 mV or whichever is greater for the 120
Vac pickup range or 2% or 200 mV for the 240
Vac pickup range), and
b. Selection of a particular response curve by the
front panel TIME DELAY over the range of 01 to
99 (5% or 25 mSec, whichever is greater)
(Reference Figure 4.)

SPECIFICATIONS

INPUTS
Nominal sensing input ratings, defined by the style
number, are 100/120 or 200/240 Vat with a maximum
burden of 2 VA single-phase at nominal 50/60 Hz. The
maximum continuous voltage rating is 360 Vat for 100/
120 Vat nominal, and 480 Vat for 200/240 Vat nominal.
Overvoltage Sensing
In a typical application, the BEl-59N Ground Fault
Overvoltage Relay monitors the voltage across a
resistor in the generators grounding circuit. The
voltage across the resistor is supplied to the sensing
transformer in the relay.
The derived secondary voltage is applied to an active
filter to obtain the fundamental component of the input

Figure 2 - Functional Block Diagram

BE1-59N

SPECIFICATIONS, continued

Undervoltage Sensing Option

Undervoltage Inhibit

The undervoltage option is sensitive to the third harmonic (150 Hz or 180 Hz) voltage at the generator
neutral, and insensitive to the fundamental frequency
(50 or 60 Hz). The undervoltage measuring element
determines within 5 cycles if the third harmonic voltage
is less than or greater than the UNDERVOLTAGE
PICKUP setting on the front panel. If less than, the
UNDERVOLTAGE LED will illuminate, and an internal
signal is developed which may be employed three
different ways, depending upon the timing option
selected.
1. The undervoltage output relay is energized instantaneously.
2. A definite time delay is initiated whose period is
determined by the front panel TIME DIAL over a
range or 0.1 to 99.9 seconds. At the expiration of the
time delay, the undervoltage output contacts close.
3. An inverse time delay is initiated whose period is
determined by two factors:
a.Magnitude of the undervoltage condition (2%
or 100 mV or whichever is greater for the 120 Vac
pickup range or 2% or 200 mV for the 240 Vac
pickup range), and
b.Selection of a particular response curve by the
front panel TIME DIAL over the range of 01 to 99
(5% or 25 mSec, whichever is greater)
(Reference Figure 3.)

When the undervoltage measuring element is selected,

an undervoltage inhibit circuit is included to monitor the
generator terminal voltage. When the terminal voltage
is less than the UNDERVOLTAGE INHIBIT setting on
the front panel, the undervoltage sensing option is
inhibited to prevent relay operation during start-up or
shutdown of the generating unit.

Figure 3 - Undervoltage Inverse Time Curve

Figure 4 - Overvoltage Inverse Time Curve

The UNDERVOLTAGE INHIBIT range is continuously

adjustable from 40 to 120 Vac for the 100/120 Vac
sensing input, and 80 to 240 Vac for the 200/240 Vac
input.
PICKUP ACCURACY
Relay pickup will not vary from its setting more than as
follows for variations in input power or operating
temperature within the specified limits.
For 120 Vac sensing range: 2.0% or 100
millivolts, whichever is greater.
For 240 Vac sensing range: 2.0% or 200
millivolts, whichever is greater.
DROPOUT RATIO
Overvoltage and undervoltage elements reset within
2.0% of their actual pickup level within seven cycles.

BE1-59N

SPECIFICATIONS (continued)
TIMING ACCURACY
Definite time is adjustable from 00.1 to 99.9 seconds, in
steps of 0.1 seconds. Accuracy is within 2.0% or 100
milliseconds, whichever is greater.
Inverse time is adjustable from 01 to 99 in increments
of 01. The setting defines a curve as illustrated in
Figures 3 and 4. Inverse timing is accurate within 5%
or 25.0 milliseconds, whichever is greater, for any
combination of time dial and pickup setting.
POWER SUPPLY
One of five power supply types may be selected to
provide internal operating power. They are described in
Table 1.
Table 1 - Power Supply Options
Type
K
J
L*
Y
Z
Nominal 48Vdc 125Vdc 24Vdc 48Vdc 250 Vdc
Voltage
120 Vac
125 Vdc 240 Vac
Burden 3.4 W 3.6 W 3.5 W 3.4 W
3.7 W
22.1 VA
3.6 W 37.6 VA
*The type L power supply initially requires 14 Vdc to begin
operation. Once operating, the input voltage may be reduced to
12 Vdc and operation will continue.

