[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1530},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-teaser-en":3},[4,917,1223],{"id":5,"title":6,"articleId":7,"body":8,"category":897,"date":898,"description":899,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":898,"locale":901,"meta":902,"navigation":776,"path":903,"publishDate":898,"readTime":904,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":906,"slug":907,"stem":908,"tags":909,"__hash__":916},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fdraw-situation-plan.en.md","Draw a Situation Plan: Step-by-Step Guide According to AREI\u002FRGIE","draw-situation-plan",{"type":9,"value":10,"toc":875},"minimark",[11,15,24,42,45,48,53,58,61,66,91,95,98,208,210,214,225,404,412,414,418,421,425,458,462,482,486,506,510,513,537,541,561,563,567,574,579,591,596,610,627,629,633,636,662,664,668,759,761,765,833,835,839,860,862],[12,13,6],"h1",{"id":14},"draw-a-situation-plan-step-by-step-guide-according-to-areirgie",[16,17,18,19,23],"p",{},"The situation plan (also called position plan or plan de situation) shows ",[20,21,22],"strong",{},"where exactly"," each electrical component is located in your building. Together with the single-line diagram, it is one of the two mandatory documents for every electrical installation in Belgium — without it, the inspection by the approved control body will not pass.",[25,26,27],"blockquote",{},[16,28,29,32,33,37,38,41],{},[20,30,31],{},"In brief:"," While the single-line diagram shows the ",[34,35,36],"em",{},"logical wiring"," (which switch controls which light, via which circuit), the situation plan shows the ",[34,39,40],{},"physical position"," of each component on the floor plan.",[16,43,44],{},"In this guide, you will learn how to create a standards-compliant situation plan step by step.",[46,47],"hr",{},[49,50,52],"h2",{"id":51},"step-1-prepare-the-floor-plan","Step 1: Prepare the Floor Plan",[54,55,57],"h3",{"id":56},"dimensions-and-scale","Dimensions and Scale",[16,59,60],{},"The floor plan forms the basis of your situation plan. You can take it from a construction plan or draw it yourself.",[16,62,63],{},[20,64,65],{},"Important:",[67,68,69,77,84],"ul",{},[70,71,72,73,76],"li",{},"Use a ",[20,74,75],{},"uniform scale"," (common: 1:50 or 1:100).",[70,78,79,80,83],{},"Draw all ",[20,81,82],{},"walls, doors, and windows",".",[70,85,86,87,90],{},"Mark the ",[20,88,89],{},"opening direction"," of doors (quarter circle) — this affects switch placement.",[54,92,94],{"id":93},"label-the-rooms","Label the Rooms",[16,96,97],{},"Give each room its designation and ideally its area:",[99,100,101,117],"table",{},[102,103,104],"thead",{},[105,106,107,111,114],"tr",{},[108,109,110],"th",{},"Abbreviation",[108,112,113],{},"Room",[108,115,116],{},"Typical Area",[118,119,120,132,143,154,165,176,187,198],"tbody",{},[105,121,122,126,129],{},[123,124,125],"td",{},"LR",[123,127,128],{},"Living Room",[123,130,131],{},"25–40 m²",[105,133,134,137,140],{},[123,135,136],{},"KI",[123,138,139],{},"Kitchen",[123,141,142],{},"10–20 m²",[105,144,145,148,151],{},[123,146,147],{},"BR",[123,149,150],{},"Bedroom",[123,152,153],{},"12–18 m²",[105,155,156,159,162],{},[123,157,158],{},"BA",[123,160,161],{},"Bathroom",[123,163,164],{},"5–10 m²",[105,166,167,170,173],{},[123,168,169],{},"HA",[123,171,172],{},"Hallway",[123,174,175],{},"5–15 m²",[105,177,178,181,184],{},[123,179,180],{},"GA",[123,182,183],{},"Garage",[123,185,186],{},"15–30 m²",[105,188,189,192,195],{},[123,190,191],{},"BS",[123,193,194],{},"Basement",[123,196,197],{},"variable",[105,199,200,203,206],{},[123,201,202],{},"EX",[123,204,205],{},"Exterior",[123,207,197],{},[46,209],{},[49,211,213],{"id":212},"step-2-use-areirgie-symbols","Step 2: Use AREI\u002FRGIE Symbols",[16,215,216,217,220,221,224],{},"The AREI prescribes in ",[20,218,219],{},"Table 2.23"," exactly which symbols must be used. These are based on the ",[20,222,223],{},"IEC 60617"," standard. Here are the 10 most important symbols for the situation plan:",[99,226,227,243],{},[102,228,229],{},[105,230,231,234,237,240],{},[108,232,233],{},"No.",[108,235,236],{},"Symbol",[108,238,239],{},"Description",[108,241,242],{},"Usage",[118,244,245,261,276,292,308,324,340,356,372,388],{},[105,246,247,250,253,258],{},[123,248,249],{},"1",[123,251,252],{},"⏚ Semicircle",[123,254,255],{},[20,256,257],{},"Single socket outlet",[123,259,260],{},"Mark wall position",[105,262,263,266,269,274],{},[123,264,265],{},"2",[123,267,268],{},"⏚⏚ Double semicircle",[123,270,271],{},[20,272,273],{},"Double socket outlet",[123,275,260],{},[105,277,278,281,284,289],{},[123,279,280],{},"3",[123,282,283],{},"○ with cross",[123,285,286],{},[20,287,288],{},"Ceiling light",[123,290,291],{},"Centre of room\u002Fposition",[105,293,294,297,300,305],{},[123,295,296],{},"4",[123,298,299],{},"─○ with line",[123,301,302],{},[20,303,304],{},"Wall light",[123,306,307],{},"On the wall",[105,309,310,313,316,321],{},[123,311,312],{},"5",[123,314,315],{},"Switch symbol",[123,317,318],{},[20,319,320],{},"Single-pole switch",[123,322,323],{},"Next to door (opening side)",[105,325,326,329,332,337],{},[123,327,328],{},"6",[123,330,331],{},"Switch symbol with 2 arrows",[123,333,334],{},[20,335,336],{},"Series switch",[123,338,339],{},"Controls 2 luminaires",[105,341,342,345,348,353],{},[123,343,344],{},"7",[123,346,347],{},"Switch symbol with line",[123,349,350],{},[20,351,352],{},"Two-way switch",[123,354,355],{},"Two locations, one light",[105,357,358,361,364,369],{},[123,359,360],{},"8",[123,362,363],{},"Rectangle with lightning",[123,365,366],{},[20,367,368],{},"Distribution board",[123,370,371],{},"Usually hallway\u002Futility room",[105,373,374,377,380,385],{},[123,375,376],{},"9",[123,378,379],{},"⏚ with PE",[123,381,382],{},[20,383,384],{},"Earth connection",[123,386,387],{},"Earthing point",[105,389,390,393,396,401],{},[123,391,392],{},"10",[123,394,395],{},"Circle with R",[123,397,398],{},[20,399,400],{},"Smoke detector",[123,402,403],{},"Escape routes (hallway, staircase), regionally varies",[25,405,406],{},[16,407,408,411],{},[20,409,410],{},"Tip:"," Use only the AREI\u002FRGIE symbols. Self-invented symbols will be rejected during inspection.",[46,413],{},[49,415,417],{"id":416},"step-3-draw-the-components","Step 3: Draw the Components",[16,419,420],{},"Now place the symbols on the floor plan. The following rules help with correct positioning:",[54,422,424],{"id":423},"socket-outlets","Socket Outlets",[67,426,427,434,440,446,452],{},[70,428,429,430,433],{},"Draw ",[20,431,432],{},"on the wall"," at the actual position.",[70,435,436,439],{},[20,437,438],{},"Kitchen:"," worktop at least 4 sockets, of which 2 above the counter. Dedicated sockets for oven, dishwasher, refrigerator.",[70,441,442,445],{},[20,443,444],{},"Living spaces:"," At least 1 socket per started 4 m² (practical recommendation by installer associations — the AREI does not prescribe a minimum number of sockets per area).",[70,447,448,451],{},[20,449,450],{},"Bathroom:"," Low-voltage sockets only from Zone 2 (bathtubs only, with 30mA RCD) or outside the zones. For showers, Zone 2 does not exist (Art. 7.1.3.2 Nr. 3b, Art. 7.1.5.2d).",[70,453,454,457],{},[20,455,456],{},"Outdoor:"," If an outdoor socket is installed, it must be weatherproof (IP44) and protected by a dedicated 30mA RCD.",[54,459,461],{"id":460},"switches","Switches",[67,463,464,470,476],{},[70,465,466,469],{},[20,467,468],{},"Next to the door"," on the opening side, approximately 105 cm height (practical recommendation — the AREI does not prescribe a specific switch height, but requires 'easily accessible').",[70,471,472,475],{},[20,473,474],{},"Two-way