IEEE PC37.119/D2, Jul 2015 is a draft guide focused on breaker failure protection for power circuit breakers, helping engineers address how protection systems should respond when a breaker does not clear a fault as intended. In the context of power, energy, and industrial applications, this technical document supports safer system design, more consistent protection logic, and better coordination across circuit breaker and relay functions. It is relevant wherever reliable interruption and fault containment are important.

IEEE PC37.119/D2, Jul 2015 overview

This draft guide addresses the practical engineering considerations behind breaker failure protection, a key part of power system protection schemes. IEEE PC37.119/D2, Jul 2015 is intended to guide design and application decisions for power circuit breakers and the associated control or relay arrangements that detect failed interruption. It is especially useful when defining operating logic, timing, and backup response so that a breaker failure does not lead to wider equipment stress or unnecessary outage escalation.

Typical use cases

IEEE PC37.119/D2, Jul 2015 is typically used when specifying or reviewing protection schemes for substations, switchgear lineups, and other power circuit breaker installations. It may support coordination of breaker failure logic with relays, control circuits, and backup tripping paths in utility and industrial power networks. Engineers can use it during system design, protection studies, commissioning, and troubleshooting where breaker performance and fault-clearing reliability must be evaluated in a structured way.

Why this standard matters

Breaker failure protection is a critical safeguard, and IEEE PC37.119/D2, Jul 2015 helps bring consistency to how that safeguard is applied. Clear guidance can improve compliance efforts, reduce ambiguity in procurement specifications, and support more reliable testing and validation of protection schemes. For facilities that depend on power circuit breakers, the draft guide helps lower operational risk by improving response to stuck or failed breakers and by supporting more predictable fault isolation.

• Breaker failure protection guidance
• Power circuit breaker applications
• Protection logic and timing
• Relay coordination considerations
• Substation and switchgear systems