POWER SUPPLY STATUS OUTPUT

A normally closed output relay is provided, whose
contact remains open when energized by the presence
of nominal voltage at the output of the power supply. If
the power supply voltage falls below requirements, the
power supply status output relay will de-energize,
closing its contact. A shorting bar is included in the
relay case so that the status output terminals can
provide a remote indication that the BE1-59N relay has
been withdrawn from its case or taken out of service by
removing the connection plug.
OUTPUTS
Output contacts are rated as follows:
Resistive
120 Vac - Make, break, and carry 7 Aac continuously.
250 Vdc - Make and carry 30 A for 0.2 s, carry 7 A
continuously, break 0.3 A.
500 Vdc - Make and carry 15 A for 0.2 s, carry 7 A
continuously, break 0.3 A.

Inductive
120 Vac, 125 Vdc, 250 Vdc - Break 0.3 A (L/R = 0.04).
Push-to Energize Output Switches
Momentary pushbuttons accessible by inserting a 1/8inch diameter non-conducting rod through the front
panel. Pushbuttons are used to energize the output
relays in order to test system wiring.
TARGET INDICATORS
Electronically latched, manually reset target indicators
are optionally available to indicate closure of the trip
output contacts. Either internally operated or current
operated targets may be specified. Internally operated
targets should be selected when normally closed (NC)
output contacts are specified. When current operated,
the minimum rating is 200 mA through the trip circuit.
The output circuit is limited to 30A for 1 s, 7A for 2 min,
and 3A continuously.
SURGE WITHSTAND CAPABILITY
Qualified to IEEE C37.90.1-1989, Standard Surge
Withstand Capability Test and IEC 255, Impulse Test
and Dielectric Test.
MECHANICAL
Operating Temperature
-40C (-40F) to +70C (+158F)
Storage Temperature
-65C (-85F) to +100C (+212F)
Case Size: S1.
Weight
13.6 pounds (6.17Kg) maximum.
Shock
Withstands 15 G in each of three mutually perpendicular
planes without structural damage or performance
degradation.
Vibration
Withstands 2 G in each of three mutually perpendicular
planes, swept over the range of 10 to 500 Hz for a total
of six sweeps, 15 minutes for each sweep, without
structural damage or performance degradation.
5

BE1-59N

CONNECTIONS

Figure 5 - Typical Control Circuit Connections

Ground Fault Overvoltage

Overlapping Ground Fault

(Undervoltage and Overvoltage)

Figure 6 - Voltage Sensing Connections

6

Ungrounded System

BE1-59N

ORDERING
MODEL NUMBER
BE1-59N Ground Fault Overvoltage Relay
STYLE NUMBER
The style number appears on the front panel, drawout
cradle, and inside the case assembly. This style number is
an alphanumeric combination of characters identifying the
features included in a particular unit. The sample style
number below illustrates the manner in which the various
features are designated. The Style Number Identification
Chart (page 8) defines each of the options and characteristics available for this device.
SAMPLE STYLE NUMBER: A5FF6JD1S3F
The style number above describes a BE1-59N Ground
Fault Overvoltage relay having the following features.
Sensing Input Type

(A)

Single-phase

Sensing Input Range

(5)

120 Vac, 60 Hz
(nominal) with 1-20 Vac
pickup range

Output

(F)

Two NO output relays: one for

the overvoltage function and one
for the undervoltage function

Timing

(F6)

Inverse for the overvoltage

function: definite time for the
undervoltage function

Power Supply

(J)

125 Vdc and 100/120 Vac

Target

(D)

Two (one for each function),

current operated

Option 1

(1)

Undervoltage element

Option 2

(S)

Push-to-energize outputs

Option 3

(3)

Two NO auxiliary output relays

(one per function)

Option 4

(F)

Semi-flush mounting

NOTE: The description of a complete relay must include

both the model number and the style number.

