EN 61334-4-41:1996

Overview

EN 61334-4-41:1996 (CLC) specifies the Distribution Line Message Specification (DLMS) as an application‑layer protocol for distribution automation over distribution line carrier systems. Part of the EN/IEC 61334 series, this standard defines how application‑level messages are organized and exchanged within the OSI application layer to enable monitoring, control and data exchange across power distribution lines.

Key topics

The standard focuses on application‑layer protocol elements required for reliable distribution automation and interoperability, including:

• Application message structure and syntax - formal definitions of message types used for distribution line communications.
• Application services and operations - services that support distributed monitoring, control and information exchange at the application layer.
• Addressing and naming - methods to identify endpoints and logical devices on distribution line carrier networks.
• Error handling and protocol robustness - provisions to detect, report and recover from application‑level errors.
• Interoperability and conformance - rules and requirements to ensure multi‑vendor equipment can interoperate within distribution automation systems.

(These topics reflect the standard’s scope of defining DLMS within the OSI application layer for distribution line carrier systems.)

Applications

EN 61334-4-41 is used where utility-grade communications over power distribution lines are required:

• Electric utilities implementing distribution automation (remote sensing, switchgear control, outage management).
• Equipment manufacturers building distribution line carrier modems, RTUs and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that must conform to application protocols.
• System integrators and SCADA vendors integrating application‑level messaging over powerline communication links.
• Test and certification labs validating interoperability and conformance of DLMS implementations.

Keywords: EN 61334-4-41, DLMS, distribution line message specification, distribution automation, distribution line carrier, application layer, power distribution, data communication protocols, utility communications.

Related standards

• EN/IEC 61334 series - other parts covering lower layers, transmission and protocol mappings for distribution line carrier systems.
• Applicable powerline communication and distribution automation standards used by utilities and manufacturers.

This standard is valuable for professionals designing, implementing or testing application‑layer messaging over distribution line carrier systems to ensure robust, interoperable distribution automation communications.