A standard is an important tool of German politics to support and strengthen German industry. In order to reach the status of a standard or an acknowledged rule of technology, it must go through a public enquiry procedure with strictly defined deadlines which requires more time until it is published. However, in certain fields a time-consuming standardization process can delay progress. This is why, in the dynamic markets of the future such as the market for electromobility or information and telecommuni­cation technology, forms of publication are needed that can be compiled in a short period of time and made available to a broad public. This option is offered by specifications elaborated outside the formal process, which help to pave the way for the work of European and international standardization at the same time.

 The VDE application guides offer a publication form that meets this need. While living up to the high standards of the VDE Specifications Code of safety standards, at the same time the VDE application guides offer a considerably accelerated publication process. Yet before a VDE application guide can be included in the VDE Specifications Code of safety standards, there are strict requirements that must be met. These are set forth as criteria in the rules for the specifications issued by the VDE (VDE 0022). They include provisions for the prevention of dangers to humans, animals, property and the environment that could, for instance, result from electrical charges and currents or other sources of electrical hazards. Beyond this, a public enquiry procedure must have been completed and/or at least one committee must have authorized the contents of the VDE application guide. A VDE application guide can be initiated by anyone and published within two to three months’ time.

Both standards and specifications are recommendations for action which define the state of the art and a minimum level of safety. The application of such documents is voluntary.