ABB released its first programmable relays based on the use of microprocessors in 1985. The first numerical relays were released in 1985. Numeric. To prevent this from happening more than one million protection and control relays from ABB supervise electricity distribution networks in over 100 countries, enabling the safe and reliable distribution of electric power. ABB's protective relays offer robust. The top companies in protective relay market are playing a pivotal role in enabling grid resilience, automation, and fault protection across modern power systems. 5 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of approximately 6.