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VDE-AR-N 4120: Technical rules for connections to the high-voltage grid
The energy transition is electric – and with it, the number of systems that need to be connected to the grid is increasing. Uniform standards such as VDE-AR-N 4120 are becoming increasingly important – also at the European level. They ensure safety and grid stability.
What does VDE-AR-N 4120 regulate?
The high-voltage grid transmits and supplies individual regions with electrical energy over long distances. The following areas fall under the TAR High Voltage (VDE-AR-N 4120):
- Three-phase grid with a grid frequency of 50 Hertz
- Grid voltages from 60 kV up to and including 150 kV
Objective of VDE-AR-N 4120: Uniform connection rules for the safe operation of high-voltage systems.
Why is VDE-AR-N 4120 important?
- Guarantees system stability
- Creates planning and investment security
- Implements European requirements
Amendment 2024 – The most important innovations
- Active power delivery in case of over and under frequency
- Fault Ride Through (FRT) – Passing through grid faults
- Ability to provide control power
- Optimized verification processes for more efficiency
Form download VDE-AR-N-4120
All forms for VDE-AR-N-4120 as a download.
➡ Questions about VDE-AR-N 4120? Contact us: buero@ge-cert.de.
Frequently asked questions and answers
For which application areas is VDA-AR-N 4120 valid?
The regulation applies to the connection and operation of customer installations to the public high-voltage grid, for example, supply and generation systems, storage, mixed systems, and charging devices. Typically, the grid voltage is between 60 and 150 kilovolts. VDA-AR-N 4120 applies in full to generation systems with an installed capacity of over 950 kW.
Which regulation applies to systems with an installed capacity below 950 kW?
Simplified rules apply to smaller systems below 950 kW. The VDE-AR-N 4120/A1 supplement takes this into account. In the future, the requirements will be covered by the less complex regulation VDE-AR-N 4110 (TAR medium voltage).
What does VDE-AR-N 4120 concretize after its further development and harmonization in 2024?
Since its amendment, the European network codes are also reflected in VDE-AR-N 4120. Among other things, the NC RfG (Network Code Requirements for Generators) was taken into account. The EU regulation was adopted in 2016 and defines uniform minimum standards for the grid connection of new power generation systems throughout Europe.
Essential points of harmonization according to EU requirements:
- general principles for grid connection and the design of the transfer station
- Requirements for static voltage maintenance (reactive power provision) and system behavior in the event of grid faults, e.g. non-shutdown in the event of short-circuits (Fault-Ride-Through, FRT for short)
- Adjustment of active power in the event of frequency changes in the grid
- Protection regulations for improved grid and system protection
- Specification of the required certifications (unit, component and system certificates) as well as the commissioning protocols