Which changes are important for you in the new AREI?
On 28 October 2019, the Royal Decree of 8 September 2019 was published, establishing Book 1 on low-voltage and extra-low-voltage electrical installations, Book 2 on high-voltage electrical installations and Book 3 on installations for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. The actual Decree is preceded by 9 pages of Report to the King and by Opinion 65.788/3 of the Council of State on the draft Decree. The Decree enters into force on 1 June 2020.
You can find the link to the full Decree here.
Result: 3 books
The Decree itself consists of 20 articles and 4 annexes. The new Regulations will consist of three books:
- Annex 1: Book 1 - Low-voltage and extra-low-voltage electrical installations (AC ≤ 1,000 V and DC ≤ 1,500 V): domestic and non-domestic installations
- Annex 2: Book 2 - High-voltage electrical installations (AC > 1,000 V and DC > 1,500 V): non-domestic installations
- Annex 3: Book 3 - Installations for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy (grid operator)
Result: 9 parts per book
- General provisions for electrical equipment and electrical installations
- Concepts and definitions
- Determination of the general characteristics of electrical installations
- Protective measures
- Selection and use of equipment
- Inspection of installations
- Provisions for special installations and premises
- Special provisions concerning existing electrical installations
- General provisions to be observed by persons
Result: 4 concordance tables
- Annex 4: Concordance tables - 3 for the concordance from the new books to the old AREI, 1 for the concordance from the old AREI to the new books.
Content changes
- Revision of the precautionary measures against fire (current art. 104), in response to problems arising in practice;
- Amendment of the provisions concerning the content of diagrams and plans, external influences, overhead lines, the inspection of electrical installations, …
- Integration of the existing ministerial implementing decrees of the current AREI
Objectives
The intended objectives of the draft of a new AREI are:
- Improve and increase the readability of the regulations;
- Make the regulations more adaptable;
- Direct the thematic regulations towards their target audience;
- Align the structure of the regulations with the relevant international and European standards.
28/10/2019
Source: Wolters Kluwer, Vinçotte