SEPAM Vs. MiCom Relays 1

[Power0020]

I got a bit confused about the difference between both series, both are now made by Schneider, and they both do almost same functions.

Any clue?

 

[DTR2011]

Not an expert in European relays, but I am familiar with a bit of this.

If I recall correctly, SEPAM relays were an organic product of Group Schneider.

MiCom were originally part of AREVA/Alstom/Alstrom, through various mergers and aquisitions. There is also a significant difference between German and British AREVA/Alstom/Alstrom. I think GEC was also in there at some point. I think MiCom was the British product.

I think that after the AREVA financial troubles, assets were bought and sold. Group Schneider purchased certain assets from AREVA and the MiCom line was one of those.

So there are likely two separate products, with a vastly different history and heritage being sold by the same company - competing with each other.

In the USA, there once was GE & Westinghouse and a few other players. Each company as big as ABB or Siemens in depth and scope. Westinghouse is gone and "it depends" who you have to talk to based on where the assets of Westinghouse went. Transformers, one place. Relays another (and ITE/Gould/BBC USA) had its own relay division. ABB Merged the old ITE and Westinghouse lines together. Add in the Swedish, Swiss and Fin ABB relay departments..... HV Breakers...., MV/LV breakers. Hope you understand the same issue exists.

There are several experts on this site that have a much more detailed expertise on your original question.

 

[Power0020]

Much appreciated DTR2011, I can accept the fact that it is confusing enough to follow a "big" company being sold today to another "big" company and tomorrow both companies are sold to a third "bigger" one!

I think Alstom is the last "victim" to GE!

 

[slavag]

Micom is German, British and French protective terminals, depend on series: 20, 30, 40.

SEPAM is French product. SEPAM terminals are not included 21, 87B, 87L functionality.

From my point of view: SEPAM and Micom 20 series are industrial protective terminals.
Micom 30 and 40 are utilities protective terminal.
Micom 40 series is really good devices.

 

[DiscoP]

The MiCOM brand was introduced by GEC Alsthom in the late 90s. They changed their name to Alstom soon after

The Alstom T&D business was sold to Areva in the early to mid 00s, which included all protection relays including MiCOM range.

Then Areva was sold off, Transmission to Alstom, and Distribution to Schneider.

For protection, the split got messy. Some of the MiCOM range went to Schneider, and other parts went to Alstom and some relays (eg 40 series)went to both companies!

SEPAM was originally a Merlin Gerin product that became part of Schneider a few years back. SEPAM was a competitor to some of the MiCOM range for most of its history until the last couple of years.

They are different relays but with the same badge.