SMRT1, SMRT 1D and SMRT 1B single-phase relay test systems
The SMRT1 single-phase relay test system, the SMRT1D and the SMRT1B are standalone units that combine high compliance voltage with high current to test electromechanical, solid-state and microprocessor-based overcurrent relays, including voltage controlled, voltage restraint, and directional overcurrent. It can also test under/overvoltage, negative sequence under/overvoltage, single-phase impedance, single-phase power, directional, synchronising, auto-synchronising, current balance, frequency, volts/hertz, reclosing, thermal, and various other relays (see the Applications sections for more).
The SMRT1 can be manually controlled with Megger’s new Smart Touch View Interface (STVI). The STVI is Megger’s second generation of automatic/semi-automatic manual user interface software. With its large, full colour, high resolution, TFT LCD touch screen, it allows you to perform manual, steady-state, and dynamic testing quickly and easily using the manual test screen, as well as using built-in preset test routines for most popular relays. The STVI displays metered values such as AC and DC Amperes, AC and DC Volts, and time in both seconds and cycles. Depending on the type of test selected, other values may be displayed, such as phase angle, frequency, ohms, watts, VA, or power factor/dissipation factor. Menu screens and touch screen function buttons are provided to quickly and easily select the desired test function. Tests results can be saved to the STVI for download to a USB drive to transfer or print test reports. The SMRT1D has the STVI built into the unit.
For full automatic testing, the SMRT1 (or SMRT1D) can also be placed under full computer control via the Relay Test Management Software (RTMS) running on a PC. RTMS is a Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 compatible software program designed to manage all aspects of protective relay testing.
The SMRT1B can be controlled with the Integrated on-board display.
I cannot communicate with the unit, what should I check?
The most common form of communication used with the SMRT units is via ethernet. In this case if the communication cannot be established it is important to check that RTMS is enabled in the local firewall. Sometimes the antivirus installed on the computer will block the ethernet communications. Sometimes the reason for the failure to communicate is that the IP addresses of the unit and the PC are not on the same subnet. Changing the IP address of the unit or the PC to be on the other’s subnet will fix the issue. It is even better to leave the SMRT in DHCP mode so that it takes an IP address in the same subnet as the PC connected to it. If the SMRT’s IP address has been set to a fixed value, it is possible to force the unit into DHCP mode using RTMS.
When serial communication such as USB or Bluetooth is failing the culprit is usually the port number used which can be checked on the device manager.
What is the Bluetooth pairing code for the SMRT?
That’s an easy one! 0000(four zeroes)
I am testing but the test is not stopping.
Things to check:
In the SMRT/RTMS - Is the binary input on the SMRT configured as wet or dry contact? Does it correspond with the relay’s binary output’s operation?
Is the type of operation selected properly? i.e. Normally Closed or Normally Open contact?
Did you choose the proper input as trip? Sometimes the SMRT is connected to the proper output on the relay, but RTMS is expecting the trip input on a different input.
In the relay - Is the test signal used adequate for the test? If we are testing a 51 pickup, we cannot use the timing signal to trip and vice versa.
Did we assign the trip to the proper output on the relay?
Is there any condition blocking the trip inside the relay?
Did we use the proper polarizing signal?
I have an SMRT46 or SMRT46D and cannot find the battery simulator. Where is the battery simulator on these units?
In the SMRT46 or SMRT46D units the battery simulator doubles as the fourth voltage channel. For this reason, if you see the 4 voltage channels on the home screen that means that the battery simulator is not activated. If that’s the case, go into the configuration screen by clicking on the “gearbox” button and click on the Use “Last V as Battery” button. When you go back to the home screen, you’ll see that you no longer have a 4th voltage channel available, and the battery icon has been enabled.
What is the file format in which results are saved?
In RTMS files can be saved as active documents in an XML file with a format called pdbxml. Those PowerDB documents can be reused to retest the same relay or to test a different relay of the same model.
Another possibility is to save the test results into a PDF file directly from RTMS.
This is a single-phase unit. How can I use more than one voltage and one current if I need to test a three-phase relay?
The SMRT1 can be connected in a daisy chain with other SMRT1/SMRT1D, SMRT46/SMRT46D or SMRT410/SMRT410D. A very common use of daisy chaining is using 3 SMRT1 units to obtain a three-phase unit.
When daisy chaining 3 SMRT1, do I need to have RTMS Enhanced licences for all of them?
No, only one of the SMRT1 needs to have the RTMS Enhanced licence.
