These codes, detailed in the IEEE C37. 2 standard, offer a standardized way to identify the function of protective relays and devices in electrical systems. Utility companies rely on these numbers for clear communication, while manufacturers design equipment adhering to this. The widely used United Sates standard ANSI/IEEE C37. These numbers are based on a system that is adopted by a standard for automatic switchgear by Institute of Electrical. There are two methods for indicating protection relay functions in common use. Why use numbers instead of words? Efficiency.