This application guide for the relay protection of synchronous generators presents a review of the generally accepted forms of protection for the synchronous generator and its excitation system. It summarizes the use of relays and devices and serves as a guide for the selection of equipment to obtain adequate protection. The guide is primarily concerned with protection against faults and abnormal operating conditions for large hydraulic, steam, and combustion turbine generators. Basing generator protection on machine size is difficult because the desired protection may be determined more by the importance of the generator to the power system than by the size of the generator. The recommendations made pertain to typical synchronous generator installations. However, sufficient background information relating to protection requirements, applications, and setting philosophy is given to enable the reader to evaluate the need, to select, and to apply suitable protection for most situations. The protective functions discussed in this guide may be implemented with a multifunction microprocessor based protection system (digital system). The protection philosophy, practices, and limits are essentially identical to those of the implementation using discrete component relays. The algorithms used to perform some of the protection functions may be different, but should produce equal or better protection. However, the performance and capability may be superior using the digital systems such as improved frequency response (bandwidth) and thresholds (pickup settings). Other additional features may be available from these digital systems that enhance the functionality. This guide does not purport to detail the protective requirements of all generators in every situation. For example, standby and emergency-use generators are specifically excluded.