Easergy P5 Relay: P5F30, P5U20, P5T30, P5M30 and P5L30

What it is and where it is used

Easergy P5 is the Schneider Electric family of medium-voltage protection relays for demanding applications at utilities and in industry. Schneider now markets it as PowerLogic P5, but in the field and in manuals it still appears as Easergy P5, with references such as P5F30, P5U20 or P5T30.

Schneider presents it as a drawout relay, with current connections secured when it is withdrawn, backup memory to recover the configuration, built-in arc flash detection, cybersecurity conforming to IEC 62443 level 1, a mobile app and a web server for local operation. It is one of the replacements for the Sepam 20 and 40 series. For the general picture, see protective relays.

Variants: P5F30, P5U20, P5V20, P5T30, P5M30 and P5L30

Main functions

According to Schneider Electric’s application table (the number of stages varies by model):

It also includes inrush detection by second and fifth harmonic, admittance-based and transient/intermittent earth fault, wattmetric earth fault and capacitor unbalance. It detects Buchholz and thermostat (26/63) through inputs. It offers four setting groups and configurable logic with equations or with the optional advanced logic engine.

Communications and integration

According to Schneider Electric, the P5 comes from the factory with IEC 61850 Ed1 and Ed2, IEC 60870-5-101 and 103, serial and Ethernet DNP3, serial and Ethernet Modbus and EtherNet/IP. It offers RSTP, PRP and HSR redundancy. Synchronization is by pulses, IRIG-B, SNTP and PTP IEEE 1588 v2 (the latter with the PRP/HSR card). The communication modules are ordered as an option: the base unit does not include them. It supports low-level CTs and VTs (LPCT and LPVT). Configuration is done with the Schneider Electric software named in the manual for each version. See IEC 61850: overview and PRP and HSR.

IEC 61850 on the P5: documented capabilities and limits

Schneider Electric publishes the P5’s IEC 61850 capabilities in a FAQ (FAQ000278538), which are useful for sizing the integration before ordering or configuring. According to that source:

• Editions and parts. It operates on Ethernet networks with editions 1, 2 and 2.1, in line with IEC 61850-6, 7-1 to 7-4 and 8-1.
• Clients. Up to 8 simultaneous client-server associations.
• GOOSE. Messages between devices with 4 publishers and up to 250 digital and 8 analog subscribers, with performance class P2 (less than 10 ms), simulation and test modes and input mapping with hardwired OR.
• Reports. Up to 16 buffered and 8 unbuffered report blocks per logical node.
• Control models. Status only, direct control and select-before-operate (SBO), each with normal or enhanced security.
• Disturbance records. Transferred by sFTP in COMTRADE format.
• Time. PTP (IEEE 1588), SNTP or IRIG-B.

And the limits worth knowing before designing:

• The IEC 61850 access points are 3 at most on the P5x30 models and 2 on the P5x20.
• The CID file is limited to 3 MB and its name must not contain spaces or non-Latin characters.
• IEC 61850 traffic is not encrypted; Schneider recommends segmenting the network, using firewalls and IP allowlists, and transferring files by sFTP. See secure remote access to substations.

Tools cited by Schneider: the eSetup Easergy Pro configuration software to load the CID file and basic settings, CET850 for advanced SCL editing, datasets and GOOSE, and FPN Editor (Flexible Product Naming) for interoperability between manufacturers. See SCL files.

How to read a P5 reference

Schneider references describe the device in the product title itself. For example, reference REL50301 is published as “Easergy P5U20, 24-250 V, 3CT, 2IO, 4DI/4DO” (24-250 V supply, 3 current inputs, 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs). For that reference the catalog lists an auxiliary, two cables and two communication modules as compatible accessories. This confirms what we said: the base unit and the communication modules are ordered separately, and the auxiliary voltage, the number of CTs and the number of inputs and outputs are already fixed in the reference. Before ordering, confirm with the data sheet of the exact model which editions, modules and inputs you need.

If you are migrating from a Sepam, also review the Sepam guide: the lists of functions and inputs do not match one to one.

Frequently asked technical questions

• Easergy P5 manual: Schneider publishes it as a global user manual. The challenge is choosing the right application and stages.
• Migration from Sepam: there is no one-to-one equivalence; the Sepam functions are translated into the P5’s and the wiring and SCADA integration are reviewed.
• The relay does not communicate: the communication module was not ordered or does not match the SCADA protocol.
• Backup memory: Schneider states that it lets you recover the configuration when replacing the unit, in about ten minutes according to the manufacturer; it is still worth keeping an up-to-date settings file outside the relay.
• Low-level sensors (LPCT and LPVT): if the switchgear uses them, the unit must be ordered with those inputs.

How we help

At Tiza Group we configure Schneider relays remotely, with a backup before and after the change. See remote configuration of Schneider Easergy and MiCOM relays and remote relay configuration. If you are coming from a Sepam, we design the replacement under engineering design and studies. If the relay has already tripped and the reason is unclear, we can quote the analysis in trip review, or write to us through the contact page.

Related guides

• Protective relays
• Phase and ground overcurrent protection
• Medium-voltage switchgear
• Arc flash study
• MiCOM P14x relay
• SIPROTEC 7SJ85 relay
• Schneider Easergy Studio, Easergy Pro and SFT2841 software
• MiCOM P342, P343, P344, P345 and P341 relays

References

• IEEE C37.2, device function numbers for power systems.
• IEC 61850 (series), IEC 62439-3 (PRP/HSR) and IEC 62443-4-2 (component cybersecurity).
• Schneider Electric, Digest Plus: PowerLogic P5 Range, Characteristics and Applications; FAQs on replacing the Sepam 20/40.

Frequently asked questions