Zurich, Switzerland – ABB, a global leader in power grid technologies, today announced the release of the ABB REF542PLUS, an advanced protection relay engineered to deliver superior reliability, flexibility, and smart monitoring for utility grids and industrial power networks. Designed to address the growing complexity of modern power systems—from distributed energy integration to cyber threats—the REF542PLUS builds on ABB’s decades of expertise in power protection, offering a solution that balances robust performance with ease of integration.
As utilities and industrial facilities increasingly adopt solar, wind, and other distributed energy resources (DERs), power networks face new challenges: voltage fluctuations, bidirectional power flow, and the need for faster fault detection. The ABB REF542PLUS tackles these issues with advanced protection algorithms that can identify and isolate faults in under 50 milliseconds—up to 40% faster than legacy relays. This speed is critical for preventing cascading outages and protecting sensitive equipment like transformers and generators.
“Modern power networks need protection solutions that can keep up with their evolving needs,” said Dr. Elena Marquez, Senior Product Manager at ABB’s Power Grids Division. “The REF542PLUS isn’t just a relay—it’s a smart guardian. It not only protects against faults but also provides real-time data on network health, helping operators make more informed decisions about DER integration and maintenance.”
The ABB REF542PLUS integrates user-centric innovations to enhance performance and usability: Flexible DER Integration: Supports seamless connection to solar inverters, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, with customizable protection settings to adapt to varying DER output levels. This eliminates the need for additional hardware when expanding renewable energy capacity. Cybersecurity Built-In: Complies with IEC 62351, the global standard for power system cybersecurity, and includes features like secure boot, encrypted communication, and role-based access control. This protects against unauthorized access and cyberattacks that could disrupt power supply. Rugged Design for All Environments: Tested to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C and rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, the relay performs reliably in remote utility substations, industrial plants, and offshore energy facilities. Simplified Maintenance: Integrated with ABB’s Ability™ Power Platform, the REF542PLUS enables remote monitoring and firmware updates. This reduces the need for on-site visits, cutting maintenance costs by up to 30%.
The ABB REF542PLUS is now available for global order through ABB’s authorized distributors and direct sales channels. To support seamless adoption, ABB offers training on relay configuration and DER integration, along with a 5-year warranty—extending beyond the industry average of 3 years. For technical specifications or to request a demonstration, customers can visit ABB’s Power Grids portal or contact their local ABB representative.
