Description
The ABB REA101-CAA is a high-speed Arc Protection Relay specifically engineered for the detection and mitigation of internal arc faults in medium-voltage switchgear. Part of the REA arc protection system family, the REA101-CAA serves as a central unit that processes optical light signals from fiber-optic arc sensors. Upon detecting the intense light of an electric arc, the relay triggers an instantaneous trip signal to the circuit breaker, significantly reducing the duration of the fault and preventing catastrophic damage to equipment and serious injury to personnel. Its design prioritizes speed and reliability, featuring both light-only and light-plus-current detection options.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value/Description |
| Model Number | REA101-CAA |
| Primary Function | Arc Fault Detection & Tripping |
| Sensor Interface | Fiber-optic light sensors |
| Detection Speed | < 2.5 ms (typical) |
| Inputs | Optical sensors + Optional current input for selectivity |
| Output Contacts | High-speed trip relays |
| Operating Voltage | 80–265 V AC/DC (Universal) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail or panel-mount |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to +55°C |
| Communication | Diagnostic interface for event logging |
Recommended Related Models
These ABB components are frequently integrated into the protection scheme along with the REA101 series to form a complete Arc Flash Protection System:
- REA103: Extension unit for additional arc sensor capacity
- REA105: Extension unit with combined current and light sensing
- REA107: High-speed input/output extension unit
- ABB REX521: Protection relay for feeders (compatible integration)
- ABB REF615: Feeder protection and control relay
- ABB REM615: Motor protection and control relay
- ABB REA-SE: Fiber-optic loop sensor (extension cable)
- ABB REA-SP: Point sensor for localized arc detection
- ABB REX640: All-in-one protection relay (advanced)
- ABB SACE Emax 2: Air circuit breaker with integrated arc protection features
Important Implementation Note: When utilizing the REA101-CAA, proper positioning of fiber-optic sensors is essential. The sensors should be routed throughout the switchgear compartments (busbar, circuit breaker, and cable compartments) to ensure comprehensive coverage. Because this is a high-speed protection device, ensure the trip relay outputs are wired directly to the circuit breaker’s trip coil, bypassing any slow PLC or SCADA control logic to guarantee minimum clearance time.
