# Blocking or out-of-step supervision

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/68-blocking-or-out-of-step-supervision
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 68
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

Restrains or coordinates another protection action under the specified system condition.

## What it represents

Restrains or coordinates another protection action under the specified system condition.
In a drafting package, connect this reference to the initiating blocking quantity and supervised protection elements. The associated drawing should trace the blocked, unblocked or permissive logic path; the number identifies the role and does not specify the terminal arrangement, ratings or operating settings.

## How to read it

- Identify the initiating blocking quantity and supervised protection elements.
- Trace the blocked, unblocked or permissive logic path.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the initiating blocking quantity and supervised protection elements.
- Cross-reference the blocked, unblocked or permissive logic path.
- Identify the device tag, manual revision and logic drawing that define this implementation.

## Important distinction

Manufacturers also map inrush detection or selectivity logic to 68; the number alone does not identify a universal power-swing algorithm.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 68
- Drawing context: The initiating blocking quantity and supervised protection elements
- 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.