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OMICRON CMC 356 vs CMC 500: Relay Test Set Comparison
The OMICRON CMC 356 and CMC 500 are both three-phase protection relay test sets that run OMICRON Test Universe. The CMC 356 is the long-standing workhorse; the CMC 500 is OMICRON’s current generation, built around plug-in output modules and native IEC 61850 support. This page sets the two side by side using OMICRON’s published specifications, so you can see which one matches the job before you hire a relay test set.
Specifications side by side
Values are OMICRON’s published figures. The CMC 500 column is the configuration Megavar hires: U, S and H output modules (ten channels).
| Specification | CMC 356 | CMC 500 (U, S and H modules) |
|---|---|---|
| Output channels | 6 current and 4 voltage | 10 channels: U module 4 x 30 A or 300 V, S module 3 x 30 A or 300 V, H module 3 x 60 A |
| Multi-phase current | 6 x 32 A or 3 x 64 A | 7 x 30 A plus 3 x 60 A, or 6 x 60 A, or 3 x 120 A |
| Single-phase current | 1 x 128 A AC | 1 x 360 A |
| Voltage outputs | 4 x 300 V or 2 x 600 V | Up to 7 x 300 V; 2 x 600 V in series |
| Output frequency | 10 Hz to 1 kHz | DC to 5 kHz (U and S modules), DC to 3 kHz (H module) |
| Binary inputs | 10, in 5 potential groups | 10, in 10 potential groups (binary or analog) |
| Binary outputs | 4 relay and 4 transistor | 4 relay |
| Analog measurement | With the EnerLyzer option | Built-in measurement inputs (option), 10 mV to 600 V |
| IEC 61850 | GOOSE and Sampled Values publishing (software licences) | GOOSE and R-GOOSE; Sampled Values publish and subscribe |
| Time synchronisation | PTP via CMGPS 588; IRIG-B and PPS via CMIRIG-B | PTP (IEEE 1588) via CMGPS 588 or any grandmaster clock |
| Weight | 16.8 kg | 14.9 kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 450 x 145 x 390 mm | 364 x 263 x 225 mm |
| Supply | 100 V to 240 V AC | 100 V to 240 V AC; full output power needs a supply of 220 V or more |
| Software | Test Universe, RelaySimTest | Test Universe, RelaySimTest, CMC Swift |
What OMICRON lists each one for
CMC 356: testing all generations and types of protection relays, including high-burden electromechanical relays, plus CT wiring and ratio checks by primary injection up to 128 A.
CMC 500: protection relay testing and commissioning, including hybrid and fully digital IEC 61850 substations, functional checks of CTs and circuit breakers, and use as a measurement tool for troubleshooting.
Points that usually decide it
- Current: the CMC 500 in this configuration reaches 3 x 120 A or 1 x 360 A; the CMC 356 reaches 3 x 64 A or 1 x 128 A.
- Digital substations: the CMC 500 subscribes to Sampled Values as well as publishing them, and supports R-GOOSE.
- Binary outputs: the CMC 356 has four transistor outputs on top of four relay outputs.
- IRIG-B: the CMC 356 takes IRIG-B and PPS through the CMIRIG-B accessory; OMICRON lists PTP for the CMC 500.
- Weight: the CMC 500 is about 2 kg lighter.
Hire either set from Megavar
Both sets are in the Megavar hire fleet with published day rates, supplied calibrated with OMICRON’s manuals. See the CMC 356 hire page and the CMC 500 hire page, or call 1300 730 499. If you would rather have the testing done for you, see protection relay testing.
Specifications are OMICRON’s published figures (CMC 356 brochure, 2024; CMC 500 technical data, 2024; omicronenergy.com). The quote for your hire confirms the configuration supplied.
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