IEEE C37.90.2-2004

IEEE C37.90.2-2004 is a technical standard for evaluating the withstand capability of relay systems exposed to radiated electromagnetic interference from transceivers. It sits at the intersection of fields, waves and electromagnetics and power-system protection, helping define how relays should perform when radio-frequency energy is present nearby. For engineers and buyers working with protective relays and related control equipment, it provides a focused reference for electromagnetic compatibility expectations and test-oriented design review.

Overview of IEEE C37.90.2-2004

This standard addresses the response of relay systems to radiated interference generated by transceivers, where electromagnetic fields may affect operation or measured behavior. IEEE C37.90.2-2004 is relevant to the assessment of immunity and withstand capability in protection and control environments, especially where communication devices operate close to sensitive relay equipment. It supports more consistent technical evaluation of relay performance under radiated exposure conditions and is useful when specifying testing, acceptance criteria, or compliance-related documentation.

Typical use cases

IEEE C37.90.2-2004 is commonly consulted for protective relays, relay panels, and control systems installed in substations, switchgear rooms, and other power-system locations where transceivers may be used nearby. It is also useful during equipment qualification, procurement review, and laboratory testing of relay assemblies that must remain stable under radiated electromagnetic interference. In practice, it helps align design and verification work for devices that support power protection, control, and monitoring functions.

Why it matters

For relay-based systems, unwanted response to radiated interference can create operational risk, false indications, or nuisance trips. IEEE C37.90.2-2004 matters because it gives a shared basis for evaluating immunity and documenting performance expectations in a repeatable way. That helps designers, testers, and purchasers compare equipment more consistently, reduce ambiguity in specifications, and support safer deployment of protection equipment in electrically noisy environments. IEEE C37.90.2-2004 is especially valuable where reliability under RF exposure is part of the acceptance decision.

• Radiated EMI from transceivers
• Relay system withstand capability
• Protection and control equipment
• Immunity-oriented testing reference
• Power-system compliance review