NewFeed Relay Deep Dive

Advanced Feeder & Motor Protection Designed for Modern Electrical Distribution

Level2 B-BBEE Contributor

Advanced Protection → Proven Reliability

The NewFeed Relay is engineered for LV and MV electrical distribution networks where reliability, power quality visibility, and mixed motor–feeder environments require precise, application-driven protection.

This deep dive explains how the NewFeed strengthens electrical distribution performance, reduces nuisance trips, improves PQ visibility, and simplifies control logic across substations, utilities, renewables, and industrial systems.

For full specifications, see the NewFeed Relay product page:

NEWFEED Relay

Why the NewFeed Relay Was Designed

Electrical distribution today faces increasing instability: longer feeder runs, PQ disturbances from embedded generation, harmonic distortion from VFDs, and mixed starter arrangements across industrial DBs. Traditional relays struggle in these environments because they offer only partial protection or lack the necessary power-quality insight.

The NewFeed Relay solves this by combining:

  • ANSI-based feeder and motor protection
  • Built-in harmonic and sequence component analysis
  • Integrated starter control (DOL, star–delta, Dahlander, soft starter, reversing)
  • Modular inputs/outputs and expansion
  • Communication-ready intelligence for SCADA/PLC integration
  • Detailed event, fault, and data recording
  • All-in-one compact protection IED ideal for LV/MV distribution.
NEWFEED Relay Profile

Where the NewFeed Fits Inside Electrical Distribution

The NewFeed Relay stabilises and protects systems such as:

  • Utility & municipal feeders with long cable runs
  • LV/MV substations requiring sequence imbalance detection and PQ visibility
  • PQ-sensitive industrial distribution boards, especially with VFD-heavy loads
  • Embedded generation systems (solar, wind farms) , where switching is frequent
  • Motor–feeder combinations using DOL, star–delta, Dahlander or soft starters

Visit the Electrical Distribution industry page:

NewFeed Relay Control Panel

Understanding the Problem: Common Causes of Distribution Instability

Distribution engineers typically face issues such as:

  • Voltage dips and sags
  • Long-line feeder nuisance trips
  • Harmonic distortion from drives and inverters
  • Sequence imbalance during uneven loading
  • Insulation degradation and earth leakage escalation
  • PQ-related nuisance trips during grid/generator/UPS transition

The NewFeed Relay is built to detect, analyse, and log these events in real time, allowing faster diagnosis and better uptime.

How the NewFeed Relay Strengthens System Reliability

Integrated Motor + Feeder Protection in One Relay

Most plants use a combination of pumps, fans, drives, and feeders. The NewFeed consolidates all protection into a single IED, reducing wiring, commissioning time, spares, and troubleshooting complexity.

Built-In Starter Control

Harmonic Analysis up to the 37th

Sequence Component Measurement (V/I)

Event, Fault & Data Recording

Communication-Ready Intelligence

Electrical Distribution Industry

Application Examples

Utility Feeders

Reduced nuisance trips through harmonic + sequence imbalance detection.

Substations (LV/MV)

Incomer and feeder protection with PQ visibility.

Renewables & Embedded Generation

Harmonic analysis improves inverter-system stability.

Industrial Distribution

Simplifies protection in mixed starter environments with VFD influence.

Why the NewFeed Relay Matters for Grid Stability

Grid stability challenges are increasing across South Africa and the wider SADC region. With more solar, hybrid, and variable loads connecting to the network, traditional feeder protection often fails to handle modern PQ disturbances, harmonics, and fast-changing fault conditions.

In this video, we explain why the NewFeed Relay is becoming a critical component for stable, reliable feeder protection.
You’ll learn how it improves coordination, enhances PQ visibility, prevents nuisance trips, and protects both equipment and operators in today’s complex distribution systems.

Models & Expansion Options

Base Unit

NewFeed Relay (FPR0462)
For motor and feeder protection with advanced PQ and starter control.

Current Modules

NC-01, NC-05, NC-25, NC-50, NC-100, NC-300 (0.1 A to 300 A)

Core Balance CT Options

Round and rectangular designs for earth-fault supervision.