switches"," for rooms with multiple entrances or at the top\u002Fbottom of stairs.",[70,477,478,479,83],{},"Connect switches and associated luminaires with a ",[20,480,481],{},"dashed line",[54,483,485],{"id":484},"lighting-points","Lighting Points",[67,487,488,494,500],{},[70,489,490,493],{},[20,491,492],{},"Ceiling lights"," in the centre of the room or at the planned position.",[70,495,496,499],{},[20,497,498],{},"Wall lights"," at the wall position.",[70,501,502,503,83],{},"Every room needs at least ",[20,504,505],{},"one lighting point",[54,507,509],{"id":508},"smoke-detectors","Smoke Detectors",[16,511,512],{},"Mandatory under Belgian fire safety legislation (varies by region):",[67,514,515,522,528,534],{},[70,516,517,518,521],{},"In ",[20,519,520],{},"Flanders:"," Mandatory in escape routes (hallways, staircases); recommended but not required in bedrooms.",[70,523,517,524,527],{},[20,525,526],{},"Wallonia and Brussels",", separate regulations apply.",[70,529,530,533],{},[20,531,532],{},"Hallways and staircases"," — at least one smoke detector per floor.",[70,535,536],{},"In the kitchen optional (heat detector preferred to avoid false alarms).",[54,538,540],{"id":539},"special-consumers","Special Consumers",[67,542,543,549,555],{},[70,544,545,548],{},[20,546,547],{},"EV charger"," (electric vehicle): garage or exterior wall, dedicated circuit.",[70,550,551,554],{},[20,552,553],{},"Water heater\u002FBoiler:"," Dedicated circuit, mark the position.",[70,556,557,560],{},[20,558,559],{},"Heat pump\u002FAir conditioning:"," Mark outdoor unit + indoor unit.",[46,562],{},[49,564,566],{"id":565},"step-4-assign-circuit-numbers","Step 4: Assign Circuit Numbers",[16,568,569,570,573],{},"Each component on the situation plan receives the ",[20,571,572],{},"same circuit number"," as in the single-line diagram. This is essential for identification during inspection.",[16,575,576],{},[20,577,578],{},"How it works:",[580,581,582,585,588],"ol",{},[70,583,584],{},"Number your circuits in the single-line diagram (1, 2, 3, ...).",[70,586,587],{},"Write the number next to each component on the situation plan.",[70,589,590],{},"Use consistent notation: e.g., \"C1\" for circuit 1 or simply \"1\".",[16,592,593],{},[20,594,595],{},"Example:",[67,597,598,601,604,607],{},[70,599,600],{},"Circuit 1: Ground floor lighting → All ground floor luminaires get \"1\".",[70,602,603],{},"Circuit 2: Living room sockets → All living room sockets get \"2\".",[70,605,606],{},"Circuit 3: Kitchen sockets → All kitchen sockets get \"3\".",[70,608,609],{},"Circuit 4: Dedicated oven → One socket with \"4\".",[25,611,612,621],{},[16,613,614,616,617,620],{},[20,615,65],{}," The numbers must match ",[20,618,619],{},"exactly"," between the single-line diagram and the situation plan. Inconsistencies are one of the most common reasons for remarks during inspection.",[16,622,623,626],{},[20,624,625],{},"Documentation requirement:"," Art. 9.1.2 Nr. 1 (single-line diagram) and Art. 9.1.2 Nr. 2 (situation plan).",[46,628],{},[49,630,632],{"id":631},"step-5-legend-and-labelling","Step 5: Legend and Labelling",[16,634,635],{},"Complete your plan with:",[67,637,638,644,650,656],{},[70,639,640,643],{},[20,641,642],{},"Legend"," with all symbols used and their meaning.",[70,645,646,649],{},[20,647,648],{},"Title block"," (cartouche) with: owner's name, address, date, plan creator, scale.",[70,651,652,655],{},[20,653,654],{},"North arrow"," (optional, but helpful).",[70,657,658,661],{},[20,659,660],{},"Floor indication"," for multi-storey buildings (one plan per floor).",[46,663],{},[49,665,667],{"id":666},"common-mistakes","Common Mistakes",[99,669,670,683],{},[102,671,672],{},[105,673,674,677,680],{},[108,675,676],{},"Mistake",[108,678,679],{},"Consequence",[108,681,682],{},"Solution",[118,684,685,696,707,718,728,739,749],{},[105,686,687,690,693],{},[123,688,689],{},"Missing