Safely Connecting Objects in Public Spaces
It is crucial that electrical equipment in public spaces is safe. Therefore, grid operators impose certain conditions on devices and installations connected to the public electricity grid. These conditions apply to objects with an above-ground small consumption connection, such as parking meters, public lighting, and charging stations. This is referred to as grid operator inspections.
Before unmanned objects in the public domain receive a grid connection, they undergo inspections. This ensures the certainty that objects in public spaces meet safety standards and function optimally. Below, you will find a list of objects that have already been approved. If you have an object that needs to be inspected, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
The table below provides an overview of the objects that are currently approved, indicating they have successfully passed the grid operator inspections. For public lighting, this is in accordance with version CAM-OVL-11-2023, for 1x10A unmetered connections according to version CAM-ONB-11-2023, and for metered connections that are non-charging objects according to version CAM-BEM-11-2023.
All cabinets that have been approved for a metered connection may also be used for an unmetered connection.
All cabinets that have been approved for a metered connection up to 3x80A may also be used for a metered 1x10A connection.
*These objects can also be applied for a smaller grid connection, such as 1x10A (un)metered.
Request additional information about the DSO assessments from me. An overview of the installation requirements per type of object can be found below.
For each object group, a document with specifications and requirements has been prepared, which can be found further down. These documents form the basis on which the team of grid operator inspections approves the grid operator’s part of new models of objects for admission to the electricity grid. This process is coordinated by Netbeheer Nederland, and the inspection is carried out by experts from collaborating grid operators at the ElaadNL Foundation in Arnhem. The requirements are formulated in such a way that a safe and reliable connection to the public electricity grid is ensured.
The development of these specifications is an important step towards further standardization of technology in objects. The documents are primarily intended for producers of these objects. The advantage for object producers and parties introducing objects to the market is that the grid operator’s part of an object only needs to be inspected once and can then be used throughout the Netherlands in all service areas of the various grid operators.
For concession grantors, it is important to ensure the application of these requirements in their Program of Requirements. Therefore, the grid operators have written a standard text to be directly included in it. This can be found below as a download.
For grid operator inspections of charging stations, we have a dedicated page on our website. Here, you will find all information regarding connection specifications, the inspection process, and a list of all approved charging objects.
For connecting lampposts and other unmetered objects with a 1x6A or 1x10A connection, a connection module for public lighting (OVL) is available. This module must be used when connecting lampposts to the (main) grid of the grid operators and for unmetered objects. The dimensions necessary for placing the connection module are indicated in the specifications above.
An important requirement for this object group is the installation of a smart meter in the objects. This smart meter enables remote reading and exchanging of meter data. To support this connectivity, we request a connectivity test to be performed in the current Connection Specifications, specifying a maximum attenuation for the enclosure. The Connection Specifications are also suitable for heavier connections, up to 3x80A. This forms the basis for faster charging, aligning with the trend of new electric vehicles entering the market. The publications are applicable not only to charging stations but also to other charging objects such as charging lanterns.
Charging objects have been inspected based on the Connection Specifications since 2018. From July 1, 2023, all newly installed charging objects must comply at least with the updated Connection Specifications, version 3.0.
Simply register your object for inspection by the DSO.