Press release
zenon is certified: One language for every device in the substation
An independent testing confirms that the zenon software platform speaks IEC 61850 Edition 2.1.
A substation brings together devices from many hardware manufacturers, and all of them need to understand each other. The zenon software platform from COPA-DATA has now passed an independent test that confirms exactly this. The testing laboratory DNV checked how the zenon Energy Edition version 16 communicates with these devices and certified the result. For utilities and system integrators, this means one thing: zenon works with their devices the way the international standard describes.
One language for every device in the substation
IEC 61850 is the international standard that provides a common language for the devices in a substation. It defines how devices describe themselves, how they report data and how they receive commands. Protection relays, bay controllers and gateways can then share information in real time, no matter which hardware manufacturer built them.
zenon acts as the client in this conversation. It connects to the devices, reads their values, receives their reports and sends commands from the control system. The better this conversation works, the faster a project goes from engineering to operation.
Why a certificate makes the difference
Many software products support IEC 61850 but a certificate shows how well they do it. DNV tested the zenon software platform against the UCA International Users Group conformance test procedures for Edition 2.1 clients and awarded the IEC 61850 Certificate Level A together with an Attestation of Conformity. The certificate is published in the UCAIug certificate database, so anyone can look it up.
Edition 2.1 is the current state of the standard. It brings together the improvements from the first revision of Edition 2, including answers to open technical questions and better support for cybersecurity.
“Substation automation only works when every device understands every other device,” says Jürgen Resch, Director Industry Management Energy at COPA-DATA Headquarters. “With this certificate, an independent laboratory has confirmed that zenon speaks IEC 61850 Edition 2.1 correctly. Our customers can start their projects with that confidence.”
What this means for customers
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Confidence in planning: The conformance of zenon as an IEC 61850 client is confirmed by an independent third party. Project teams can use this when they evaluate and select systems.
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Detailed insight when needed: Customers receive the verification report with detailed test information. They can also ask DNV directly for independent information about the tested product.
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A solid base for growth: Substations often combine older and newer devices. zenon communicates with both at the same time, so operators can modernize one device after another.
“A certificate like this belongs to our customers as much as it belongs to us,” Resch adds. “We believe that openness is what builds trust in automation software.”
The certificate applies to the tested zenon version 16, from August 31, 2026. COPA-DATA will continue to develop its IEC 61850 implementation and bring future versions to testing. The certificate is available in the UCAIug database under IEC 61850 Certificate #8126.
More details: IEC 61850 Certificate #8126: zenon Energy Edition - IEC 61850 Certificate - UCAIug Issue Tracking System
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Get file nowPR_COPA-DATA_Certificate_zenon_EnergyEdition.docx
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Jürgen Resch
Get file nowPortrait_JuergenResch_COPA-DATA.jpgDirector Industry Management Energy at COPA-DATA Headquarters
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About COPA-DATA
COPA-DATA is an independent software manufacturer that specializes in digitalization for the manufacturing industry and energy sector. Its zenon® software platform enables users worldwide to automate, manage, monitor, integrate and optimize machines, equipment, buildings and power grids. COPA-DATA combines decades of experience in automation with the potential of digital transformation and a strong drive for sustainability-enabling solutions. In this way, the company supports its customers to achieve their objectives more easily, faster and more efficiently.
The family-owned business was founded by Thomas Punzenberger in 1987 in Salzburg, Austria. A sales network of international distributors and 14 subsidiaries ensures that the software is marketed worldwide. More than 500 certified partner companies further support end users with the efficient implementation of the software, particularly in the key industries of food & beverage, energy & infrastructure, automotive and pharmaceutical.