smoke detectors",[123,691,692],{},"Inspection failed",[123,694,695],{},"Min. 1 per floor in escape routes (varies by region)",[105,697,698,701,704],{},[123,699,700],{},"Outdoor socket not compliant",[123,702,703],{},"Remark, if present but non-compliant",[123,705,706],{},"If installed: IP44, dedicated 30mA RCD. A missing outdoor socket is not a fail reason",[105,708,709,712,715],{},[123,710,711],{},"Missing labels \u002F circuit numbers",[123,713,714],{},"Remark",[123,716,717],{},"Number every component",[105,719,720,723,725],{},[123,721,722],{},"Wrong symbols",[123,724,714],{},[123,726,727],{},"Use only AREI Table 2.23",[105,729,730,733,736],{},[123,731,732],{},"Switch on wrong side of door",[123,734,735],{},"Impractical (not an AREI violation)",[123,737,738],{},"Check opening direction",[105,740,741,744,746],{},[123,742,743],{},"Bathroom socket in Zone 0 or 1",[123,745,692],{},[123,747,748],{},"Sockets only from Zone 2 (bathtub) or outside the zones (shower) (Art. 7.1.5.2c\u002Fd)",[105,750,751,754,756],{},[123,752,753],{},"No legend",[123,755,714],{},[123,757,758],{},"Include symbol table",[46,760],{},[49,762,764],{"id":763},"checklist-before-submission","Checklist Before Submission",[67,766,769,779,785,791,797,803,809,815,821,827],{"className":767},[768],"contains-task-list",[70,770,773,778],{"className":771},[772],"task-list-item",[774,775],"input",{"disabled":776,"type":777},true,"checkbox"," All rooms labelled",[70,780,782,784],{"className":781},[772],[774,783],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," All sockets, switches, lighting points drawn",[70,786,788,790],{"className":787},[772],[774,789],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Smoke detectors in escape routes (min. 1 per floor, varies by region)",[70,792,794,796],{"className":793},[772],[774,795],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Outdoor sockets, if installed, compliant (IP44, dedicated 30mA RCD)",[70,798,800,802],{"className":799},[772],[774,801],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Circuit numbers on every component",[70,804,806,808],{"className":805},[772],[774,807],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Numbers match the single-line diagram",[70,810,812,814],{"className":811},[772],[774,813],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," AREI symbols used (Table 2.23)",[70,816,818,820],{"className":817},[772],[774,819],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Legend present",[70,822,824,826],{"className":823},[772],[774,825],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," Title block with name, address, date",[70,828,830,832],{"className":829},[772],[774,831],{"disabled":776,"type":777}," One plan per floor",[46,834],{},[49,836,838],{"id":837},"related-articles","Related Articles",[67,840,841,848,854],{},[70,842,843],{},[844,845,847],"a",{"href":846},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-is-single-line-diagram","What Is a Single-Line Diagram?",[70,849,850],{},[844,851,853],{"href":852},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-inspection","Electrical Inspection in Belgium",[70,855,856],{},[844,857,859],{"href":858},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fdistribution-board-planning-guide","Distribution Board Planning: Layout and Sizing",[46,861],{},[16,863,864],{},[34,865,866,867,870,871],{},"With ",[20,868,869],{},"PlanElec",", create your situation plan directly from the floor plan — draw rooms, drag and drop devices, AREI symbols are used automatically. ",[844,872,874],{"href":873},"\u002F","Try for