What does the term "burden" refer to in protective relays?

In the context of protective relays, the term "burden" specifically refers to the load on the relay's operating circuit. This is an important concept because the burden affects the relay's performance and sensitivity. A protective relay is designed to operate at certain current or voltage levels, and the burden directly influences its ability to detect faults and anomalies accurately within an electrical system.

The burden must be carefully considered, as an excessive burden can lead to inaccurate relay operation, which may cause delays in protective actions or even relay failure. Thus, understanding the burden is crucial for ensuring that the relay performs effectively during protective functions, especially in high-stakes environments where system reliability is essential.