Yes, protection relay replacement or calibration must be performed by a competent person, and a formal test certificate is required under Malaysian law.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In Malaysia, all protective relays—including overcurrent and earth fault relays—must be tested, calibrated, and certified at least once every two years as mandated by Regulation 110 of the Electricity Regulations 1994 . This ensures that relays function correctly to prevent electrical faults, equipment damage, and potential harm to personnel . Replacement of a relay is considered part of this process, and the new relay must also be tested and certified.

Competent Personnel

Only Electrical Services Engineers or competent persons registered with Suruhanjaya Tenaga are authorized to perform testing, calibration, and certification of protection relays . These professionals are responsible for verifying that the relay operates within specified sensitivity and tripping times, and that it meets Malaysian Standards requirements .

Certification Process

After testing or replacement:

• The engineer must issue a test certificate documenting the results of all checks, including relay operation, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and residual current device effectiveness .
• Copies of the test certificates and as-installed drawings must be submitted to the supervising officer or Suruhanjaya Tenaga within a specified timeframe, typically within one to two weeks after completion .
• The certificate serves as proof that the installation complies with the Electricity Regulations 1994 and is essential for legal compliance, insurance coverage, and safety audits .

Practical Implications

• Frequency: Protective relays must be tested every two years, or more frequently if directed by the Energy Commission .
• Documentation: Properly bound and titled certificates are required for regulatory inspections and insurance purposes .
• Safety: Ensures that relays will trip correctly during faults, preventing electrical shocks, fires, and equipment damage . In summary, whenever a protection relay is replaced or calibrated in Malaysia, it must be tested by a competent, registered engineer, and a formal test certificate must be issued and submitted to the relevant authorities to comply with legal and safety requirements .