NEN 3140 Standard

NEN 3840 Standard

FOR WORKING ON LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

FOR WORKING ON HIGH VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

The NEN 3140 is a Dutch standard that establishes safety requirements for working with and around low-voltage electrical installations. It is designed to ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and inspection of electrical systems, minimizing risks such as electric shocks, short circuits, and fire hazards.

The standard applies to anyone who works with electrical installations, including technicians, engineers, and facility managers, covering both operational procedures and personal protective measures. Compliance with NEN 3140 helps organizations meet Dutch occupational safety regulations and align with European electrical safety standards.

The NEN 3840 standard is a Dutch regulation that outlines safety requirements for operating and working with high-voltage electrical installations, typically those exceeding 1,000 volts AC. It serves as a counterpart to NEN 3140, which focuses on low-voltage systems. Together, these standards provide comprehensive guidelines for electrical safety across varying voltage levels in the Netherlands.

Compliance with NEN 3840 ensures that organizations meet Dutch occupational safety regulations and align with European electrical safety standards, thereby minimizing risks associated with high-voltage electrical installations.

WHAT LEVELS ARE DISTINGUISHED BY THE

NEN 3140 & NEN 3840 STANDARDS?

According to NEN 3140 and NEN 3840, two distinct competency levels are defined: the Nominated Person, the Skilled Person. The Nominated Person holds the highest level of responsibility and authority, overseeing critical decisions and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The Skilled Person assumes moderate responsibility and authority, performing tasks within their technical expertise.

While it is not being included in the Stipel Star System meaning that this level is not certified anymore, RelyOn still offers the trainings for the Sufficiently Educated Person (VOP) level, designed for individuals wanting to kick-start their careers and looking for great foundations for further skill development. The Sufficiently Educated Person operates at the foundational level, with the lowest degree of responsibility and authority. This structured hierarchy among professionals is designed to ensure effective management and safety assurance in electrical installations.

STIPEL STAR SYSTEM

Stipel defines various intermediate levels based on the roles of Skilled Person and Nominated Person as outlined in NEN 3140 (low-voltage) and NEN 3840 (high-voltage). These levels align with the training programmes offered by RelyOn Quercus and the corresponding certification exams. The defined levels are as follows:

FOR LOW-VOLTAGE OPERATORS

FOR LOW AND HIGH-VOLTAGE OPERATORS

VP ☆ You are authorised to work on low-voltage installations behind switches up to 25 A or fuses up to 80 A (as described in NEN 3140 table 106 and the Electricity Act), for end-users, including systems up to 230 Volt phase voltage (up to 400 Volt line voltage).

VP ☆☆ You are skilled and authorised to work on low-voltage installations and end-user systems. Power may come through a single transformer from the high-voltage side by opening and closing a ring. However, you cannot switch the low-voltage network via the high-voltage side or activate (emergency) generators if manual synchronisation is required.

IVWV ☆☆☆ You are responsible for installing and working on low-voltage installations and end-users. Power may come through a single transformer from the high-voltage side by opening and closing a ring. However, you cannot switch the low-voltage network via the high-voltage side or activate (emergency) generators if manual synchronisation is required.

VP ☆☆☆ You are responsible for installations and work in areas where specific tasks are restricted. Additionally, you can work on high-voltage installations for end-users without distribution.

VP ☆☆☆☆ You are authorised to work without restrictions on low—and high-voltage installations and end-user systems, regardless of the voltage level.

𝗜𝗩𝗪𝗩☆☆☆☆ You are responsible for the installation and work on low—and high-voltage installations and end-user systems, with no voltage level limitations.

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MOVING TO THE NEATHERLANDS FOR WORK?

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The Netherlands remains a popular destination for technical professionals from abroad. In 2023, over 30% of technicians came from other countries, and this percentage is expected to rise as the demand for specialists grows. However, working in the Netherlands as a technical expat comes with specific challenges, such as compliance with Dutch legislation and standards. Companies must meet these requirements to ensure their operations' safety and continuity.

The Netherlands enforces strict safety regulations to minimize workplace risks, with standards such as NEN 3140 (Safe working low-voltage installations) and NEN 3840 (High-voltage). For foreign technicians, understanding these standards is essential; otherwise, they may inadvertently cause safety risks and compliance issues. Other vital standards include IECEx/CompEx (explosion safety) and VCA (Safety, Health, and Environment Checklist for Contractors), which are legally required and help protect the company's reputation and workforce safety.

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FOR THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY INDUSTRY

With expertise and a global presence in 22 countries, RelyOn combines international knowledge with local expertise, supporting companies throughout the entire lifecycle of their installations. Explore our solutions tailored for the electrical supply industry:

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