The Eaton Form 6 control (Cooper Power line) speaks DNP3 on any of its serial ports and publishes its data dictionary in the IEC 60870-5-101 profile as well. This guide summarizes how points, events and unsolicited messages are organized for SCADA integration.
What the Form 6 publishes
The Eaton Form 6 recloser control (Cooper Power line) integrates with SCADA over DNP3 on any of its serial ports. Its data dictionary is also defined in the IEC 60870-5-101 profile. In both cases the starting point is the same: a list of binary inputs, measurements, counters and commands whose content depends on the scheme (Workbench) loaded in each control. For the equipment, see Eaton NOVA recloser and Form 4C, 5 and 6 controls. How to read the device profile when integrating a DNP3 device is covered in DNP3: How to Read the Device Profile.
DNP3 on the Form 6
- Class 0 poll: returns binary inputs, binary counters, analog inputs and binary output status.
- Report by exception: event classes are assigned with the assign-class function or from the Workbench. On restart the factory or Workbench classes are used.
- Binary events: class 1 by default, updated on every change.
- Counters and analogs: events are updated every 125 ms. If the master requests 16-bit counters, the low 16 bits are returned.
- Commands: outputs are operated with the control relay output block (CROB). The dictionary states whether each point resets itself or latches, and its state at power-up.
Unsolicited messages
The control supports unsolicited report by exception, following the rules of a level 3 device. It is enabled by a configuration parameter and by class. On restart it sends a message without data and sends no more until the master enables it.
Internal indications
The internal indications (IIN) most useful to the SCADA operator are: class 1, 2 or 3 data available, time synchronization required, control in local, device trouble (defined in the Workbench), device restart and event buffer overflow. A CROB command with the control in local is rejected if the point depends on supervisory status.
IEC 60870-5 profile
The 101 profile dictionary defines five point types: single input, double input, measured value, single command and floating point. The Form 6 defines only single inputs, measured values and single commands. Among the single inputs:
| Group | Example points |
|---|---|
| Recloser status | Closed, open, lockout, any control or system alarm |
| Protection | Above minimum trip, ground trip blocked, SEF blocked, cold load pickup blocked, fast trips blocked, non-reclosing |
| Profiles | Normal and alternate 1 to 3 selected |
| Line | Hot line tag, voltage present on each bus phase, reverse power flow |
| Battery | Battery test, no AC power, battery alarm |
| Trips | Fault trip on phase A, B, C, ground or SEF |
Measured values include phase and residual currents, voltages and power factor per phase, and apparent power, each with a scale factor and deadband. Commands include close, lockout, block reclosing, block ground, SEF, cold load pickup and fast trips, profile selection, hot line tag and alarm and demand reset.
IEC 60870-5-104
IEC 60870-5-104 carries the same application objects of the 101 profile over TCP/IP. For the communication model, see IEC 60870-5-104 and IEC 60870-5-101.
What to watch when integrating
- Confirm the scheme and firmware version of the control in ProView: the bit content changes with the Workbench.
- Map only what your control center needs and keep event classes consistent with the polls.
- Synchronize the control clock from SCADA: without correct time the events lose value.
How we help
We integrate Form 6 controls into SCADA: point mapping, classes, unsolicited reporting and point-to-point tests with your master. See SCADA integration and gateways and the remote configuration for Eaton Form 6.
Related guides
- Eaton NOVA recloser and Form 4C, 5 and 6 controls
- Eaton Form 6 recloser control, sheet
- DNP3 points, classes and events
- DNP3
- IEC 60870-5-101
- IEC 60870-5-104
- NOJA CMS, DCM and WSOS5 software
- DNP3: How to Read the Device Profile
References
- Eaton (Cooper Power Systems), Form 6 Communications, DNP3 Device Profile.
- Eaton (Cooper Power Systems), F6 IEC 60870-5-101 Protocol Device Profile Data Dictionary.
- IEEE 1815 (DNP3); IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104.
Frequently asked questions
Which DNP3 objects does a class 0 poll of the Form 6 return?
Binary inputs (object 1, variation 0), binary counters (object 20, variation 0), analog inputs (object 30, variation 0) and binary output status (object 10, variation 2).
Do Form 6 events carry a time stamp?
Binary input events carry time by default, and the variation can be selected. Counter and analog events are 16-bit without time by default.
What happens with unsolicited messages when the control restarts?
The control sends an unsolicited message without data. After the confirmation it sends no more until the master enables unsolicited reporting.