Whether in a public space or on private property –charging devices for electric vehicles must be registered with the local grid operator. All charging device operators have been obligated to do so since the amendment to the Low Voltage Connection Directive in March 2019. To implement this guideline, VDE|FNN has updated the "Technical Connection Rules for Low Voltage"(TAR Low Voltage) VDE application rule, which regulates the connection and operation of consumption systems on the low-voltage grid. There are now new, specific rules for operating charging devices for electric vehicles. In addition, VDE|FNN also provides a form for registering charging devices. Registration is carried out before the commissioned electrician sets up the equipment.
Heike Kerber, Managing Director of the technical standardization body VDE|FNN, explains why registration is important: "From the power grid’s perspective, electric automobiles are new, mobile electricity consumers with a relatively high power level and a high energy requirement that is difficult to plan. Charging processes put an additional strain on the power grid and can necessitate additional expansions to the grid. However, that need not be the case if electromobility is predictively and specifically integrated into the power system." You can find more information about electromobility on the Backbone website. In order to factor in charging processes when planning and operating grids, grid operators need to know where they operate. A plan for implementing a central registration database for a private charging infrastructure nationwide is in the pipeline.
In addition to technical requirements for charging devices, the new TAR Low Voltage also defines requirements for accumulators. For instance, threshold values for grid perturbations from accumulators have been established for the first time. The TAR Low Voltage applies to all low-voltage consumption systems. The requirements for generating plants are enshrined in the VDE application rule "Generating plants on the low-voltage grid" (VDE-AR-N 4105). There are long-term plans to combine both documents into one set of rules. For grid operators, electricians and manufacturers–such as those of protection devices–,the VDE|FNN has created the TAR Low Voltage, a user-friendly, compact, basic set of rules for this voltage level. This new set of rules replaces nine documents.
The TAR Low Voltage was developed in an intense, consensus-based process with all the specialist groups involved. Between 2014 and 2016, representatives from grid operators, manufacturers, the electrical trade, and the employers’ liability insurance association have created a draft based on the European Network Code, "Requirements for Generators". It was published by VDE|FNN in April 2017, which requested recommendations for changes. The responsible committee in VDE|FNN reviewed the roughly 2,800 opinions from the professional public and extensively discussed them in a workshop with all interested parties. After a multi-stage approval process that also included notifying the EU Commission, the new application rule, "Technical Connection Rules for Low Voltage" came into effect on March 8, 2019.
Whether in a public space or on private property –charging devices for electric vehicles must be registered with the local grid operator. To implement this guideline, VDE|FNN has expanded their "Technical Connection Rules for Low Voltage"(VDE-AR-N 4100) application rule with rules for operating charging devices for electric vehicles. The standardization body also includes a registration form therein.
