The anti-pumping relay is a device in circuit-breaker whose function is to prevent

multiple breaker closures. For instance, if the operator gives the closing command to
the breaker by pressing the close button and the breaker closes. However, a fault in the
system causes the breaker to trip. Since the close command is still in the pressed
condition, there is a chance of the breaker closing again and being tripped by the relay
multiple times. This can damage the closing mechanism of the breaker. The anti-
pumping relay prevents this by ensuring that the breaker closes only once for one close
command from the control panel.

How do we classify an Antipumping relay?

It is classified as an auxiliary relay.

Why Antipumping relay is used?

Anti pumping relaying is done primarily to indicate the spring failure of TNC switch and a person need to
attend the problem. The function of this relay is to cut off the supply to 52C (CB closing coil) in case of TNC
switch spring failure and prevent CB hunting effect (i.e. continuous closing, opening operation).

Anti pumping is also called trip free mechanism of any circuit breaker. Suppose the breaker has been
instructed to close by manual instruction by pressing the TNC (trip neutral close push button) switch. The
operating mechanism will start operating for closing operation.

Meanwhile a fault has taken place and relay closes the trip circuit of breaker. The trip free mechanism/ Anti
pumping feature permits the circuit breaker to be tripped by protective relay even if it is under process of
closing. Thus auxiliary relay (or sometimes the inbuilt feature of circuit breaker) which prevent alternate
tripping and closing of the circuit breaker if closing push button is held close during fault is called the trip free
mechanism or anti pumping mechanism.

What will happen if Antipumping relay circuit is not present?

If the circuit breaker is closed using TNC switch, and at the same instant let spring of TNC switch has failed
and it did not came to its neutral state, and primary protection relay had been operated at this instant and
opened the CB, since supply is being extended to 52C (CB closing coil) because of TNC spring failure, then
CB will close again, since fault is still persisting the following cycle occurs.

CB trip, because of protection. Operation -> CB close, because of TNC switch spring failure-> CB trip,
because of protection. Operation-> CB close, because of TNC switch spring failure-> CB trip, because of
protection. Operation -> CB close, because of TNC switch spring.

The above cycle is termed as circuit breaker hunting. Circuit breaker hunting will cause damage to breaker
and it can be avoided by using 52 (Circuit breaker Antipumping relay).The function of this relay is to cut off the
supply to 52C (CB closing coil) coil in case of TNC switch spring failure and prevent CB hunting effect (i.e.
continuous closing, opening operation).
 Top

Let us analyse the behavior of circuit in case anti pumping is present and in case it is not present, one by one:

CASE 1: Closing Coil Circuit Without 52 Relay

The path for CB close with out 52 relay is shown in Figure 1. In this case if spring of TNC switch fails, then
supply will be get extended to 52C (CB closing coil) coil as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1 - Circuit breaker closing coil without Antipumping relay

If the TNC switch spring has failed then supply will be extended as shown below.

Figure 2 - showing how supply will be extended to closing coil because of TNC spring failure

CASE 2: Closing Coil Circuit With 52 Relay

Closing coil circuit with 52 present is as shown in Figure 3. Path 1 in Figure 3 shows how 52C (CB closing
coil) will be energized when we press TNC switch CS1.if CS1 comes to its original state once we release it
then 52 will not come in picture. if CS1 does not comes to its original state then 52 will be energized as shown
in path 2.then 52-NC contact present in path 1 will be got opened up and prevents extension of supply.
We have the concept that initially for the energization of 52 80% to 90% of 110V is required. But once after
energization 60-70% of 110V is sufficient to maintain its energization state. This logic is achieved by
introducing a resistance in 52 energization maintenance path. This path is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 3 - With Antipumping relay present

Figure 4 - Antipumping relay with a resistor

Once 52 is energized it will give an alarm and a maintenance person in the substation need to attend that
problem. This is how 52 is useful in avoiding CB hunting effect.

What is ANSI code for Master trip lockout relay?

ANSI code 86 is used.

What is function & Utility of lockout relay?

When a drive-to-lockout input is energized, the reclosing relay will go into lockout from any point in the
sequence. The relay will stay in lockout until the input is removed and the breaker is closed manually or by
supervisory control. Upon removal, the recloser will go through its reset sequence and return to ready state.

All the different trip signals from fault detection devices are wired to the lockout relay, which is the master trip
relay for the circuit breaker. It is usually a manually reset relay with an indicating flag or lamp. In case of DG a
similar philosophy of tripping is used in the engine control panel in which all the mechanical failure signals are
received at the engine lockout relay (86-T, T for turbine). This lockout relay also trips the generator circuit
breaker.

When either the 86-G or the 86-T relay sends its signal to the circuit-breaker trip coil, time is taken before the
circuit breaker begins to move and finally reach its fully open state. The generator switchgear is recommended
to have two separate lockout relays. One will receive all the electrical protection relay trip signals, and denoted
as 861. The other will receive a master trip signal (or several trip signals) from the turbine unit control panel,
and denoted as 862.

It operates whenever any of the protection relay operates and would prevent any circuit breaker operation until
the lock out relay is manually rest.

Can we manage without anti pumping since operation of lock out relay would prevent
any further operations of CB even continuous opening-closing?

Figure 5 - Antipumping relay & Lockout relay contacts in closing coil circuit
Let us assume that we have closed the circuit breaker using the TNC switch CS1.At this instant TNC switch
spring failed and fault is there which is sensed by primary protection relay and sends tripping command to
circuit breaker. This would energize the trip coil of breaker; this will result in operation of lock out relay.

The lock out relay will go into lock out state as shown in Figure 6 below:

Figure 6 - The lock out relay goes into lock out state
Now let a person had attended that fault and resetted 86 lockout contacts. After resetting its status will be NC
and a closed command will be extended to closing coil without any human interface which is a mal function.
So an 86 lockout relay cannot fulfill the purpose of anti pumping relay.

The function of anti pumping relay is to cut off the supply to closing coil in case of TNC switch spring failure
and prevent CB hunting effect (i.e. continuous closing, opening operation) and a person needs to attend the
problem. Where as 86 lock out relay contact in closing circuit is meant to ensure that a person had attended
the fault occurred and we are closing the circuit after clearing the circuit.

It is extra mechanical protection meant for safety of equipments considering the cost and sophistication
involved; it is always advisable to go for extra human interface.