IEC 61850

In this series, we will ask questions around the IEC 61850 standard. Our aim is to evaluate the level of adoption of different actors we work with, the challenges of such paradigm shift, but also its opportunities and first successes.

About the interviewee:

Raphaël Gotti works at Services Industriels de Genève (SIG) and uses Helinks STS, an IEC 61850 design and configuration tool, in the utilities' substation. He is also involved in the engineering of Elvexys' XPG gateways and SIG control centre.

20.01.2023

Are you familiar with IEC 61850 protocols? Are they part of your day-to-day activity?

"Yes, I am familiar with IEC 61850, I used it during 11 years in my previous job on railways activity (direct current energisation) for the communication between Protection relays, RTU, Gateways, Local-SCADA and SCADA. I am still using IEC 61850 now, it is an important part of my day-to-day activities as I use it for the communication between IEDs, Local-SCADA for the Services Industriels de Genève and more specifically, for the electricity providing unit."

"The key is a good definition of the use of the standard before starting on the design of the project."

Raphaël Gotti

Have you been involved in a project using the IEC 61850 standard recently?

"Yes, I am continuously involved in some projects using IEC 61850. I learnt that IEC 61850 is a standard and some IED providers sometimes have their way to interpret it..."

You are a the start of IEC 61850 transition process? According to you, what are the keys to a successful transition?

"Related to the previous question, I think the key is a good definition of the use of the standard before starting on the design of the project. It means that it is necessary to define exactly the needs between providers and partners in order to choose the correct implementation of the IEC 61850 standard." 

"We would like to thank Raphaël Gotti for sharing his experience with the IEC 61850 standard."

Elvexys Team