free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":878},"",2,[879,884,885,892,893,894,895,896],{"id":51,"depth":877,"text":52,"children":880},[881,883],{"id":56,"depth":882,"text":57},3,{"id":93,"depth":882,"text":94},{"id":212,"depth":877,"text":213},{"id":416,"depth":877,"text":417,"children":886},[887,888,889,890,891],{"id":423,"depth":882,"text":424},{"id":460,"depth":882,"text":461},{"id":484,"depth":882,"text":485},{"id":508,"depth":882,"text":509},{"id":539,"depth":882,"text":540},{"id":565,"depth":877,"text":566},{"id":631,"depth":877,"text":632},{"id":666,"depth":877,"text":667},{"id":763,"depth":877,"text":764},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"guide","2026-03-30","Complete guide to creating an AREI\u002FRGIE-compliant situation plan. From floor plan preparation to AREI symbols to the finished drawing.","md","en",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fdraw-situation-plan.en","8 min",12,{"title":6,"description":899},"draw-situation-plan-guide","blog\u002Fdraw-situation-plan.en",[910,911,912,897,913,914,915],"situation plan","AREI","symbols","drawing","electrical plan","floor plan","OnIT3y4v8bkN1c21nJzgibxhZsBL8fX__6YUoqGuORc",{"id":918,"title":919,"articleId":920,"body":921,"category":1207,"date":1208,"description":1209,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":1208,"locale":901,"meta":1210,"navigation":776,"path":1211,"publishDate":1208,"readTime":1212,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":1213,"slug":920,"stem":1214,"tags":1215,"__hash__":1222},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fpreflex-vs-open-wiring.en.md","Preflex vs. Open Wiring: Which Cable Method for Your Project?","preflex-vs-open-wiring",{"type":9,"value":922,"toc":1198},[923,927,933,937,940,944,1059,1063,1083,1087,1107,1111,1130,1137,1141,1161,1163,1165,1185,1187],[12,924,926],{"id":925},"preflex-vs-open-wiring-which-method-suits-your-project","Preflex vs. Open Wiring: Which Method Suits Your Project?",[16,928,929,932],{},[20,930,931],{},"Short answer:"," Preflex is a pre-assembled conduit with cables already pulled through — ideal for new builds, where it is cast directly into concrete. Open wiring (e.g., XVB surface-mounted or in cable trunking) is better suited for renovations, where conduits are difficult to retrofit.",[49,934,936],{"id":935},"what-is-preflex","What Is Preflex?",[16,938,939],{},"Preflex is a flexible corrugated tube (conduit) with the appropriate cables already pulled through at the factory. In Belgium, this method is extremely popular for new construction: the conduits are laid during the shell construction phase on the concrete slab or in the screed, then cast in. This way, cables are fully protected and can be replaced later if needed.",[49,941,943],{"id":942},"comparison-preflex-safe-vs-standard-preflex-vs-open-wiring","Comparison: Preflex Safe vs. Standard Preflex vs. Open Wiring",[99,945,946,962],{},[102,947,948],{},[105,949,950,953,956,959],{},[108,951,952],{},"Criterion",[108,954,955],{},"Preflex Safe",[108,957,958],{},"Standard Preflex",[108,960,961],{},"Open Wiring (XVB)",[118,963,964,980,996,1012,1027,1043],{},[105,965,966,971,974,977],{},[123,967,968],{},[20,969,970],{},"Sheath",[123,972,973],{},"Halogen-free (LSOH)",[123,975,976],{},"Standard PVC",[123,978,979],{},"No conduit, cable direct",[105,981,982,987,990,993],{},[123,983,984],{},[20,985,986],{},"CPR fire class",[123,988,989],{},"Cca-s1,d1,a1 (cable in conduit)",[123,991,992],{},"Eca (cable in conduit; the CPR class refers to the cable, not the conduit itself)",[123,994,995],{},"XVB with CPR marking Cca-s1,d2,a1 (required for new installations in certain installation methods; older stock may still be classified as Eca)",[105,997,998,1003,1006,1009],{},[123,999,1000],{},[20,1001,1002],{},"Application",[123,1004,1005],{},"New build, public buildings",[123,1007,1008],{},"New build residential",[123,1010,1011],{},"Renovation, surface mount",[105,1013,1014,1019,1022,1024],{},[123,1015,1016],{},[20,1017,1018],{},"Cable