VDE-AR-N 4105 2018-11 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11 — "Erzeugungsanlagen am Niederspannungsnetz / Generators connected to the low-voltage distribution network". Technical minimum requirements for the connection to and parallel operation with low-voltage distribution networks; specifies technical requirements for connection, protection, behaviour and proof of electrical characteristics of generation units and storage connected to the low-voltage grid.

Abstract

This VDE application rule defines the national technical minimum requirements for planning, installation, connection and parallel operation of distributed generation and storage systems on the low-voltage network (Niederspannungsnetz). It addresses network- and plant-protection (NA-protection), synchronisation and connection conditions, behaviour under grid disturbances (frequency/voltage response, ramp limits, FRT behaviour), requirements for proof of electrical properties and relevant forms for the grid-connection process.

General information

• Status: Application rule (Anwendungsregel), valid edition from 2018; remains the operative TAR for low-voltage generation until the formally published successor becomes valid.
• Publication date: 2018-11 (November 2018).
• Publisher: VDE / VDE FNN (VDE Forum Netztechnik/Netzbetrieb); published via VDE-Verlag.
• ICS / categories: 29 — Electrotechnology; subcategories assigned by the publisher (examples shown on the listing).
• Edition / version: VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11 (replacement of the 2011 edition).
• Number of pages: Not specified in the public publisher listing; page count is provided with the purchasable document (see VDE-Verlag product page).

Scope

Applies to generation plants and storage systems that are connected to and operated in parallel with a distribution network at low-voltage level. Covers new connections, extensions and changes that materially affect the electrical behaviour at the point of common coupling. The rule complements VDE-AR-N 4100 (TAR Niederspannung) by specifying additional technical minimum requirements for generators and storage up to the low-voltage network level (including proof and testing requirements).

Key topics and requirements

• Connection and synchronisation conditions (requirements for safe and approved switching/enabling of parallel operation).
• Network and plant protection (NA-protection) including permitted protection variants and coupling-switch arrangements.
• Behaviour under frequency and voltage excursions: active power/frequency (P(f)) and reactive power/voltage (Q(U)) requirements, ramp rates and fault-ride-through expectations.
• Maximum permissible power gradients and steady-state limits for injection; settings and test requirements for protection and control functions.
• Requirements for proof of electrical characteristics and evidence (test reports, certificates) for units and systems intended for connection.
• Special provisions for storage and bidirectional charging, small generators (simplified procedures for low power classes) and procedural forms for the connection process.

Typical use and users

Used by distribution network operators (DSOs) to define technical connection conditions (TAB), by inverter/manufacturer test and certification laboratories, certifying bodies, system integrators, PV/storage/BHKW installers, planners and electrical contractors. Also used by product developers to ensure compliance of inverters, storage converters and NA-protection devices with German low-voltage grid requirements.

Related standards

Closely related to VDE-AR-N 4100 (TAR Niederspannung) and to medium/high-voltage application rules such as VDE-AR-N 4110 / 4120. Test and certification references used with 4105 include DIN V VDE V 0124-100 (test requirements for LV generation units) and FGW certification/testing documents. National and international grid codes (EN 50549 series, IEC/EN 62116 for anti-islanding testing) are also relevant for manufacturers.

Keywords

VDE-AR-N 4105, low-voltage grid, Niederspannungsnetz, grid connection, NA-protection, islanding detection, FRT, P(f), Q(U), inverter certification, storage systems, VDE FNN, TAR Niederspannung.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11 is a VDE application rule (Anwendungsregel) that specifies the technical minimum requirements for connecting and operating generation plants and storage systems on the low-voltage distribution network in Germany. It is intended as the national grid-connection rule for LV generators and complements VDE-AR-N 4100.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers protection and switching (NA-protection), synchronisation/connection conditions, required behaviour during voltage and frequency deviations (including ramp and fault-ride-through), proof of electrical characteristics (tests/certificates), and procedural forms for the connection and commissioning of generators and storage on LV networks.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Distribution network operators (for TAB), product manufacturers (inverters, storage converters), test laboratories and certification bodies, system planners, installers (PV, BHKW, battery systems) and electrical contractors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11 has been the operative application rule since its publication in November 2018. VDE/FNN issued a draft revision (E VDE-AR-N 4105:2024-10) for consultation, and a further revised edition (VDE-AR-N 4105 Anwendungsregel:2026-03) has been prepared with a listed formal validity date of 1 March 2026. That means the 2018-11 edition is the active TAR up to the date the 2026 edition becomes valid; readers should check the exact publication/validity date for the successor edition when planning compliance. (Publication dates and draft/renewal announcements from VDE/FNN).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the VDE application rules for grid connection and operation (TAR) for the distribution network family. It is commonly used together with VDE-AR-N 4100 (TAR Niederspannung) and the medium-/high-voltage application rules VDE-AR-N 4110 / 4120 (for MV/HV generation units).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low-voltage connection, generation plants, storage, NA-protection, islanding detection, P(f), Q(U), fault-ride-through, inverter certification, TAR Niederspannung, VDE FNN.