What is a communications system

[cranky108]

Several of us are having a debate about what is a communications system.
I contend that an 8 foot serial cable between two relays is not a communications system make. But others disagree.

To me a communications system connects relays between two substations, but would not include serial cables within the same control building.

How are other companies looking at this?

 

[davidbeach]

The comms begin when the signal leaves the relay on the way to the other relay. Intrastation comms are still comms, not just interstation comms.

 

[FreddyNurk]

I agree with davidbeach.

Whether its argued that its a 'system' rather than an 'interface' is probably up for debate, but its still a means of communications between devices. I'd suggest that if we extended your definition, then IEC61850 in a substation would not be a communications system either.

EDMS Australia

 

[bacon4life]

If I want to change the communication cable I call a communication technician. If I want change relay settings I call a relay technician. If I want to change the wiring to a relay I call a wire technician. Sometimes it is a pain to have multiple people involved but each task does require a somewhat different skill set. While the cable itself might be a component rather than a system, I would certainly think that two relays talking to each other through a cable is a communication system.

 

[marks1080]

bacon4life - you guys should just hire a P&C technician.