High-voltage qualification: which level do you need, 1S, 2S or 3S?

Anyone working on vehicles with a high-voltage system in a workshop, in roadside assistance or in a towing service needs the appropriate qualification. The basis is DGUV Information 209-093 in the August 2021 edition. It replaced the former DGUV Information 200-005, whose qualifications remain valid.

The three levels in servicing

Level 1S is the person who has received expert instruction. They carry out non-electrical work on the vehicle, such as changing tyres or bodywork, and roadside assistance. This requires at least 2 teaching units of instruction, documented in writing.

The high-voltage qualified person (2S) isolates the high-voltage system and then works on de-energised components. Without prior electrical knowledge, at least 80 teaching units are required; with prior knowledge from the automotive sector, at least 16. In both cases, at least 8 units of practical work and an examination are included.

Level 3S is intended for live working, for example on batteries that cannot be isolated. The course comprises at least 24 teaching units, 16 of them practical. To take part, you must hold level 2S, be at least 18 years old, have first aid training and be medically fit, and have at least one year of professional experience in the automotive or electrical sector.

One teaching unit lasts 45 minutes. There are separate levels, 1E to 3E, for development and production.

Vocational training counts too

Automotive mechatronics technicians trained under the 2013 training regulations count as 2S, and those specialising in system and high-voltage technology as 3S. Anyone who completed their training earlier or comes from a different occupation needs a qualification.

Refreshers

DGUV Information 209-093 does not specify a fixed interval. However, it requires qualified persons to keep their knowledge up to date through regular training. Irrespective of this, employees must be given a safety briefing at least once a year under DGUV Vorschrift 1.