GEC / English Electric / Alstom /Areva identification:

Labelling the model from left to right, using letter 'a' thru 'j' eg CDG31 etc a=C, b=D
c=G etc:

a = operating quantity
C - current, D - differential, V- voltage there are 19 altogether.

b = basic movement
D - induction disc, M - balanced armature, T - static, there are 13 altogehter

c = Application
G- general or generator, E - earth, U - definite time, F - flag, M - motor, D - directional

so far, CDG = current operated, induction disc general

d= number of units
ie CDG3x is a 3 element / unit CDG relay

e = characteristic
depends on relay, but for CDG, 1= std inverse (3-sec), 2= long time delay, 3=very inverse
(1.55sec)

f = case size
15 different cases, A=size 1 drawout, 10 terminal etc.

g = case mounting
F=flush etc

h = identification
identifies rating, contact arrangement etc. 2= 'metricated'

j = sudffix
where relays vary only in detail, this identifies them. '5' is for 50Hz only relays, '6' for
60Hz.

Refer to publication MS/5100/2 from English Electric (now probably long out of print!

SO, CDG31EG2012JD5 is 3 element std inverse current operated induction disk general
relay , size 3 drawout single ended 10 terminal, flush mounted horizontal, the 2012JD is
the 'h' identification that only GEC know (but I think th D indicates hand reset flag), and
the 5 at the end indicates it is a 50Hz relay.