GEC ALSTHOM MVAJ53H1LB0856A Heavy-duty auxiliary tripping relay

GEC ALSTHOM  MVAJ53H1LB0856A Heavy-duty auxiliary tripping relay

Brand / Model ALSTOM MVAJ53H1LB0856A (MVAJ series tripping relay)

HS Code 8536.49 (Relays, other than for ≤60 V)

Function Auxiliary/tripping relay with hand‑reset latch and mechanical indication

Power Requirements DC coil (variant‑dependent; commonly supplied in 110 V DC or 220/250 V DC).   We verify the exact coil rating on the nameplate before shipment.

Signal I/O Types Mechanical trip contacts for breaker coils and interlocking (NO/NC per variant);   coil input from protection device trip output

Operate / Reset Fast operate (typically single‑digit milliseconds under rated voltage);   hand‑reset latch with visible flag

Communication Interfaces None (electromechanical device)

Installation Method Panel flush‑mount, draw‑out relay case with screw terminals;   front hand reset and flag

Operating Temperature Typically −10 °C to +55 °C for this series

Dimensions & Weight Standard ALSTOM draw‑out relay case (commonly the E‑series footprint used in protection panels);   weight is typically in the 1.5–2.0 kg range depending on element count.

The ALSTOM MVAJ53H1LB0856A is part of the well‑known MVAJ family of attracted‑armature auxiliary and tripping relays. 

 From my experience, this series is often chosen to interpose between protection elements and circuit-breaker trip coils, especially where a fast, robust, and visible hand-reset latch is preferred. 

 One thing I appreciate is how it fits legacy panels without drama—draw‑out construction, clear mechanical indication, and contacts that are genuinely built for switching trip duty.  

 In many cases it ends up as the “go‑to” device for trip multiplication, interlocking, and breaker fail schemes across substations, power plants, and heavy industry.

Key Features

Attracted‑armature tripping design – Built for dependable trip duty in protection schemes with fast operate characteristics.

Hand‑reset latch with target – Mechanical flag gives a clear, non‑volatile indication;   hand reset avoids inadvertent re‑energization.

High‑capacity contacts – Suited for circuit breaker trip coils;   typically used to multiply outputs from protection relays.

Low burden on protection elements – Coil burden is kept reasonable so upstream protection contacts aren’t overstressed.

Draw‑out, panel‑mount case – Makes installation and replacement straightforward in existing relay panels.

No communication dependency – Purely electromechanical;   immune to network or firmware issues.

Legacy compatibility – Often drop‑in compatible with existing GEC/ALSTOM installations, which typically keeps retrofit costs down.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model    ALSTOM MVAJ53H1LB0856A (MVAJ series tripping relay)

HS Code    8536.49 (Relays, other than for ≤60 V)

Function    Auxiliary/tripping relay with hand‑reset latch and mechanical indication

Power Requirements    DC coil (variant‑dependent; commonly supplied in 110 V DC or 220/250 V DC).   We verify the exact coil rating on the nameplate before shipment.

Signal I/O Types    Mechanical trip contacts for breaker coils and interlocking (NO/NC per variant);   coil input from protection device trip output

Operate / Reset    Fast operate (typically single‑digit milliseconds under rated voltage);   hand‑reset latch with visible flag

Communication Interfaces    None (electromechanical device)

Installation Method    Panel flush‑mount, draw‑out relay case with screw terminals;   front hand reset and flag

Operating Temperature    Typically −10 °C to +55 °C for this series

Dimensions & Weight    Standard ALSTOM draw‑out relay case (commonly the E‑series footprint used in protection panels);   weight is typically in the 1.5–2.0 kg range depending on element count.

Application Fields

You might notice that the MVAJ53 variants show up all over the grid.   Typical uses include:

Substation protection tripping – interposing between distance, differential, or O/C relays and CB trip coils

Trip multiplication and interlocking – distributing a single protection output to multiple breakers

Breaker fail and lockout schemes – where a latched, hand‑reset action is preferred

Power plants and heavy industry – turbine‑generator and transformer protection auxiliaries

Oil & gas, mining, metals – harsh environments where a simple, visible, and testable trip element is valued

“We swapped in MVAJ relays during a feeder panel refurbishment.

The hand reset target makes post‑event checks quicker, and the draw‑out case saved us time on replacement.”   – Protection supervisor, utility client

Advantages & Value

Reliability – A simple electromechanical mechanism that, in many cases, outlasts the surrounding equipment with routine maintenance.

Compatibility – Fits established ALSTOM/GEC panel standards,