replacement",[123,1020,1021],{},"Yes",[123,1023,1021],{},[123,1025,1026],{},"No (permanently installed)",[105,1028,1029,1034,1037,1040],{},[123,1030,1031],{},[20,1032,1033],{},"Cost",[123,1035,1036],{},"Highest",[123,1038,1039],{},"Medium",[123,1041,1042],{},"Lowest",[105,1044,1045,1050,1053,1056],{},[123,1046,1047],{},[20,1048,1049],{},"AREI compliance",[123,1051,1052],{},"All applications",[123,1054,1055],{},"Residential allowed",[123,1057,1058],{},"All applications (if cable type correct)",[49,1060,1062],{"id":1061},"advantages-of-preflex","Advantages of Preflex",[67,1064,1065,1071,1077],{},[70,1066,1067,1070],{},[20,1068,1069],{},"Clean installation:"," No visible cables, everything is concealed or cast in.",[70,1072,1073,1076],{},[20,1074,1075],{},"Future-proof:"," Cables can be replaced or added later without breaking open walls.",[70,1078,1079,1082],{},[20,1080,1081],{},"Protection:"," The conduit protects against mechanical damage.",[49,1084,1086],{"id":1085},"disadvantages-of-preflex","Disadvantages of Preflex",[67,1088,1089,1095,1101],{},[70,1090,1091,1094],{},[20,1092,1093],{},"More expensive"," than direct cable installation (materials + labour).",[70,1096,1097,1100],{},[20,1098,1099],{},"Only practical for new builds\u002Fmajor renovations"," — difficult to retrofit in simple renovations.",[70,1102,1103,1106],{},[20,1104,1105],{},"Bending radii"," must be respected: tight curves make future cable pulling difficult.",[49,1108,1110],{"id":1109},"what-does-the-areirgie-say","What Does the AREI\u002FRGIE Say?",[16,1112,1113,1114,1117,1118,1121,1122,1125,1126,1129],{},"The AREI does not prescribe a specific installation method — both are permitted. What matters is the ",[20,1115,1116],{},"fire reaction class"," (CPR regulation): individually installed cables require at least ",[20,1119,1120],{},"Eca"," (Art. 5.2.7.2). In ",[20,1123,1124],{},"bundles, hollow walls, and building cavities",", at least ",[20,1127,1128],{},"Cca"," is required (Art. 5.2.7.3, Art. 4.3.3.5b). Note: timber-framed walls (common in renovations) count as building cavities!",[16,1131,1132,1133,1136],{},"The conduit may be filled to a maximum of ",[20,1134,1135],{},"40%"," with cables (general installation rule per trade standards), so that future cable pulling remains possible.",[49,1138,1140],{"id":1139},"when-to-use-which-method","When to Use Which Method?",[67,1142,1143,1149,1155],{},[70,1144,1145,1148],{},[20,1146,1147],{},"New build"," → Preflex (Safe for highest fire protection)",[70,1150,1151,1154],{},[20,1152,1153],{},"Renovation"," → XVB cable in trunking or surface-mounted",[70,1156,1157,1160],{},[20,1158,1159],{},"Partial renovation"," → Combination possible (new circuits in Preflex, existing ones kept)",[46,1162],{},[49,1164,838],{"id":837},[67,1166,1167,1173,1179],{},[70,1168,1169],{},[844,1170,1172],{"href":1171},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Farei-2026-changes","What Changes with the AREI 2026?",[70,1174,1175],{},[844,1176,1178],{"href":1177},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fbathroom-cables-arei-zones","Bathroom Electrics: Zones and Cable Types",[70,1180,1181],{},[844,1182,1184],{"href":1183},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fold-building-arei-part-8","Old Buildings and AREI Part 8",[46,1186],{},[16,1188,1189],{},[34,1190,1191,1192,1194,1195],{},"Plan your electrical installation to code with ",[20,1193,869],{}," — whether it's a new build with Preflex or a renovation with open wiring. Our tool automatically creates the appropriate single-line diagram and situation plan. ",[844,1196,1197],{"href":873},"Start for free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":1199},[1200,1201,1202,1203,1204,1205,1206],{"id":935,"depth":877,"text":936},{"id":942,"depth":877,"text":943},{"id":1061,"depth":877,"text":1062},{"id":1085,"depth":877,"text":1086},{"id":1109,"depth":877,"text":1110},{"id":1139,"depth":877,"text":1140},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"faq","2026-03-27","Comparison of Preflex conduit systems and open cable installation in Belgium. Advantages, disadvantages, and AREI\u002FRGIE fire safety classes at a glance.