Expansion Modules
  • Memory Module
  • Expanded I/O Module
  • RTD Module (PT100, PT1000, NTC, PTC)
  • 4–20 mA Module

See comparable relay options:

NewFeed Dimensions

Measured Outcomes in Electrical Distribution

Fewer nuisance trips on long feeders and PQ-sensitive circuits

Clear PQ diagnostics with harmonic and sequence analysis

More stable operation during switching between grid ↔ renewable energy sources

Reduced commissioning time using simulation mode

Faster replacement with the plug-and-play memory module

Improved plant uptime through detailed logs and faster root-cause tracing

Testimonial/Case Study

Support for a Complex Issue!

As an Electrical Foreman working in a Copper Mine in Africa, I faced significant challenges with frontend communication while trying to program a KD relay. After some investigation, it was determined that the issue stemmed from the computer’s COM port drivers.

The support team based in South Africa was outstanding! They patiently guided me step-by-step, troubleshooting the issue remotely from their support office. Their knowledge and expertise turned what could have been a major roadblock into a smooth resolution.

I’m incredibly grateful for their professionalism and dedication. It’s reassuring to know there’s a team like this behind the products we rely on. Thanks again for the top-notch support!

Solutions for Quarry Operations!

As a Plant Manager, I was dealing with repeated overload trips on a pump application, which didn’t make sense since we had a larger module (MA250) installed for a smaller 2.4 kW drive. After consulting with NewElec, I decided to bring the relay to their facility for further inspection and assistance with Frontend tutorials.

The NewElec team promptly discovered that the relay was faulty and recommended replacing it with an MA10 module, which was better suited for our drive. They also provided custom settings tailored to our application and ensured we had everything needed for a seamless transition.

Since implementing the changes, the MA10 module has been performing flawlessly, and our operations are running more efficiently. NewElec’s technical expertise and proactive approach made all the difference. I highly recommend their services to anyone in the industry!

Clear Guidance and Excellent Support!

As a client unfamiliar with the NewCode product, I needed clarification on whether its digital inputs could be used as a control circuit for a Direct-On-Line (DOL) application. Additionally, I requested relevant documentation to help me understand the product better.

The NewElec team provided clear and detailed explanations, addressed all my concerns, and supplied the necessary documentation. Their expertise and patience made the process seamless, and I now feel confident using the product.

I’m thoroughly impressed with their support and professionalism. Thank you for making everything so straightforward!

Exceptional Technical Clarity and Support!

As a Consulting Engineer, I required clarification on the voltage range of the CTMB and when it would be necessary to utilize a voltage converter. The NewElec team provided clear and precise guidance, explaining that the CTMB can handle up to 550VAC, and anything above this would require a voltage converter. They also recommended adding a voltage converter and insulation lockout for optimal safety and performance.

Their detailed explanations and expert advice were invaluable. It’s always a pleasure working with a team that prioritizes customer understanding and provides tailored solutions. Highly recommended for anyone in need of reliable technical support!

FAQ

What makes the NewFeed different from standard feeder relays?

It combines motor + feeder protection, PQ analysis, sequence measurement, and starter control in one relay.

Does it support soft starters and star–delta?

Yes, including DOL, star–delta, Dahlander/pole-changing, soft starters, and reversing starters.

How does it reduce nuisance trips?

Through harmonic measurement, sequence imbalance detection, detailed logs, and advanced timing logic.

How many historical records can it store?

Up to 940 events and 40 faults, all fully time-stamped.

Can it integrate with SCADA and PLC systems?

Yes via Profibus, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, and PROFINET

Why Application-Driven Thinking Beats Spec-Sheet Selection

Just as with motor protection relays, feeder and PQ challenges vary from:

VFD-rich industrial DBs

Long municipal feeders

Solar-tied LV boards

Generator-backed circuits

Choosing a relay based on features alone is risky.

The right approach is context-first engineering selection, which is exactly what this deep dive is designed to support.

Watch the thought-leadership video on application-driven relay selection (link placeholder).

What are the essential types of protection required in low and medium-voltage electrical distribution Page

Download Our Technical Guide

Please complete the form below to gin access and download the Technical Guide PDF.


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