VDE-AR-N 4400 2019-07 PDF

Full title and description

VDE-AR-N 4400:2019-07 — Messwesen Strom (Metering Code). VDE application rule that defines uniform, justifiable and non‑discriminatory technical minimum requirements for metering points, measuring devices and intelligent metering systems (including requirements referencing Smart‑Meter‑Gateways) for new metering points and for replacements where applicable.

Abstract

VDE-AR-N 4400:2019-07 (Metering Code) specifies the minimum technical requirements and data/format rules for the operation of metering points and the equipment used there (meters, supplementary devices, and interfaces to Smart‑Meter‑Gateways). The rule was published July 2019 and later received a corrigendum in 2022; its provisions have been incorporated into an updated VDE‑AR‑N 4400 edition issued in December 2024.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (superseded by VDE-AR-N 4400:2024-12).
• Publication date: 2019-07 (July 2019).
• Publisher: VDE Verlag / VDE Forum Netztechnik/Netzbetrieb (FNN) as responsible project group.
• ICS / categories: Document is in the domain of electricity metering and metering systems (subject areas shown under VDE: building/installations and electricity metering). Relevant ICS groups for metering documents typically include electrical measurement and electricity supply system classifications.
• Edition / version: Edition dated 2019‑07 (replaces the 2011‑09 edition); corrigendum Ber1 issued 2022‑06; replaced by the 2024‑12 edition.
• Number of pages: Not stated on the VDE public listing for the 2019‑07 edition (VDE shop entry does not display page count).

Scope

The 2019‑07 Metering Code defines the technical minimum requirements for the operation of metering points that metering‑point operators (Messstellenbetreiber, MSB) must meet under the Messstellenbetriebsgesetz (MsbG). It covers selection and deployment of measuring and control equipment, data and status marking of measured values (including provision of TAF‑IDs), handling of volatile loads and replacement/temporary values, interaction with Smart‑Meter‑Gateways (SMGW) and compliance with national measuring and connection regulations (for example references to the Niederspannungsanschlussverordnung where applicable). The rule is intended as an acknowledged rule of technology for secure, legally usable measurement data collection and processing.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum technical requirements for measuring devices and modern intelligent metering systems (Messeinrichtungen and iMSys).
• Requirements and interoperability considerations for Smart‑Meter‑Gateways (generation 1 and follow‑on updates referenced to BSI TR‑03109‑1).
• Definition and use of TAF‑IDs (Tariff Application Function identifiers) for identification of measured values and support for new TAFs (e.g., TAF 9, 10 and 14 in later updates).
• Specification of status words/flags for measured values and rules on status‑bit sequencing and labelling (including OMS sensor/zähler status words in later revisions).
• Rules for formation and handling of provisional and replacement values for volatile generation/load; treatment during events such as terminal cover opening to avoid hard non‑billable switching.
• Identification and configuration requirements for proxy‑server IDs and other communication‑related identifiers used in market processes.

Typical use and users

Primary users include metering‑point operators (MSB), distribution network operators, manufacturers of electricity meters and Smart‑Meter‑Gateways, system integrators, certification and test laboratories, and energy suppliers. The standard is used to 1) specify device and system requirements for procurement and rollout, 2) align device firmware/communication with market processes, and 3) provide a technical baseline for certification and interoperability testing.

Related standards

Closely related standards and technical guidelines referenced or used together with VDE‑AR‑N 4400 include the BSI technical guideline TR‑03109‑1 for Smart‑Meter‑Gateway interoperability and details, IEC/EN standards for metering data exchange and identification (for example the DLMS/COSEM family such as IEC 62056 and related OBIS definitions), and IEC series standards for meter accuracy and tests (IEC 62052 / IEC 62053). National legal/regulatory texts that interact with the rule include the German Messstellenbetriebsgesetz (MsbG) and relevant provisions of the Niederspannungsanschlussverordnung (NAV).

Keywords

Metering Code, VDE‑AR‑N 4400, Messwesen Strom, Metering, Smart‑Meter‑Gateway (SMGW), Messstellenbetreiber (MSB), TAF, OBIS, DLMS/COSEM, Ersatzwertbildung, Statuswort, Tarifanwendungsfälle, Messgerät, Eichrecht.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDE‑AR‑N 4400:2019‑07 is the VDE application rule called "Messwesen Strom (Metering Code)" that defines minimum technical requirements for electricity metering equipment and intelligent metering systems at metering points. It was published July 2019.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers device requirements, data and status labelling for measured values (TAF‑IDs), requirements for communication via Smart‑Meter‑Gateways, rules for provisional/replacement values for volatile loads, and interoperability aspects required for market processes under German law.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Metering‑point operators (MSB), distribution network operators, meter and SMGW manufacturers, integrators, certification/test labs and energy suppliers use it for procurement, implementation and compliance verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019‑07 edition is withdrawn and has been superseded by VDE‑AR‑N 4400:2024‑12; a corrigendum (Ber1) was issued in June 2022 to correct allocation of metering value designations prior to the 2024 replacement. For current work you should reference the 2024‑12 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — VDE‑AR‑N documents are part of the VDE application rules (FNN/VDE) collection addressing network and metering topics; VDE‑AR‑N 4400 replaces earlier VDE‑AR‑N 4400 editions (e.g., 2011‑09) and is maintained as the Metering Code in coordination with other national and international metering standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Metering Code, SMGW, Messstellenbetreiber, TAF‑ID, OBIS/DLMS, Ersatzwertbildung, Statuswort, Tarifanwendungsfälle.