All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

What is the main objective of backup protection in a power system?

This question was previously asked in
RRB JE 2025 CBT 2 Mechanical and Allied Engg Question Paper English (2-Jul-2026) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

To isolate faults if primary protection fails

In a power system, ensuring the reliability and stability of the electrical network is paramount. Protection systems are crucial in identifying and isolating faults to maintain system reliability. The main objective of backup protection is an important aspect of these systems. Let's examine the provided options and determine the correct answer:

  1. To detect minor disturbances in voltage: Backup protection is not designed to detect minor disturbances in voltage; it focuses on system faults that can affect stability, not voltage disturbances that are usually handled by different types of equipment or control systems.
  2. To increase the complexity of the system: This option is incorrect because the objective of backup protection is to ensure the system remains as simple and effective as possible. Complexity can hinder the protection system's efficiency and reliability.
  3. To isolate faults if primary protection fails: This is the correct answer. The primary objective of backup protection is to safeguard the power system by isolating faults if the primary protection mechanism fails. It acts as a contingency measure to ensure that faults are cleared, thus maintaining system stability and preventing damage.
  4. To operate faster than primary protection: Backup protection is generally designed to operate after the primary protection has failed, not faster. The primary protection is expected to act first due to its designated priority in fault isolation.

Therefore, the correct answer is indeed: To isolate faults if primary protection fails. Backup protection serves as a secondary line of defense, coming into action when the primary protection does not operate as expected.

In conclusion, backup protection is critical for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the power system by ensuring faults are effectively isolated to prevent extensive damage and outages.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Protection of transmission lines using differential pilot wire protection provides:


Important Questions from Protective Relays

  1. Earth breaker circuit uses

  2. Which of the following is the most common application of an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)?

  3. How does an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) work in an electrical system?

  4. A relay whose characteristic is modified by additional mechanical or electromagnetic procession is termed as

  5. A 3-phase transformer rated for 33/6.6 kV is connected to a star/delta and the current transfer on the LV side has a ratio of 500 : 5. Determine the ratio of the current transformer on the HV side.

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
RRB JE img
Railways
RRB JE (CBT 1 + CBT 2) 2026 Mock Test Series
1210 Tests 7 Tests Free
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App