VDE-AR-N 4100 2019-04 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDE-AR-N 4100: 2019-04 — Technische Anschlussregeln Niederspannung / Technical Connection Rules for Low-Voltage: application rule defining technical requirements for planning, construction, connection and operation of customer installations (metering points, main supply systems, protective measures, charging infrastructure, storage and generation interfaces) to the public low-voltage network.

Abstract

This application rule (TAR Niederspannung) specifies minimum technical requirements for connecting customer installations to the low-voltage distribution network. It replaces earlier VDE application rules for low-voltage connection and covers zählerplätze (meter panels), main supply arrangements, selection of protection measures, wiring for half-direct metering, provisions for distributed generation, storage and electric vehicle charging equipment, and the interface/registration requirements that ensure network‑friendly behaviour.

General information

• Status: Valid application rule (in force; subject to subsequent corrigenda and amendment A1).
• Publication date: April 2019 (VDE-AR-N 4100:2019-04). Corrigendum published October 2019 and Amendment A1 published 2024-07.
• Publisher: Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE) / VDE FNN; published and distributed via VDE Verlag (publisher edition available in German and English).
• ICS / categories: Electrical engineering (VDE classification / subject area 29 / related low-voltage distribution topics).
• Edition / version: Original: 2019-04; Corrigendum: 2019-10; Amendment A1: 2024-07 (subsequent drafts and revisions have been prepared).
• Number of pages: Not universally published in a single free listing (page count depends on the publisher format and language edition; consult the VDE Verlag product entry for the edition you intend to purchase).

Scope

The rule applies to the technical connection and safe operation of customer installations at the low-voltage network connection point. It covers new and modified meter installations up to the specified current limits (typical design basis: up to 63 A for direct-measurement meter places), requirements for meter-panel dimensions and layout (AAR/ZF/NAR), requirements for protective devices and earthing, requirements and interfaces for generation, storage and EV-charging, guidelines for halbindirekte (current-transformer) metering arrangements and provisions to ensure network‑compatible behaviour of connected equipment.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of meter-place layout and minimum clearances (zählerfeld height, anlagenseitiger Anschlussraum, netzseitiger Anschlussraum) and mechanical/electrical interfaces for modern meter equipment.
• Design basis for direct-measurement meter places (typical rating up to 63 A) and requirements for halbindirekte Messungen (current transformer arrangements) including wiring and terminal design for up to higher currents.
• Requirements for earthing, main bonding, and selection of protective measures to achieve safety and selectivity in the customer installation.
• Interface requirements and operational rules for distributed generation and storage (used alongside VDE-AR-N 4105 for generation), including parallel operation and minimum technical requirements for inverters and storage systems.
• Rules for electric vehicle charging equipment: registration/notification thresholds, network-friendly behaviour (e.g., power-factor and active power limits, control/registration of larger chargers), and operator obligations.
• Guidance on measurement, communication and data interfaces relevant to metering systems and network operator processes (preparing meter places for smart meters and additional functions).

Typical use and users

Primary users are distribution network operators, connection planners and engineers, electrical installers and contractors, meter and switchgear manufacturers, building services planners, and consultants involved in grid connection, metering and commissioning of customer installations. Regulatory bodies and utility compliance teams also use these rules to define local technical connection conditions (TAB) derived from the TAR.

Related standards

Closely related documents and standards include VDE-AR-N 4105 (requirements for generators on the low-voltage network), DIN VDE 0603 (meter panels and installation requirements), DIN VDE 0100 series (electrical installation rules), VDE-AR-E series and various VDE FNN info papers and guidance documents that expand specific topics (metering, storage, EV charging, wandler‑/CT metering). National network operators typically publish TABs that supplement VDE-AR-N 4100 with network‑specific requirements.

Keywords

technical connection rules, TAR Niederspannung, VDE-AR-N 4100, low-voltage connection, zählerplatz, meter panel, halbindirekte Messung, storage, PV, electric vehicle charging, earthing, protective devices, TAB, VDE FNN.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the VDE application rule VDE-AR-N 4100:2019-04 — the Technical Connection Rules for Low-Voltage (TAR Niederspannung) that set minimum technical requirements for connecting and operating customer installations at the low-voltage network connection point.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers meter-place design and layout, main supply system arrangements, selection of protection measures and earthing, measurement arrangements (direct and CT/half-direct), interfaces and requirements for distributed generation, storage and EV charging, and related measurement and communication preparations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Distribution network operators, planners and designers, electrical contractors and installers, meter and switchgear manufacturers, building services engineers and consultants, and utility compliance teams.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019-04 edition is the base document; it was followed by a corrigendum in October 2019 and has an Amendment A1 issued in July 2024. The rule remains the reference TAR for low-voltage connections while VDE FNN continues a rolling update process and has published draft revisions for consultation (ongoing development). Check the VDE / VDE FNN publication entries for the latest status before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the VDE FNN suite of application rules (VDE-AR) covering network connection and operation topics; closely linked documents include VDE-AR-N 4105 (generators at LV), other TARs and VDE FNN guidance/infopapers that expand specific technical areas.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Meter place (zählerplatz), low-voltage connection, TAR Niederspannung, protective measures, earthing, halbindirekte Messung, EV charging, storage, distributed generation, VDE FNN, TAB.