# Distance protection

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/21-distance-protection
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 21
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

Uses measured voltage and current to assess an electrical distance or impedance characteristic.

## What it represents

Uses measured voltage and current to assess an electrical distance or impedance characteristic.
In a drafting package, connect this reference to the protected line CT and VT circuits. The associated drawing should trace the distance zones and associated breaker trip paths; the number identifies the role and does not specify the terminal arrangement, ratings or operating settings.

## How to read it

- Identify the protected line CT and VT circuits.
- Trace the distance zones and associated breaker trip paths.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the protected line CT and VT circuits.
- Cross-reference the distance zones and associated breaker trip paths.
- Identify the device tag, manual revision and logic drawing that define this implementation.

## Important distinction

Distance protection uses impedance-related criteria; directional overcurrent 67 uses current and directional supervision.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 21
- Drawing context: The protected line CT and VT circuits
- Application scope: Protection or apparatus-control role; exact implementation is defined by the equipment documentation.

## Public references

- [ANSI device-number and suffix reference table](https://selinc.com/pt/products/tables/ansi/) — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Public manufacturer number/name association. Drafting explanations are independently written.
- [IEEE C37.2-2022: power-system device function numbers](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9984140) — IEEE. Normative device-number publication; exact edition wording and compliance require the licensed standard.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.