ABB 1MRK002246-BC Retrofit-Ready CPU Card for REL/REC Series

ABB 1MRK002246-BC Retrofit-Ready CPU Card for REL/REC Series Control Systems

The ABB 1MRK002246-BC is a CPU processing card designed for ABB’s REL/REC/RED relay protection platform — one of the most widely deployed numerical protection relay families in substation automation and power distribution systems worldwide. As ABB progressively phases out legacy REL316, REC316, and RED670 series hardware, the 1MRK002246-BC has become a critical retrofit component for engineers tasked with extending the operational life of existing protection panels without full system replacement.

This CPU card serves as a direct functional replacement for failed or end-of-life processing boards within the REL/REC relay chassis. It handles real-time protection logic execution, event logging, fault recording, and communication with upstream SCADA or substation automation systems via IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging or legacy DNP3/IEC 60870-5-103 protocols. When integrated into an existing relay panel, the 1MRK002246-BC restores full protection functionality — including overcurrent, distance, differential, and earth fault schemes — without requiring reprogramming of the entire protection philosophy from scratch.

Upgrade Compatibility Table

Retrofit Planning for Existing Automation Systems

A successful retrofit using the 1MRK002246-BC begins well before the card arrives on site. Engineers should start by auditing the existing relay panel to confirm that the REL316 or REC670 chassis backplane, terminal blocks, and wiring harness are in serviceable condition. The CPU card slots into the same backplane position as the original board, meaning no rewiring of CT secondary circuits, VT inputs, binary inputs, or trip output contacts is required — a significant advantage when minimizing outage windows in live substations.

Before powering down the relay, back up the full protection configuration using ABB’s PCM600 engineering tool or the older CAP505 software, depending on the relay generation. This backup preserves all protection settings, logic equations, disturbance recorder parameters, and communication node addresses. The 1MRK002246-BC is then installed into the vacated slot, and the saved configuration is re-uploaded via the front optical port or rear Ethernet interface. If the relay communicates with a station bus using IEC 61850 GOOSE, verify that the IED name and IP address are correctly restored to avoid disrupting interlocking schemes with adjacent REL670 or REC670 relays on the same substation LAN.

For panels that include an ABB SRIO 8 binary I/O module, SROB output board, or SRAC analog input card alongside the CPU, these peripheral modules typically remain in place and do not require replacement. Similarly, the ABB PISA power supply module and the LDCM local display and communication module are unaffected by the CPU swap, provided they are functioning correctly. If the panel also houses an ABB RTD 670 temperature input module or a LDCM-01 communication interface, confirm that their firmware versions are compatible with the restored CPU configuration before re-energizing.

For older installations running REL316*4 or REC316*4 firmware, engineers should note that the 1MRK002246-BC may require a firmware update to align with the existing relay generation. This is performed using the ABB Relay Setting Tool or PCM600 firmware manager. Always test the updated firmware in a bench environment using a relay test set — such as the Omicron CMC 356 or FREJA 300 — before returning the relay to service. Verify all protection functions, including instantaneous overcurrent (50/51), time-overcurrent (51N), distance (21), and differential (87) elements, against the original setting sheet.

Downtime Control During System Migration

Minimizing protection outage time is the primary operational constraint when replacing a CPU card in a live substation or industrial power system. The 1MRK002246-BC retrofit is designed to support a hot-swap workflow where the relay is de-energized only for the duration of the physical card exchange — typically 15 to 45 minutes for an experienced protection engineer — while the configuration re-upload and functional testing are completed before the relay is returned to service.

To achieve this, prepare the replacement card and the PCM600 laptop with the backed-up project file before scheduling the outage. Coordinate with the control room to transfer protection duties to a backup relay or bus coupler scheme during the window. Once the 1MRK002246-BC is installed and the configuration is uploaded, perform a staged commissioning sequence: first verify binary input status against the panel wiring diagram, then test each trip output contact with a continuity tester before closing the trip circuit, and finally confirm GOOSE subscription and publication status on the station bus using the IEC 61850 browser in PCM600.

If the relay is part of a dual-redundant protection scheme — for example, a Main 1 / Main 2 arrangement using a REL670 and a REC670 — the 1MRK002246-BC replacement can be performed on one relay while the other remains in service, eliminating any gap in protection coverage. This approach is strongly recommended for transmission-level assets where protection availability requirements are stringent. Document all steps in the site commissioning record and update the relay’s event log baseline after restoration to support future fault analysis.

Retrofit Support FAQ

Q1: Is the 1MRK002246-BC a direct drop-in replacement for the original CPU card in my REL316 or REC670 relay?
In most cases, yes. The 1MRK002246-BC is designed to fit the standard ABB relay module backplane used across the REL/REC/RED series. However, you should verify the relay generation and firmware version using PCM600 before installation. If your relay runs an older firmware baseline, a firmware update may be required. Contact our technical team with your relay nameplate data for confirmation before ordering.

Q2: Do I need to rewire the terminal blocks or CT/VT circuits when installing this CPU card?
No. The 1MRK002246-BC replaces only the CPU processing board within the relay chassis. All external wiring — including CT secondary circuits, VT inputs, binary inputs, trip contacts, and communication cables — remains connected to the relay terminal blocks and is unaffected by the card swap. This is one of the key advantages of a module-level retrofit over a full relay replacement.

Q3: What commissioning steps are required after installing the 1MRK002246-BC?
After physical installation, re-upload the backed-up PCM600 configuration file to restore all protection settings and communication parameters. Verify module address assignment, confirm binary input and output mapping against the wiring diagram, test trip circuit continuity, and validate IEC 61850 GOOSE links if applicable. A full secondary injection test using a relay test set is recommended before returning the relay to service. Our team can provide a commissioning checklist upon request.

Q4: What does the 12-month warranty cover, and what is the shipping and testing process?
Every 1MRK002246-BC unit is functionally tested prior to dispatch to verify board-level operation. The 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects and functional failure under normal operating conditions from the date of delivery. Units are shipped with anti-static packaging and include a test report. If a warranty claim arises, we provide a replacement unit and arrange return logistics. Contact sales@smartnexmsk.com for warranty registration and claim procedures.

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