Can I use the SMRT1 to test current-differential protection elements like a transformer differential?
Yes, the SMRT1 have one voltage channel and one current channel. However, the voltage channel can be used as a current channel so that you have 2 current channels available to test current differential elements. This way you can perform single phase tests of differential elements. For a three-phase test you can daisy chain three SMRT1 units.
Can I use the SMRT1 for 61850 substation testing?
The SMRT1 is an excellent option for 61850 tests. With this smaller and lighter unit, the user gets the same 61850 testing capabilities as with bigger units. Using the SMRT1 and the Sampled Values Analyzer (SVA) software you can generate 3 Sampled values streams to inject sampled values magnitudes into the network and perform different types of metering and protection tests. Additionally using the Megger GOOSE Configurator (MGC) software and perform all the GOOSE message related tests. With the MGC and SVA embedded in the SMRT1D model, the need to connect a computer to the IEC 61850 network is eliminated, enhancing cyber security.
If my unit has a built-in display, can I still control it with my computer?
Yes, you can control all SMRT models with and without display via your PC or laptop.
Are there test plans for my relays in the SMRT software?
RTMS includes a library of test plans called templates, which is available free of charge. The library can be downloaded and managed using a component of RTMS called “RTMS template manager.” Connect your PC to the internet, open “RTMS template manager”, and all the templates available in the cloud are shown. RTMS template manager will indicate which templates are already available on your PC. You can then download the ones that are not on your PC or update existing ones for which a newer version is available. The RTMS template manager will also indicate whether the templates are compatible with your software version. An upgrade of your local software version may be required to get some newer templates to work for you.
Can the SMRT products work with many different types of mains supplies? Can they be powered from the local supply whatever its voltage and frequency?
Instruments in the SMRT series will operate without limitations from supplies anywhere between 100 and 240 V, with frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz. This caters to just about any public supply you’re likely to find in the world!
Can the SMRT read relay settings?
Relay settings can be read using RTMS from a variety of settings file formats or directly from relays. It is possible to read settings directly from SEL relays using the relay’s serial interface and a serial cable. It is also possible to read CSV files from Multilin relays and XRIO files from other manufacturers, like Schneider Electric.
Do I need to licence every PC?
RTMS software can be installed on as many PCs as you want without any additional licence. The use of the specialised features included in the Enhanced RTMS is enabled on the SMRT unit itself and can be run by any computer with the RTMS software installed.
Are licences of the software complimentary?
All the most important test functions are included with the free version of the software. This version includes tools such as ramping, advanced ramping, overcurrent, distance, sequencer, and differential. This complimentary version also allows you to create your own test plans. There’s a cost for other specialised features like COMTRADE playback, Power Swing, or Synchronizer.
Testing very high set values of overcurrent protection can be challenging. How can I do this safely, without risk of damage to the relay?
It’s true that performing a measurement of the pickup value by continuously injecting a high-test current could thermally overload the relay, as most overcurrent relays must not have currents greater than ten times their nominal rating applied for longer than one second. With test sets in our SMRT family, however, you can overcome this test time limitation by using the pulse ramp feature. This produces a test current in the form of successive short pulses that increase in amplitude with each pulse, thereby keeping the relay within acceptable thermal duty cycle limits.
Are there online tools available that I can use to learn about the use of your protection relay products?
Yes, there’s library of videos available on YouTube that covers most of the aspects of the use of the software.
The RTMS software is telling me that the firmware version should be updated to work with the connected SMRT. How do I update the firmware on the unit?
The RTMS software will check if the firmware on the unit is compatible with the RTMS version on the PC or STVI. RTMS can upgrade the firmware on the unit if the user chooses to do so. The compatible version of the firmware is included with the software and copied in a folder on the user’s PC during the RTMS install.Alternatively, it is possible to upgrade the firmware on the unit using a file available on Megger’s website. After downloading the file from the website open RTMS then go to Software Configuration and use the “Update Firmware” button to perform the upgrade. Follow the prompts on the screen. There’s also a YouTube video which covers this process. It is also possible to upgrade the firmware using an STVI.
Do you have test plans for my relays in your software?
In RTMS there is a library of test plans called templates which is available free of charge. The library can be downloaded and managed using a component of RTMS called “RTMS template manager”. All you need is to connect the PC to the internet, open RTMS template manager and all the templates available in the cloud are shown with an indication about which ones are also available on your PC already. You can then proceed to download the ones that are not on your PC or update those that are already on your PC but for which a newer version is available. RTMS template manager will also indicate whether the templates are compatible with your software version. An upgrade of your local software version may be required to get some newer templates to work for you.
