This part of IEC 10192 specifies a UCM (Universal Communications Module) that transfers energy management data via a home network between an end-device and an energy management agent (specified in ISO/IEC 15067‑3) or an energy service provider. This document specifies the mechanical, electrical and logical characteristics of the interfaces of UCM to an end-device (hereafter referred to as an SGD — Smart Grid Device) and a choice of interfaces to a home communications network.

This document specifies the physical and data-link characteristics of the interface between the UCM and the SGD, along with certain higher-layer and application layer elements as needed to assure interoperability over a broad range of device capabilities. It specifies a mechanism through which network, transport and application layer messages specified in other documents listed in this document may be passed through the interface. For those end-devices that cannot process one of the “pass-through” command sets, a Simple Protocol is specified according to the OSI (Open System Interconnect) reference model (ISO/IEC 7498‑1) including application layer messaging for energy management.

The UCM specified in this document is intended to be installable by the purchaser, home occupant or professional installer. The connectors are integrated in a way that allows for easy, plug-in installation. However, the manufacturer may choose to pre-install a module during production or have installation handled by a manufacturer representative or professional installer.

The scope of this document does not include safety related construction, performance, marking or instruction requirements. UCM products should additionally comply with applicable product safety standard(s). Examples of such standards are presented in Annex G.