Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) serve as the foundation of digital substations

Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) are essential components used in modern substations to automate, protect, monitor, and control the electrical network. These devices combine traditional electrical measurement, protection and control functions with advanced communication and data-processing capabilities, enabling real-time decision-making, improved fault detection, and seamless coordination with smart grid technologies. By enhancing operational efficiency and reliability, Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) help substations meet the challenges of modern power systems, ensuring a stable and resilient electricity supply.

Equally important is the role of testing and certification, ensuring that these Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. Rigorous testing and certification processes are essential to verify that the devices and infrastructure operate as intended, comply with industry regulations, and are resilient in the face of evolving digital challenges.

KEMA Labs – Your trusted partner for testing and certification  

KEMA Labs offer independent type testing and certification of protection relays and substation automation/communication equipment according to relevant international standards. Trusted over the world, our KEMA Type Test Reports and Certificates give manufacturers and their stakeholders confidence that products meet the highest standards for quality, safety, and reliability.

As protection and substation automation equipment evolve and become more complex, testing becomes both more important and more challenging. KEMA Labs unique combination of state-of-the-art test facilities, international accreditations and highly experienced test engineers make the testing and certification process more efficient. KEMA Labs provides a comprehensive, one-stop service package for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) covering:

  • Protocol Conformance Tests (IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-101/-103/-104 and DNP3): ensuring your devices comply with essential industry standards, facilitating smooth integration and interoperability across various systems
  • Hardware / Environmental Type Tests (IEC 60255 series, IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 ): our laboratories provide thorough testing for electromagnetic compatibility, climatic and mechanical environmental conditions, electrical safety, and other parameters
  • Functional Tests (IEC 60255-100 series): we assess the functionality, accuracy, and operational stability of protection relays and systems

KEMA Labs can cover the following international standards:

  • For protection relays and systems: IEC 60255-1, IEC 60255-26, IEC 60255-27, IEC 60255-100 series and IEEE C37.90.1 / 2 / 3
  • For substation automation and communication equipment: IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613
  • For teleprotection systems: IEC 60834-1
  • For merging units: IEC 61869-13
  • For communication protocols: IEC 61850 Edition 2.1, IEC 61850 Edition 2, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3