# Protection communication redundant-path selector

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/protection-communication-redundant-path-selector
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-11-03
Lookup label: PCRS
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

Representation: Functional block
Installation focus: switchyards
Input: Alternative channel health
Output: Selected communication path

Selects the documented available protection communication path using the assigned health inputs.

## In plain English

### What this block does

Selects the documented available protection communication path using the assigned health inputs.

### A simple example

In a switchyard line bay, carrier-coupling equipment can connect a protection communication terminal to the transmission conductor. Fiber-based protection uses another physical path but still needs named endpoints and channel supervision. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Alternative channel health” at the input and “Selected communication path” at the output. Path independence requires assessment of shared infrastructure.

### What the drawings help you do

Start at the named input: Alternative channel health. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing. Follow the named output: Selected communication path. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.

### Terms

- Input: Alternative channel health
- Output: Selected communication path
- Application reference: An explanation of a named drawing function or circuit relationship; the project documents define the equipment and its connections.

Concept diagram: Alternative channel health → PCRS → Selected communication path
A reading guide. The entry's original illustration and input/output facts describe this application.

- [Line traps: power-line carrier communication](https://www.gevernova.com/grid-solutions/sites/default/files/2025-09/Line-Traps-Brochure-EN-N50059-Hybrid-202504-R002.pdf)


## What it represents

Selects the documented available protection communication path using the assigned health inputs. A protection communication interface carries information between circuit ends or couples a communication signal to a primary line. Its signal path is different from the power-current path even when both use part of the same installation.
In a switchyard line bay, carrier-coupling equipment can connect a protection communication terminal to the transmission conductor. Fiber-based protection uses another physical path but still needs named endpoints and channel supervision. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Alternative channel health” at the input and “Selected communication path” at the output. Path independence requires assessment of shared infrastructure.
Show each coupling boundary and the intended information direction. Frequency selection, channel performance, insulation duty and protective coordination require the selected communication and primary equipment design. 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: Alternative channel health. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing.
- Follow the named output: Selected communication path. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.
- Path independence requires assessment of shared infrastructure.
- Show each coupling boundary and the intended information direction. Frequency selection, channel performance, insulation duty and protective coordination require the selected communication and primary equipment design.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the source and connection reference for alternative channel health.
- Identify the destination and defined state of selected communication path.
- Record the equipment or control-document revision supporting this functional block.
- Check this application limit in the project design: Path independence requires assessment of shared infrastructure.

## Important distinction

Path independence requires assessment of shared infrastructure. 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.

## Facts

- Representation: Functional block
- Installation focus: Switchyards
- Input / boundary: Alternative channel health
- Output / connection: Selected communication path
- Lookup label: PCRS is a library lookup label, not a standard device designation.

## Public references

- [Line traps: power-line carrier communication](https://www.gevernova.com/grid-solutions/sites/default/files/2025-09/Line-Traps-Brochure-EN-N50059-Hybrid-202504-R002.pdf) — GE Vernova. Public technical context for line carrier and protection communication interfaces. Line traps, coupling and power-line carrier communications. The application text and educational graphic are independently authored; the publisher does not certify this representation.

## 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.