# DC overcurrent relay

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/76-dc-overcurrent-relay
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 76
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

Supervises excessive current in a direct-current circuit.

## What it represents

Supervises excessive current in a direct-current circuit.
In a drafting package, connect this reference to the DC current transducer or measurement circuit. The associated drawing should trace the DC trip or alarm output and interrupting device; the number identifies the role and does not specify the terminal arrangement, ratings or operating settings.

## How to read it

- Identify the DC current transducer or measurement circuit.
- Trace the DC trip or alarm output and interrupting device.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the DC current transducer or measurement circuit.
- Cross-reference the DC trip or alarm output and interrupting device.
- Identify the device tag, manual revision and logic drawing that define this implementation.

## Important distinction

AC phase overcurrent 50/51 and DC overcurrent 76 have different measurement and interruption contexts.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 76
- Drawing context: The DC current transducer or measurement circuit
- 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.