IEEE Std 1547.6-2011 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Recommended Practice for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems — Distribution Secondary Networks. This recommended practice provides guidance and recommended criteria for interconnecting distributed resources (DR) to distribution secondary (low-voltage) network systems, including spot networks and grid (street/area) networks. It explains network design and operation considerations, potential technical solutions, and coordination needs between local DR owners and the area electric power system.

Abstract

IEEE Std 1547.6-2011 supplements the IEEE 1547 family by addressing the special technical challenges of connecting distributed generation to distribution secondary networks (both spot and grid networks). It covers performance, operation, testing, safety, and maintenance considerations and offers communication/control and coordination guidance to enable reliable, safe interconnection while minimizing adverse impacts to the network and other customers.

General information

• Status: Inactive — Reserved Standard (inactivated by IEEE SA ballot process).
• Publication date: Published September 2011 (Board approval September 10, 2011; ANSI approval January 17, 2013).
• Publisher: IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA).
• ICS / categories: Power stations / electric power engineering topics (commonly listed under ICS 27.100 and related power/energy categories).
• Edition / version: 2011 (IEEE Std 1547.6-2011).
• Number of pages: Approximately 38 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

This recommended practice builds on the baseline interconnection requirements in IEEE Std 1547 (base standard) by addressing distributed resource interconnection specifically on distribution secondary network systems. It establishes recommended criteria, tests, and guidance for performance, protection, safety, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of DR interconnections on spot and grid network types, and discusses communications and control approaches and the responsibilities of Local EPS and Area EPS stakeholders.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of distribution secondary network designs (spot networks, grid/street networks) and equipment implications.
• Technical considerations for connecting DR to networks, including protection coordination, fault contribution, and anti-islanding concerns.
• Recommended performance and operational criteria to preserve network reliability and safety.
• Testing, commissioning, and maintenance practices specific to networked secondary systems.
• Guidance on communication, monitoring, and control strategies between DR, Local EPS, and Area EPS operators.
• Examples of potential mitigation strategies and interconnection arrangements to reduce adverse network impacts.

Typical use and users

Used by utility engineers and planners, interconnection reviewers, DER developers and integrators, protection and controls engineers, municipal network operators, regulators, and consultants who evaluate or implement distributed generation connections on low-voltage distribution network systems. The document is applied during feasibility studies, interconnection study phases, protection design, commissioning, and operations planning.

Related standards

Part of the IEEE 1547 family. Key related documents include: IEEE Std 1547 (base interconnection standard; revised 2018), IEEE Std 1547.1 (conformance test procedures), IEEE Std 1547.3, IEEE Std 1547.4, and other 1547-series guides and recommended practices addressing distributed energy resource interconnection, testing, islanding, cybersecurity, and interoperability. IEEE 1547-2018 is the current consolidated base interconnection standard that superseded earlier base versions and provides updated requirements covering many DER interconnection topics.

Keywords

Distributed resources (DR), distributed energy resources (DER), distribution secondary networks, spot network, grid network, interconnection, protection coordination, anti‑islanding, commissioning, IEEE 1547 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 1547.6-2011 is a recommended practice that provides guidance for interconnecting distributed resources to distribution secondary network systems (spot and grid networks). It supplements the requirements of the IEEE 1547 base standard with network‑specific considerations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers technical and operational guidance — network characteristics, protection and coordination issues, performance and safety recommendations, testing and commissioning procedures, maintenance, and communication/control recommendations for DR on secondary networks.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utility planners and engineers, interconnection reviewers, DER project developers and integrators, protection/control engineers, municipal network owners, and consultants use it for studies, interconnection planning, design, and operational guidance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEEE Std 1547.6-2011 was published in 2011 and is listed by IEEE as Inactive — Reserved (inactivated March 24, 2022). The overall IEEE 1547 base standard was revised in 2018 (IEEE 1547-2018) and related 1547-series documents have continued to evolve. Users should check the current IEEE 1547 family documents and any active project reports for the latest authoritative requirements and guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEEE 1547 series of standards, guides, and recommended practices addressing interconnection and interoperability of DERs with electric power systems. Other parts include the base 1547 standard and application/test guides (e.g., 1547.1, 1547.3, 1547.4, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: distribution secondary network, spot network, grid network, distributed resource, distributed energy resource, interconnection, protection coordination, anti‑islanding, commissioning, IEEE 1547.6.