However, many unexpected breaker trips, false alarms, or even catastrophic failures are not caused by faulty relays. Instead, they are often the result of relay testing mistakes during commissioning, maintenance, or routine inspections. In this guide, we'll explain the most common causes, troubleshooting methods, and practical. relay may only need to operate for 0. 15 seconds in its 30+ year life. NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing Association) reports show 12% Failure Rates on Protective Relays Tested. Generally the key points to be checked on a protective scheme are: Stability of the system under all. This book has grown from a 45-minute paper presentation at the 2001 InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) conference into a decade-long project.