This document defines terms for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems and for HVDC substations using electronic power converters for the conversion from AC to DC or vice versa.

This document is applicable to HVDC substations with line commutated converters, most commonly based on three-phase bridge (double way) connections (see Figure 2) in which unidirectional electronic valves, for example semiconductor valves, are used. For the thyristor valves, only the most important definitions are included in this document. A more comprehensive list of HVDC valve terminology is given in IEC 60700-2.