Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed protection system for monitoring the speed of a rotating shaft in a machine. The speed protection system includes a first speed detection system, a first time delay system, and a first time delay system. The first speed detection system determines a first rotational speed of the shaft in the machine. The first tripping system is coupled to the first speed detection system and to the machine. The first tripping system trips the machine to stop the rotation of the shaft when the first rotational speed is either less than a minimum speed or is more than a maximum speed. The first time delay system is coupled to the first tripping system. The first time delay system prevents the first tripping system from tripping the machine if the first rotational speed is less than the minimum speed until either a first period time has expired or the first rotational speed exceeds a first enabling speed.