Functional block · BDCI

Bus differential check-zone interface

Functional block · Substations

An independently authored application reference. The drawing shows the named function or circuit relationship; use the project legend and selected equipment documentation for its drafting form and connections.

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In plain English

What this block does

Provides the separately defined overall check-zone condition used by a bus protection scheme.

A simple example

In a substation feeder bay, local current and voltage measurements may combine with a remote-end signal before the protection issues the assigned trip request. Backup actions use their own defined initiations and supervision. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Check-zone current inputs” at the input and “Check-zone permission” at the output. Check zones and discriminating zones have different roles.

Check-zone current inputsBDCICheck-zone permission
A reading guide. The entry's original illustration and input/output facts describe this application.

What the drawings help you do

Start at the named input: Check-zone current inputs. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing. Follow the named output: Check-zone permission. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.

Input
Check-zone current inputs
Output
Check-zone permission
Application reference
An explanation of a named drawing function or circuit relationship; the project documents define the equipment and its connections.

Read the source: SEL-411L line differential protection overview

Schematic · BDCIBus differential check-zone interface: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationSee source and graphic notes

What it represents

Provides the separately defined overall check-zone condition used by a bus protection scheme. A protection scheme combines measurements, decision elements and communication or trip outputs to protect a defined part of the network. A function number names a job; the scheme interface shows how that job connects to other equipment.

In a substation feeder bay, local current and voltage measurements may combine with a remote-end signal before the protection issues the assigned trip request. Backup actions use their own defined initiations and supervision. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Check-zone current inputs” at the input and “Check-zone permission” at the output. Check zones and discriminating zones have different roles.

Keep each protected zone, initiating quantity, blocking signal and trip destination distinct. Settings, communication performance and coordination require the approved protection study and selected relay documentation. The functional block is an independent explanation of this named application. Equipment-specific ratings, terminal connections and operating conditions must be established in the project documentation.

How to read it

  • Start at the named input: Check-zone current inputs. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing.
  • Follow the named output: Check-zone permission. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.
  • Check zones and discriminating zones have different roles.
  • Keep each protected zone, initiating quantity, blocking signal and trip destination distinct. Settings, communication performance and coordination require the approved protection study and selected relay documentation.

Information to show or reference

  • Label the source and connection reference for check-zone current inputs.
  • Identify the destination and defined state of check-zone permission.
  • Record the equipment or control-document revision supporting this functional block.
  • Check this application limit in the project design: Check zones and discriminating zones have different roles.

A distinction that matters

Check zones and discriminating zones have different roles. This reference describes the named application; it does not establish a new IEC graphical symbol, an ANSI device-function number or an exact manufacturer connection diagram.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

SEL-411L line differential protection overview

Public technical context for substation protection scheme interfaces. Line protection, breaker failure, communications and protection coordination. The application text and educational graphic are independently authored; the publisher does not certify this representation.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 3 November 2026

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