Does every company need a vEFK?

Any company that operates electrical equipment or employs people to carry out electrical work must appoint a vEFK. This includes automotive workshops that work on HV vehicles. The obligation arises from DGUV Regulation 3 and §13 ArbSchG. Without a formally appointed vEFK, the employer personally assumes all associated responsibilities and liabilities.

What is the difference between a vEFK and an FHV?

The FHV (Fachkundige Person Hochvolt) is a task-specific qualification for working on high-voltage vehicle systems. The vEFK is an organisational role – they do not necessarily perform HV work themselves, but they are responsible for ensuring that anyone who does is properly qualified. In small workshops, the same person may hold both roles.

Who may be appointed as vEFK?

Only a qualified electrician (Elektrofachkraft) as defined in DGUV Regulation 3 may be appointed as vEFK. This means the person must have completed recognised electrical training, has sufficient up-to-date knowledge of the relevant electrical work, and is able to assess hazards and plan safe procedures. The appointment must be documented in writing.

Glossary · DGUV Regulation 3

vEFK – Responsible Electrical Expert

vEFK (Verantwortliche Elektrofachkraft – Responsible Electrical Expert): A formally appointed qualified electrician who bears organisational responsibility for all electrical work in a company. Appointed under DGUV Regulation 3, the vEFK must ensure every employee performing HV work holds a valid qualification – including DGUV 209-093 certification.

Responsibilities of the vEFK

The vEFK takes on delegated organisational responsibility for electrical safety. In a workshop context this includes:

Ensuring all employees who work on HV vehicles hold valid qualifications (FHV, FuP) with current annual briefings
Maintaining qualification records and renewal schedules (tracking 3-year refresher deadlines)
Overseeing the provision and periodic testing of HV PPE
Approving work instructions and risk assessments for HV tasks
Acting as the employer's representative in dealings with the Berufsgenossenschaft and supervisory authorities
Reporting and investigating any HV-related incidents or near-misses

vEFK vs. FHV – Key Differences

Aspect	FHV	vEFK
Role type	Operational (performs HV work)	Organisational (manages compliance)
Legal basis	DGUV 209-093	DGUV Regulation 3 / §13 ArbSchG
Performs de-energisation	Yes	Only if also FHV-qualified
Manages qualification records	No	Yes
Can same person hold both roles?	Yes – common in small workshops

What happens if no vEFK is appointed?

If no vEFK is formally appointed in writing, all corresponding responsibilities remain with the employer (Geschäftsführer or Betriebsinhaber) personally. This includes full personal liability for any electrical accident in the workplace. Many liability insurers require evidence of a formal vEFK appointment for businesses operating HV vehicles.

Does the vEFK need HV vehicle training?

Not necessarily – the vEFK role requires electrical expertise per DGUV Regulation 3, which does not automatically include HV vehicle qualification. However, to competently oversee HV work and sign off on risk assessments, most vEFK in the automotive sector also hold FHV qualification. For companies where HV vehicles are a core business, combining both roles is strongly recommended.

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vEFK – Responsible Electrical Expert

Responsibilities of the vEFK

vEFK vs. FHV – Key Differences

Related Terms

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