TAB Connection: Step-by-Step Service Line Registration with the DSO
A service connection is more than just a cable to the street. The Technical Connection Conditions (TAB) regulate what the homeowner, electrician and grid operator must do when. This guide walks through the process.
What are the TAB?
The TAB is a set of rules from the grid operator defining the technical requirements for connection to the low-voltage network.
Legal status
TAB are part of the connection use agreement. Violations can lead to rejection of the connection.
Scope
From the handover point to the house service box and meter location. Including protective devices.
VDE-AR-N 4100
Since 2019, VDE-AR-N 4100 supplements the TAB uniformly nationwide.
The 4 phases of service connection registration
Phase 1: Pre-inquiry
Contact the grid operator early — even before the building permit. Clarify whether connection is possible and what capacity is available.
- Site plan, planned connection power in kW
- Planned loads (wallbox, heat pump, PV)
- Expected connection date
Phase 2: Connection application
The certified electrician submits the application officially. Required documents must be complete.
- Site and floor plan with service room
- Meter cabinet plan per VDE-AR-N 4100
- Declaration of generating systems (PV, CHP)
Phase 3: Service connection installation
The grid operator lays the cable to the house service box. The owner provides the wall penetration and connection room.
- House service room per DIN 18012
- Watertight cable entry
- Prepared meter installation
Phase 4: Meter installation and commissioning
After completion and initial verification, the grid operator installs the meter. Power flows.
- Initial verification report per VDE 0100-600
- Application for commissioning
- Electricity supply contract with provider
Who does what?
Homeowner
Provides house service room, coordinates dates, signs contracts with grid operator and electricity provider.
Certified electrician
Plans, applies, installs the house installation, performs initial verification, registers for commissioning.
Grid operator (DSO)
Reviews the connection application, builds the service connection to the house service box, installs the meter.
Common mistakes in registration
Too late to the grid operator
Processing times of 4-12 weeks are often underestimated. Pre-inquiry best 6 months before the planned connection date.
Connection capacity set too low
Anyone planning wallbox, heat pump and PV often needs 35-44 kVA. Subsequent increases take weeks again.
Meter cabinet not standards-compliant
VDE-AR-N 4100 prescribes 1.10 m minimum width and APZ (future connection point). Old cabinets are rejected.
Conclusion: plan early, document everything
The service connection is the critical path of every construction project. Late registration or undersized meter cabinet costs weeks. Pre-inquiry and connection application are mandatory — not optional.
💡 Tip: For wallbox, PV or heat pump, always choose a 3-phase connection with at least 35 kVA — reserve costs little, upgrading a lot.
Plan meter cabinet to standard
myElectricPlan generates a meter cabinet plan per VDE-AR-N 4100 — including reserve positions and APZ. Ready to submit to the grid operator.
Plan meter cabinet now