# Directional power

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/32-directional-power
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 32
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

A function responding to power with a specified direction and operating condition.

## What it represents

Directional power protection uses the direction and magnitude of power according to the implementation and configured purpose. Reverse-power applications are one use encountered in generating systems; the generic device number does not specify the complete application.
On a power drawing, keep this function reference connected to the selected equipment and its complete designation. A multifunction relay can implement several numbered functions. This entry explains the reference; it supplies no settings or commissioning procedure.

## How to read it

- Identify both the current and voltage measurement references.
- Read the defined forward or reverse direction from the system and relay documentation.

## Information to show or reference

- Document measurement references.
- State the applied direction convention.
- Link the protection application and associated device.

## Important distinction

Directional power and directional overcurrent measure different operating quantities. The numbers 32 and 67 are not interchangeable.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 32
- Equipment implementation: Consult the selected device manual
- Suffix interpretation: Application and manufacturer documentation

## Public references

- [Public reference table of ANSI device-function numbers](https://www.se.com/es/es/faqs/FA34639/) — Schneider Electric. Public manufacturer table used to check the base function-number name.
- [IEEE C37.2-2022: power-system device function numbers](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9984140) — IEEE. Normative publication reference for the device-function convention.

## 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.