Electricity is something so banal that we do not dwell on how it works. More than before, electricity is part of our daily lives. Almost every innovative gadget that appears on the market is electrically controlled to a greater or lesser extent. Consequently, this is also the case in our home. All electrical appliances are connected to an electrical installation.

To avoid accidents, the Flemish government requires these electrical installations to be inspect. This is known as the AREI inspection, an inspection according to the General Regulations on Electrical Installations (A.R.E.I.).

However, such inspection does not happen overnight. A thorough inspection definitely has its value and not least for yourself.

Why an inspection?

Defects and short circuits in an electrical system can cause fire or electrocution. That is why it is crucial to have your electrical system checked. This inspection is mandatory. This gives you peace of mind that you have a safe installation.

Today, most appliances are short-circuit protected. However: sloppiness or wear such as a bad contact in a socket have disastrous consequences. Only occasional contact between the socket and the mains plug creates spark discharge and this can fire cause.

When is an electricity inspection needed?

The law says: "Every electrical installation must be inspected by an approved inspection body in accordance with the 'Book 1 Installations at low voltage and very low voltage of the AREI'."

In human terms, this means that an inspection is required at

• commissioning (before you commission the installation)
• every major modification or extension of your already existing installation
• a reinforcement of your pre-existing connection
• the sale of a property with an old installation still in place

Our subcontractors will be happy to come and perform this inspection for you. These are all recognised inspection bodies, of course. We will gladly carry out this inspection for you! Attention: an inspection by a non-approved service is invalid! Find a list of authorised inspection bodies here.

Want to know more about the inspection, the inspection certificate, established infringements and possible re-inspection? We explain everything to you ready and clear.

Inspection

During an inspection, the inspector checks whether the electrical installation meets the requirements of the General Regulations on Electrical Installations (AREI).

An inspector or checker obviously performs a lot of tasks. But broadly speaking, he performs the following checks:

• Checking that earthing is connected
• R-measurement = measuring the grounding
• Measuring out insulation resistance (is there loss on a circuit?)
• Checking schedules against reality in the home.

The auditor will also ask you to present some documents:

• the single-wire diagrams of the electrical installation
• the situation plans of the installation
• the EAN-code

Single-wire diagrams of the electrical installation

Just what is that, such a single wire diagram?

"A single-wire diagram is a schematic representation of the essential current paths, the interconnections between them and the electrical equipment that make up the electrical installation (or part thereof), indicating its composition and characteristics."

On such a schedule, we find at least the following:

• the characteristics of electrical lines: type, cross-section and number of conductors
• the way the sections of electric cables were placed
• the type and characteristics of differential current devices
• the type and characteristics of overcurrent protection devices
• the switches
• the junction boxes
• the junction boxes
• the sockets
• the light points
• the fixed machinery and equipment

Can you hear it thundering in Cologne?

The situation plan

A situation plan is a plan showing the location of different parts of the installation.

On that plan, at least the location of following components that appear on the single-wire diagram shall be indicated:

• the switchboards
• the junction boxes
• the junction boxes
• the sockets
• the light points
• the switches
• the fixed machinery and equipment

No idea what it's about? We will be happy to guide you through it!

The EAN code

The EAN code is needed for the identification of the electrical connection. You will find this 18-digit code on your invoice. EAN means 'European Article Numbering'. Interesting to know: an EAN code is linked to a place and not to a person.

Audit completed

After an inspection, the inspection body shall issue a report on that will be delivered to you via mail or in writing.
The controlling body will keep a record of the number of cases during 5 years attach a copy of this report.

A breach established: now what?

If the inspector finds any violations of the electrical installation during his visit you need to address these shortcomings and will give you another inspection need to have it implemented.

Did you know that Vastgoedexperts provides you with a free, no-obligation quote for the regularisation of your electrical installation? If you wish, our experienced electricians will come and carry out the necessary work. They know better than anyone else what to pay extra attention to and are concerned about your safety. So you can be sure of a positive report in the event of a re-inspection. We are happy to tailor-make your quote.

Modification or extension on the electrical installation

In that case, a conformity check before commissioning necessary. This check should also be carried out by an authorised inspection body. We will gladly point you in the right direction to the right bodies.

'Major changes' include, for example, the addition of a circuit or the non-identical replacement of a distribution board.

For a 'non-significant change' or extension you make to your electrical installation, a concise description of the change or extension made is sufficient .

Non-significant changes include, for example, the addition of a socket on an existing power line or an identical replacement of an electrical component such as a board or cable.

So what is an important or non-important change? We are happy to help you find the distinction. Want to know what is needed in your situation? We will be happy to tell you during a nice introductory meeting.