Can the user create their own test plans with RTMS software? Is there a cost associated with that?
Yes, the user can create their own test plans using RTMS. The test plans are created as the tests are performed and added to the test report. The test report is therefore an active document that can be used to retest the same relay or other relays of the same kind. Tests can be added to the test plan very easily. Additionally Test plans can be created in simulation mode in the software which makes it extremely convenient since you don’t need to be connected to the unit or to perform the actual tests in order to add them to the test plan.There is no additional cost associated with the possibility of creating test plans within RTMS. It is included in the Free version of the software.
Can this test set perform End to End testing with GPS?
End-to-End testing can be performed with the SMRT unit using GPS signals for synchronization. The user will need an external GPS receiver and antenna to work with the unit. Alternatively, it is possible to use an IRIG-B signal, already available at the substation, connected directly into the Binary Input 1 of the SMRT unit. A PTP to IRIG-B Converter, can be used, in cases where PTP is available, and an IRIG-B signal or GPS signal is not available.In RTMS, tools like the Sequencer or COMTRADE Playback can be used to perform End to End tests with different levels of complexity.
Can we perform End to End testing with a SMRT on one end and a unit from a different manufacturer or a different model of Megger unit on the other end?
Yes, it is possible to perform End to End tests using different units on each end. The user will need to measure the difference in injection time for each unit and account for that time difference, during the start of the test. A procedure for doing just that has been discussed in several of our Testing Tactics webinars.
What is the difference between the floating ground option and the grounded option?
The floating ground option allows the voltage and current generators on the unit; to be floating between them and ground so the customer can configure his test, as he needs. Easy paralleling and series of the currents and voltages can be done. With the grounded option, the internal generators are tied together and grounded therefore the customer can work with this option if the test leads going to the specimen are also tied together. This will prevent part or all the return current from being forced through the internal ground of the test set which could cause damage to the unit.
Can you read relay settings with your unit?
Relay settings can be read using RTMS from a variety of settings file formats or directly from relays. It is possible to read settings directly from SEL relays using the relay’s serial interface and a serial cable. It is also possible to read csv files from Multilin relays and XRIO files from other manufacturers like Schneider. The settings are imported into the test document and can be included in the report. The imported settings are also used for the automation of tests during the creation and execution of test plans.
Can you test recloser relays? How does it interface?
It is possible to test recloser relays using the different tools available on RTMS. In particular, the Sequencer Tool makes the job of testing recloser relays and recloser controls simpler. If the recloser relay is inside a recloser control or in the field, it is possible to interface with the recloser control using a tool called ERTS. The ERTS is used to allow testing the recloser relay directly in the controller without the need to disconnect the relay analogue inputs or binary inputs or outputs
Is the software on the PC different than the unit software?
No. The software on the PC and on the STVI are practically the same. There are only slight differences in how files are managed. This makes it very easy to transition from one interface to the other.
Regarding the built-in test tools, i.e. automatic ramp, distance relay, differential relay, etc., do I have to input all of that information every time?
It is not necessary to input all the information for the test every single time. Once the test has been configured it is possible to save a test sheet with all the information relevant to the test and reuse it to test either the same relay a second time or a similar relay. It is also possible to export an individual test once it has been saved to the test report. Once exported it can be imported into a different test report and reused.
How do you change the binary input to a wet contact?
With most controls in RTMS it is possible to modify the configuration directly on the control by simply clicking on it. To change the configuration of a binary input, click directly on the specific binary input icon which will bring up the Binary Input configuration screen. There the user can change the type of binary from wet or voltage activated to dry and change the type of action from normally open to normally closed contact.
How do you save a template?
To save a template you will go to FILE > SAVE > then look for the [Save As Template] button. At this point, name the template and save it to a location on the PC where it is easy to find.
How do you change the increment of ramp?
On the Home screen, select the double arrow button just above the current or voltage channels. This button is labeled as Current Ramp Options when hovering over it. Select this button and this is where the increments can be changed.
How do you see the vectors as SEL + or - 180?
Select the System Configuration button, the one that looks like a gearbox, then go to System button on the top right. There you will find an area labeled PHASE ANGLES and this is where the phase angles view can be changed.
Will this test set work with ENOSERV RTS?
Yes, it will work with ENOSERV if you have RTS version 7.0.4.2 or above.
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