SAMPLE STYLE NUMBER ILLUSTRATED

HOW TO ORDER:
Designate the model number followed by the complete
Style Number.

BE1-59N

Style Number

Complete the Style Number by selecting one feature from

each column of the Style Number Identification Chart and
entering its designation letter or number into the appropriate
square. (Two squares are used to indicate time delay characteristics.) All squares must be completed.

STANDARD ACCESSORY:
The following accessory is available for the BE1-59N
Ground Fault Overvoltage Relay.
Test Plug
The test plug (Basler part number 10095) provides a
quick, easy method of testing relays without removing
them from their case. The test plug is simply substituted
for the connection plug. This provides access to the
external stud connections and to the internal circuitry.

BE1-59N

STYLE NUMBER IDENTIFICATION CHART

BE1-59N

SENSING INPUT
TYPE
A) Single-phase
voltage

OUTPUT
E) One NO relayover

1) 100 Vac, 50 Hz,

nominal 1-20
Vac pickup

6
D1) Over-inverse

1) Undervoltage
elementhigh range0.5
to 12Vac
4

L) 24 Vdc

G) One NC relayover

E1) Over-definite
(0.1-99.9 sec.)
6

H) Two NC relaysone over,

one under
2

F1) Over-instantaneous
under-definite
2 (0.1-99.9 sec.)

Y) 48/125 Vdc
5 1.0 to 24Vac

Z) 250 Vdc and

240 Vac

2) Undervoltage
elementlow range4 0.1 to 2.5Vac

F2) Over-instantaneous
under-inverse
2
F3) Over-definite
(0.1-99.9 sec.)
2 under-instantaneous

TARGET

F4) Over-definite
(0.1-99.9 sec.)
2 under-inverse

3) 200 Vac, 50 Hz,

nominal 2-40
Vac pickup

F5) Over-inverse
under-instantaneous
2

4) 200 Vac, 50 Hz,

nominal 20-100
Vac pickup
5) 120 Vac, 60 Hz,
nominal 1-20
Vac pickup

F7) Over-definite
under-definite
2

0.2 to 5.0Vac

1) One NO auxiliary
output-over
2) One NC auxiliary
output-over
3) Two NO auxiliary
outputs-one over,
one under
2
4) Two NC auxiliary
outputs-one over,
one under
2

OPTION 4

OPTION 2

N) None

F6) Over-inverse
under-definite
2 (0.1-99.9 sec.)

OPTION 3
0) None

0) None

K) 48 Vdc

2) 100 Vac, 50 Hz,

nominal 10-50
Vac pickup

6) 120 Vac, 60 Hz,

nominal 10-50
Vac pickup

OPTION 1

J) 125 Vdc and

100/120 Vac

A1) Over-instantaneous

F) Two NO relaysone over,

one under
2

SENSING INPUT
RANGE

POWER
SUPPLY

TIMING

C) Internally
operated

N) None

F) Semi-flush
mounting

D) Current
operated

S) Push-toenergize
outputs

P) Projection
mounting

NOTES:

7) 240 Vac, 60 Hz,

nominal 2-40
Vac pickup

When target is D,
output must be E or F.

8) 240 Vac, 60 Hz,

nominal 20-100
Vac pickup

Requires option 1-1

or option 1-2.

3)

All relays are supplied in

S1 case.

Sensing input range must

be 1, 2, 5, or 6. Output
must be "F" or "H".

Sensing input range must

be 3, 4, 7, or 8. Output
must be "F" or "H".

Requires option 1-0.

P.A.E. Les Pins, 67319 Wasselonne Cedex FRANCE

Tel +33 3.88.87.1010 Fax +33 3.88.87.0808
e-mail: beifrance@basler.com

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Tel +1 618.654.2341 Fax +1 618.654.2351
e-mail: info@basler.com

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