The road to common assessment method for distribution network equipment

When utilities resort to external service providers for conformity assessment of distribution electrical network equipment, most of their needs are basically the same, but have been shaped into requirements by various historic and organisational reasons. Whilst the underlying conformity assessment needs are similar, the form of the corresponding requirements may differ. This paper aims to assert the basic needs of users with a uniform vocabulary in order to encourage establishment and acceptance of harmonised assessment schemes, and should reduce costs and delays for both manufacturers and users. Harmonisation should help users share information and improve assessment methods. A good example for further development of these proposals is the assessment of Ring Main Units (RMU)s.