Electrical contractors must prove that installed devices are reachable via communication. (Photo: © joaquincorbalan/123RF.com)
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August 1, 2026
A new digital tool helps electricians test and document the communication capabilities of controllable energy systems. This is an important step towards the digitalization of the energy transition and the legal protection of businesses.
The Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH) and the EEBus Initiative eV have developed a new tool for tradespeople : It helps specialist companies to check and document the successful installation and communication capability of controllable energy systems in accordance with Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act and Section 9 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act.
Electrical contractors must demonstrate that installed devices are communicatively reachable . This is particularly important if the smart metering system or control box is not yet installed at the time of installation . In this case, the contractor must prove that the system is communicatively reachable at the defined transfer point even without these components.
The EEBus tradesman tool , developed as part of the federal DigiWEMS project, allows companies to set up and test the digital communication connection during commissioning and to document the system's availability . The tool is currently available as a beta version. The final version with expanded functionality is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
After successful testing, the tool automatically generates a report in PDF format , which serves as proof of the initial inspection. The customer can forward this document to the distribution network operator or metering point operator. This effectively implements the requirements of the VDE-FNN guideline for the commissioning of controllable equipment.
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The new tool not only supports specialist companies during the commissioning process according to VDE FNN standards, but also fulfills documentation requirements and offers legal protection . If customers later make changes to their system, it is documented that the specialist company correctly set up the communication link at the time of handover.
The tool automatically logs all collected information and the sequence of test steps , creating a PDF file. Feedback from practical experience is continuously incorporated into the development process. Specialist companies can send feedback to software@wfe.zveh.de .
New tool for electrical trades: Specialist companies can obtain the free beta version of the EEBus tradesman tool via mein-ehandwerk.de/eebus-handwerkertool ; registration is required.
DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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