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fpreflex-vs-open-wiring.en","3 min",{"title":919,"description":1209},"blog\u002Fpreflex-vs-open-wiring.en",[1216,1217,1218,1219,911,1220,1221],"preflex","wiring","new build","renovation","fire safety","XVB","5nT_OFwYA6MxQEZqYWSkLzdfJ5dHEqCKpd_JLK-OqJA",{"id":1224,"title":1225,"articleId":1226,"body":1227,"category":1207,"date":1515,"description":1516,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":1515,"locale":901,"meta":1517,"navigation":776,"path":1518,"publishDate":1515,"readTime":1519,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":1520,"slug":1226,"stem":1521,"tags":1522,"__hash__":1529},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Frcd-type-a-vs-b.en.md","RCD Type A vs. Type B: When Do I Need Which?","rcd-type-a-vs-b",{"type":9,"value":1228,"toc":1506},[1229,1232,1238,1242,1341,1345,1352,1372,1376,1379,1399,1403,1449,1453,1456,1476,1479,1483,1495,1497],[12,1230,1225],{"id":1231},"rcd-type-a-vs-type-b-when-do-i-need-which",[16,1233,1234,1237],{},[20,1235,1236],{},"The AREI prescribes at least an RCD Type A as the minimum."," Type B is required when smooth DC fault currents can occur — typically with EV chargers without an integrated DC fault current sensor or heat pumps with a frequency inverter. Choosing the correct RCD type is critical for safety and inspection compliance.",[49,1239,1241],{"id":1240},"overview-of-all-rcd-types","Overview of All RCD Types",[99,1243,1244,1259],{},[102,1245,1246],{},[105,1247,1248,1251,1254,1256],{},[108,1249,1250],{},"Type",[108,1252,1253],{},"Detects",[108,1255,1002],{},[108,1257,1258],{},"Price (approx.)",[118,1260,1261,1277,1293,1309,1325],{},[105,1262,1263,1268,1271,1274],{},[123,1264,1265],{},[20,1266,1267],{},"AC",[123,1269,1270],{},"Only pure AC fault currents",[123,1272,1273],{},"Obsolete, no longer permitted for new installations",[123,1275,1276],{},"~€25–40",[105,1278,1279,1284,1287,1290],{},[123,1280,1281],{},[20,1282,1283],{},"A",[123,1285,1286],{},"AC + pulsating DC fault currents",[123,1288,1289],{},"Standard for residential use",[123,1291,1292],{},"~€40–60",[105,1294,1295,1300,1303,1306],{},[123,1296,1297],{},[20,1298,1299],{},"A-SI",[123,1301,1302],{},"Same as Type A, selective (time-delayed)",[123,1304,1305],{},"Main RCD (300 mA), prevents cascade tripping",[123,1307,1308],{},"~€80–120",[105,1310,1311,1316,1319,1322],{},[123,1312,1313],{},[20,1314,1315],{},"B",[123,1317,1318],{},"All fault currents including smooth DC",[123,1320,1321],{},"EV charger, heat pump with inverter",[123,1323,1324],{},"~€150–250",[105,1326,1327,1332,1335,1338],{},[123,1328,1329],{},[20,1330,1331],{},"F",[123,1333,1334],{},"Same as A + frequency-controlled fault currents",[123,1336,1337],{},"Variable-frequency drives (motors)",[123,1339,1340],{},"~€100–180",[49,1342,1344],{"id":1343},"when-is-type-b-required","When Is Type B Required?",[16,1346,1347,1348,1351],{},"Type B is necessary when a device can generate ",[20,1349,1350],{},"smooth DC fault currents",". This primarily applies to:",[67,1353,1354,1360,1366],{},[70,1355,1356,1359],{},[20,1357,1358],{},"EV charger (charging station) without integrated DC fault current sensor:"," Simple charging stations without 6 mA DC detection require a Type B RCD",[70,1361,1362,1365],{},[20,1363,1364],{},"Heat pump with inverter (frequency converter):"," The frequency converter can generate DC fault currents",[70,1367,1368,1371],{},[20,1369,1370],{},"PV inverter without transformer:"," Transformerless inverters