Dealing With The Y2K Problem In German Nuclear Facilities

The number of computer systems used in nuclear facilities has rapidly increased on the past. The electronic control systems on the highest safety level in German nuclear power plants are still a fixed wired systems. But due to microprocessor based intelligence of some equipment, the Y2k compliance in the area if safety systems is not given like it seems to be at first glance. The commercial and operational systems, the MC&A and the physical protection system strongly depend on computers and software based intelligence. it is obvious that the Y2k bug could result in serious consequences and the potential influences in safety security have to be analyzed. This paper will describe the general situation in Germany, the organization of the compliance proof procedure and the experience from the test practice. This paper does not contain data processing specific information concerning the Y2k problem.