TS EN 60633

TS EN 60633 is a terminology standard for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, defining the terms used in this technical field and the relationships between them. In power systems, HVDC differs from conventional AC transmission because power is converted to direct current for transfer across specific links; as a result, shared definitions for concepts such as converters, converter stations, poles, operating modes, and line arrangements are especially important.

Why terminology matters in HVDC systems

The standard addresses the language of HVDC transmission rather than prescribing equipment performance, design rules, or operating limits. Its role is to support consistent naming and interpretation across engineering documents, specifications, maintenance records, and system studies. In practice, that clarity helps distinguish among the various subsystems that make up an HVDC installation, including conversion equipment, transmission paths, auxiliary systems, and station-level arrangements.

General technical context

In general technical use, HVDC transmission is valued for long-distance bulk power transfer, submarine cable applications, and interconnection of asynchronous AC grids. Because the same technical term can be used differently from one project or organisation to another, a terminology standard provides a common vocabulary for core concepts such as converter station, line, pole, return path, and related auxiliary elements. The value of TS EN 60633 lies in that shared language, which supports clearer communication across the HVDC domain.