# Bearing protective device

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/38-bearing-protective-device
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 38
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

Supervises an abnormal condition at a machine bearing, often using temperature or mechanical sensing.

## What it represents

Supervises an abnormal condition at a machine bearing, often using temperature or mechanical sensing.
In a drafting package, connect this reference to the bearing identity and sensor type. The associated drawing should trace the bearing alarm or machine trip destination; the number identifies the role and does not specify the terminal arrangement, ratings or operating settings.

## How to read it

- Identify the bearing identity and sensor type.
- Trace the bearing alarm or machine trip destination.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the bearing identity and sensor type.
- Cross-reference the bearing alarm or machine trip destination.
- Identify the device tag, manual revision and logic drawing that define this implementation.

## Important distinction

Bearing protection is tied to a monitored bearing; winding thermal protection addresses a different equipment location.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 38
- Drawing context: The bearing identity and sensor type
- 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.