Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Elia, Belgium’s transmission system operator responsible for the reliable transmission of electricity between producers and distribution system operators, plays a leading role in the energy transition by integrating renewables, ensuring grid stability, and driving innovation towards a sustainable power system. Within Elia, the OCE SecSys National Protection department ensures the reliability of high-voltage grid protection systems, where FAT at manufacturer sites is a key step that guarantees quality and performance. Mats Van Belle has been with Elia since 2018, and we spoke to him to find out how Elia is applying ISIO 200. How has your role at Elia evolved since 2018? When did you start using ISIO 200 devices? Mats: For the first six years, I worked in the secondary systems department as a regional maintenance and commissioning technician. That is where I became familiar with various OMICRON test sets, focusing mainly on the CMC 256plus. In 2024, I switched to the central secondary systems department, specializing in protection systems. I discovered and utilized advanced functionalities of different CMC devices, and also used the ISIO 200 modules to extend the CMCs. What prompted you to start using the ISIO 200 as a CMC accessory? It was added to our testing setup when our latest framework agreement, “SPACS 3”, began in 2021. From that point onwards, we began combining multiple protection functions. We combined individual protection tasks or algorithms, such as overcurrent protection, distance protection, differential protection, and earth fault protection, into a single IED, whereas previously, we used a separate IED for each protection function. This consolidation naturally increased the number of signals each device had to manage. In SPACS 3, we divided the cubicle into three zones: two protection zones and one control zone. Switching from one zone to another still requires reworking most of the wiring from the CMC test set (including analog signals): for example, we use different current transformer (CT) cores for the different zones, and in the control zone the busbar voltages are also necessary, so the analog connections change as well. A few general signals, like trips and start back-up, have not changed. To improve efficiency and reduce the time required for a FAT, we looked for a solution that allowed us to test each zone without changing the connection. The ISIO 200 modules were the logical choice, as they allow for the integration of all outgoing signals into automated tests and centralized monitoring/validation of all incoming signals via the same OMICRON Control Center (OCC). Has using the ISIO 200 modules offered you any other benefits? Adding them has proven very effective in reducing the time required to complete FAT, enabling us to deliver a comprehensive OCC file to regional departments for their use during Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). By reusing the OCC file created during FAT, we help reduce their workload and provide clear explanations of the protection logic and testing procedures. What does your test setup look like? Since using ISIO 200 accessories often involves frequent rewiring or relocation, we decided to house the modules in a portable box. This box contains two ISIO 200 modules, a switch, with all input/output signals routed to the front via banana sockets for quick, easy wiring. This design not only facilitates flexibility, but it also protects the accessories during transport and minimizes wear on the screw connectors. Would you recommend the accessory to other users? I highly recommend adding ISIO 200 terminals to any test setup when available inputs and outputs are insufficient, or when additional outputs can minimize manual interaction, given the CMC’s limitations as a standalone device. Having all outputs from the IED available in one test session makes it easy to automatically validate all required positive and negative tests. Not only will it verify that protection functions are operating PROTECTION TESTING FROM FAT TO SAT: ISIO 200 AT ELIA 50
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