Introduction
This document outlines how to upgrade UR hardware and firmware to version 7.x. While GE recommends an upgrade
to the version 7.x platform, some upgrades from version 4.x to 6.x can be provided if required. This upgrade guide applies
when using a Replacement Kit. The Replacement Kit does not include the front panel, backplane, or case assembly.
In 2014, UR versions 1.0 to 3.5 were obsoleted, and some replacement parts can no longer be purchased. The earliest
version of the UR was sold in 1998, and its design life is estimated at 10 years; hence, any UR version 1.0 to 3.5
manufactured prior to 2007 (at time of writing in 2017) is a suitable target for proactive upgrade.
Power supplies degrade over time and also require replacement. For 1H power supplies (used 1998 to 2004) at the 10
year mark, device failure rate is expected to increase at a rate of 1% per year. For RH power supplies (used 2004 to
October 2013) at the 15-year mark, device failure rate is expected to increase at a rate of 1% per year. The RH/RL Rev
B power supply and the newer SH/SL power supply (both used since October 2013) utilize the latest technology to
provide a design life of 40 years.
GE does not have a set period after which replacement of the power supply or full relay is recommended. The period is
best determined by your asset management group and is typically 10 years or longer.
An upgrade is recommended under the following circumstances:
• The age of the UR IED is longer than a predetermined period
• The UR was exposed to: high temperatures and humidity; high electrical stresses; harsh environments
• There is damage or corrosion to the case or backplane of the UR
Evaluate extreme environmental factors.
Digital relay components applied in ideal environments typically last 10 to 20 years, with a shorter life in harsh
environments.
Degradation of digital protection relays occurs when they are exposed to
• High temperatures and humidity
• High electrical stresses
• Harsh environments
It is recommended to upgrade a UR that is less than 10 years old if it was exposed to one or more of these
environmental factors for a prolonged period of time, as follows.
High temperatures and humidity
Maximum life expectancy is achieved when the relay operates at an ambient temperature near 25°C (77°F).
The UR is specified and capable of operating in a temperature range of -40 to 60°C (-40 to 140°F) and humidity up to 95% (non-condensing); however, electronic component degradation accelerates if exposed to the outer limit of these ranges for prolonged periods.
Continuous operation at maximum temperatures creates stress on components within modules, such as power
supplies, capacitors, and displays.
Continuous operation and start-up at minimum temperatures create excess stress on displays, particularly liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Powering up LCD displays at low temperatures (below -10°C or 14°F) is stressful on liquid
crystals, backlighting, and so on.
Electrical stress
High voltage and high frequency transients that exceed relay specifications affect relay components and ultimately
proper performance.
While the UR conforms to applicable dielectric, radio frequency (RF) immunity, and impulse voltage industry standards
(such as IEEE and IEC) for protective relays, these levels cannot be exceeded when the UR is connected to an actual
power system's current and voltage transformers. Exposure to excessive voltage and frequency transients is not
always known, unless some components of the UR, or connected devices to the same current transformer (CT) or
potential transformer (PT) circuits, present a failure. In most cases, this is uncovered only during routine maintenance
testing.
Harsh environments
A UR used in environments containing high concentrations of chemicals must be treated with an optional conformal
coating to prevent corrosion. Environments containing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, or hydrogen sulfide
can cause significant erosion if the UR was not treated with a harsh-environment conformal coating.
UR versions 3.5 and below were not available with a conformal coating for harsh environments (including case
assembly and front panel), hence a total UR replacement is recommended with conformal coating if the UR was
exposed for a prolonged period.
Maintenance
GE recommends that all URs be maintained at regular intervals (as defined by your local Reliability Coordinator), as per the instruction manuals, or as per the GE Maintenance Handbook,
Upgrade process
The upgrade process is as follows:
• Audit your installed base
• Analyze the data
• Outline the required options
• Order the Replacement Kit
• Download settings from the device
• Convert the settings file using the latest available EnerVista UR Setup software
• Take the device out of service
• Power the UR down
• Disconnect CPU communication connections
• Replace modules
• Reconnect CPU communication connections
• Apply labels
• Power up device and update the order code
• Load settings to the device
• Test relay
• Put the device in service
Frequently asked questions
Questions
1. What new software options are available that I should consider?
2. I'm using the GSSE feature on my device; how can I migrate it to my version 7 relay?
3. Why do I need to change my Backplane (Busboard)?
4. Can the terminal blocks be connected to a new chassis without disturbing the wiring?
5. I'm using both RS485 ports; how can I maintain my existing connections?
6. What is the minimum upgrade that I should consider on my device?
7. What will be the warranty on my device once I proceed with the upgrade?
8. What are new hardware options that I should consider?
9. My Ethernet equipment does not support 100 Mbps fiber. What are my options?
10. My existing URs include an IRIG-B repeater feature. Is this feature available in version 7?
11. Do I need to change the basic front panel to an enhanced front panel to use version 7?
12. My relay has a redundant power supply. If I am upgrading the power supply, do I need to replace the CPU? 13. Can I add software options to my relay after it has been delivered?
14. What do I do if I forget the password on my version 7 relay?
15. What is the baud rate of my front panel RS232 port?