can feed DC components into the grid",[49,1373,1375],{"id":1374},"when-is-type-a-sufficient","When Is Type A Sufficient?",[16,1377,1378],{},"Type A is sufficient for:",[67,1380,1381,1387,1393],{},[70,1382,1383,1386],{},[20,1384,1385],{},"EV charger WITH integrated DC fault current sensor (6 mA):"," The AREI (Art. 7.22.4) requires Type B or equivalent (e.g., Type A + RDC-DD). A simple Type A alone is not sufficient for an EV charger — the charger must have an integrated DC 6 mA sensor that detects DC fault currents from 6 mA and interrupts charging",[70,1388,1389,1392],{},[20,1390,1391],{},"Normal household appliances:"," Washing machine, dishwasher, cooktop, lighting",[70,1394,1395,1398],{},[20,1396,1397],{},"Socket circuits:"," Standard 30 mA RCD Type A",[49,1400,1402],{"id":1401},"arei-requirements","AREI Requirements",[99,1404,1405,1415],{},[102,1406,1407],{},[105,1408,1409,1412],{},[108,1410,1411],{},"AREI Article",[108,1413,1414],{},"Requirement",[118,1416,1417,1425,1433,1441],{},[105,1418,1419,1422],{},[123,1420,1421],{},"Art. 4.2.4.3",[123,1423,1424],{},"RCD is mandatory for every circuit (TT system)",[105,1426,1427,1430],{},[123,1428,1429],{},"Art. 4.2.4.3_b",[123,1431,1432],{},"Maximum 8 final circuits per 30 mA RCD",[105,1434,1435,1438],{},[123,1436,1437],{},"Art. 5.3.5.3_a",[123,1439,1440],{},"Residual-current devices in residential installations must be at least Type A; at the feed point at least 40 A rated current",[105,1442,1443,1446],{},[123,1444,1445],{},"Art. 7.22",[123,1447,1448],{},"EV charger: Dedicated circuit with appropriate RCD",[49,1450,1452],{"id":1451},"ensuring-selectivity","Ensuring Selectivity",[16,1454,1455],{},"For correct selectivity, the installation should be structured as follows:",[580,1457,1458,1464,1470],{},[70,1459,1460,1463],{},[20,1461,1462],{},"Main RCD:"," 300 mA, Type A-SI (selective, time-delayed)",[70,1465,1466,1469],{},[20,1467,1468],{},"Group RCDs:"," 30 mA, Type A (for normal circuits)",[70,1471,1472,1475],{},[20,1473,1474],{},"Special RCD:"," 30 mA, Type B (for EV charger\u002Fheat pump, if no DC sensor present)",[16,1477,1478],{},"This way, in case of a fault, only the responsible group RCD trips, not the main RCD — the rest of the installation remains operational.",[49,1480,1482],{"id":1481},"price-difference-and-recommendation","Price Difference and Recommendation",[16,1484,1485,1486,1490,1491,1494],{},"The price difference between Type A (",[1487,1488,1489],"del",{},"€40–60) and Type B (","€150–250) is substantial. Therefore, always first check whether your EV charger or heat pump has an ",[20,1492,1493],{},"integrated DC fault current sensor",". If so, a less expensive Type A RCD is sufficient. The manufacturer's documentation provides this information.",[49,1496,838],{"id":837},[16,1498,1499,1500,1505],{},"Plan your protection devices to code with ",[844,1501,869],{"href":1502,"rel":1503},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.planelec.be",[1504],"nofollow"," — automatic RCD type recommendation included.",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":1507},[1508,1509,1510,1511,1512,1513,1514],{"id":1240,"depth":877,"text":1241},{"id":1343,"depth":877,"text":1344},{"id":1374,"depth":877,"text":1375},{"id":1401,"depth":877,"text":1402},{"id":1451,"depth":877,"text":1452},{"id":1481,"depth":877,"text":1482},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"2026-03-25","Comparison of all RCD types (AC, A, A-SI, B, F) for Belgian electrical installations according to AREI\u002FRGIE standards.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Frcd-type-a-vs-b.en","5 min",{"title":1225,"description":1516},"blog\u002Frcd-type-a-vs-b.en",[1523,1524,1525,1526,1527,1528],"rcd","residual-current-device","type-a","type-b","arei","ev-charger","bXBWLPTkBe8x5MQGHq7LQQWrhjZYzAIpnJrDY4nBig4",1775151655476]