A really short version as an overview
Classification and Purpose
The Responsible Electrical Engineer (VEFK – Verantwortliche Elektrofachkraft) is the professionally qualified authority who manages the safe, legally compliant handling of electrical systems and equipment in your company. They combine technical and supervisory responsibility, translate standards and regulations into practical procedures and create reliable evidence for audits, authorities and insurers. The role is enshrined in DIN VDE 1000-10 (Electrotechnical Standards), which specifies the qualifications, terminology and scope of responsibility for persons working in the field of electrical engineering (including VEFK).
Legal framework for employers
In Germany, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Arbeitsschutzgesetz – ArbSchG) obliges employers to effectively organise occupational safety and health, including planning, implementation, monitoring and documentation. This basic obligation always remains with the employer, but the operational execution can be transferred to responsible, competent persons (transfer of duties). This is exactly where the VEFK comes in. It assumes technical and supervisory responsibility for electrical engineering, while overall responsibility remains with the employer.
Work only by qualified electricians or under their supervision and guidance
The German Social Accident Insurance – DGUV Regulation 3 ‘Electrical Installations and Equipment’ specifies the scope of responsibility in more detail. The installation, modification and maintenance of electrical installations and equipment is reserved for qualified electricians (Designated as a „Elektrofachkraft“ accordance with DIN VDE standards) or persons working under the direction and supervision of a qualified electrician. Without a clearly designated, professionally qualified person in charge, it is practically impossible to operate in compliance with the regulations. The regulation also clarifies that the relevant electrical engineering rules are the ‘generally recognised rules of electrical engineering’ laid down in the VDE regulations. This is supported by the Energy Industry Act (EnWG – Energiewirtschaftsgesetz) and the Low Voltage Connection Ordinance (NAV – Niederspannungsanschlussverordnung).
Role and tasks of the VEFK in practice
The VEFK designs the electrical engineering organisation of your site. It defines responsibilities, defines safe work processes (e.g. switching operations, approvals, work in/on systems), regulates switching and work authorisations, qualifies and instructs personnel, coordinates external companies and checks the effectiveness and compliance of occupational safety measures. This makes it the ‘single point of accountability’ for electrical safety.
Testing and documentation obligations: deadlines, procedures, evidence
Initial tests and recurring tests are mandatory. DGUV information and Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS – Technische Regel Betriebssicherheit) provide specific information on the scope of testing, testing deadlines and responsibilities. This applies, among other things, to stationary systems and mobile equipment and reflects the state of the art. The VEFK establishes a transparent testing and defect management system, ensures qualifications, manages internal and external testing resources and provides audit-proof documentation.
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The comprehensive DIN-VDE standards as a benchmark for legal certainty
Electrical safety in Germany is governed not only by a single standard, but by the comprehensive DIN-VDE standards (e.g. the DIN VDE 0100 series of standards for low-voltage installations). These standards are recognised as the state of the art and thus form the benchmark for proper technical behaviour. A benchmark that is significant in the legal system. Those who observe the DIN-VDE rules are generally on the safe side. Deviations from the standards must be technically justified and equally safe. In practice, the VEFK ensures that planning, construction, operation, maintenance and testing at German sites are systematically organised in accordance with the relevant DIN-VDE standards and are therefore legally compliant and audit-proof. In addition, BetrSichV and TRBS expressly require compliance with the state of the art, which is specified in the DIN/VDE regulations.
Special added value for international companies
For companies without an established organisation in Germany, the VEFK is the pragmatic way to seamlessly integrate local requirements into global EHS and engineering standards. It ensures that corporate guidelines are in harmony with German requirements, that transfers of responsibilities are clearly documented and that external partners are commissioned, instructed and monitored in accordance with the rules.