a method for operating an electrical apparatus includes mounting an instrument transformer proximate a load current carrying conductor , wherein the instrument transformer includes a current transformer for supplying an analog input signal proportional to a load current , the current transformer is coupled to a relay front - end module that includes a current - to - voltage converter circuit and is configured to couple to a remote protection module , converting the analog input signal to a digital input signal , transmitting the digital input signal to the remote protection module ; and activating contacts to operate the electrical apparatus based on the digital input signals .