[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":5271},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-posts-en":3},[4,917,1223,1530,1724,2017,2237,2491,2750,2979,3371,3621,3806,4214,4492,4925],{"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",{"id":1531,"title":1532,"articleId":1533,"body":1534,"category":1207,"date":1710,"description":1711,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":1710,"locale":901,"meta":1712,"navigation":776,"path":1713,"publishDate":1710,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":1715,"slug":1716,"stem":1717,"tags":1718,"__hash__":1723},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fmain-switch-mandatory.en.md","Main Switch Mandatory: What Does the AREI Require?","main-switch-mandatory",{"type":9,"value":1535,"toc":1702},[1536,1539,1545,1549,1552,1584,1588,1623,1627,1630,1644,1648,1655,1658,1675,1679,1686,1693,1695],[12,1537,1532],{"id":1538},"main-switch-mandatory-what-does-the-arei-require",[16,1540,1541,1544],{},[20,1542,1543],{},"Yes, a main switch is mandatory in Belgium."," According to AREI Art. 5.3.5.1b, every main distribution and switchgear assembly must have an all-pole main load-break switch capable of simultaneously disconnecting all line conductors and, where applicable, the neutral conductor. For domestic installations, the AREI requires a rated current of at least 40 A (Art. 5.3.5.1b); the general minimum is 25 A. In practice, a load-break switch (interrupteur-sectionneur) is used as the main switch. Unlike a plain isolator, it may be switched under load.",[49,1546,1548],{"id":1547},"requirements-for-the-main-switch","Requirements for the Main Switch",[16,1550,1551],{},"The main switch must meet the following conditions:",[67,1553,1554,1560,1566,1572,1578],{},[70,1555,1556,1559],{},[20,1557,1558],{},"All-pole:"," For single-phase connections, 2-pole (phase + neutral); for three-phase connections, 4-pole (3 phases + neutral)",[70,1561,1562,1565],{},[20,1563,1564],{},"Rated current at least 40 A"," for domestic installations (Art. 5.3.5.1b), matched to the specific installation",[70,1567,1568,1571],{},[20,1569,1570],{},"Disconnect the entire installation:"," A single operation must separate all active conductors",[70,1573,1574,1577],{},[20,1575,1576],{},"Easily accessible:"," Max. 1.80 m operating height (practical guideline from inspection bodies — the AREI requires 'easily accessible and reachable from the living area' but does not specify an exact height)",[70,1579,1580,1583],{},[20,1581,1582],{},"At the entrance of the installation:"," Before the distribution board, as the first switching device after the meter",[49,1585,1587],{"id":1586},"arei-articles","AREI Articles",[99,1589,1590,1598],{},[102,1591,1592],{},[105,1593,1594,1596],{},[108,1595,1411],{},[108,1597,1414],{},[118,1599,1600,1608,1615],{},[105,1601,1602,1605],{},[123,1603,1604],{},"Art. 5.3.5.1b",[123,1606,1607],{},"Main load-break switch is mandatory, all-pole, at the main distribution and switchgear assembly",[105,1609,1610,1612],{},[123,1611,1604],{},[123,1613,1614],{},"Rated current at least 40 A for domestic installations, matched to the specific installation",[105,1616,1617,1620],{},[123,1618,1619],{},"Art. 5.3.5.1c",[123,1621,1622],{},"Distribution and switchgear assemblies must be easily accessible and operable",[49,1624,1626],{"id":1625},"why-is-the-main-switch-so-important","Why Is the Main Switch So Important?",[16,1628,1629],{},"The main switch fulfils two central functions:",[580,1631,1632,1638],{},[70,1633,1634,1637],{},[20,1635,1636],{},"Emergency disconnection:"," In an emergency (fire, flooding, electric shock), any occupant must be able to disconnect the entire installation with a single action — even without electrical expertise.",[70,1639,1640,1643],{},[20,1641,1642],{},"Maintenance:"," For work on the electrical installation, the entire system must be safely disconnectable.",[49,1645,1647],{"id":1646},"common-inspection-deficiency","Common Inspection Deficiency",[16,1649,1650,1651,1654],{},"A missing or incorrectly rated main switch is one of the ",[20,1652,1653],{},"most common deficiencies found during electrical inspection (keuring)"," in Belgium. Especially in older installations, it is often entirely absent, or only a single-pole switch is installed that does not disconnect the neutral.",[16,1656,1657],{},"Typical deficiencies:",[67,1659,1660,1663,1666,1669,1672],{},[70,1661,1662],{},"No main switch present",[70,1664,1665],{},"Single-pole instead of all-pole",[70,1667,1668],{},"Rated current below 40 A in a domestic installation",[70,1670,1671],{},"Mounted too high (not easily accessible)",[70,1673,1674],{},"Not easily accessible (behind furniture, in a locked room)",[49,1676,1678],{"id":1677},"main-switch-vs-main-circuit-breaker","Main Switch vs. Main Circuit Breaker",[16,1680,1681,1682,1685],{},"The main switch is ",[20,1683,1684],{},"not a circuit breaker"," — it has no overcurrent protection function. It serves exclusively as a disconnector. Overcurrent protection is provided by the grid operator (fuse before the meter) and the downstream circuit breakers in the distribution board.",[16,1687,1688,1689,1692],{},"However, a ",[20,1690,1691],{},"main circuit breaker"," (e.g., 40 A) can combine both functions: disconnection and overcurrent protection.",[49,1694,838],{"id":837},[16,1696,1697,1698,1701],{},"Plan your distribution board to code with ",[844,1699,869],{"href":1502,"rel":1700},[1504]," — main switch verification automatically integrated.",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":1703},[1704,1705,1706,1707,1708,1709],{"id":1547,"depth":877,"text":1548},{"id":1586,"depth":877,"text":1587},{"id":1625,"depth":877,"text":1626},{"id":1646,"depth":877,"text":1647},{"id":1677,"depth":877,"text":1678},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"2026-03-23","Why a main switch is mandatory in Belgium and what requirements AREI Art. 5.3.5.1b imposes.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fmain-switch-mandatory.en","4 min",{"title":1532,"description":1711},"main-switch-mandatory-arei","blog\u002Fmain-switch-mandatory.en",[1719,1527,1720,1721,1722],"main-switch","mandatory","distribution-board","inspection","9yhxuZFtpBUE3zuo1_vlv1ThJhmIcg7aX9JK72gQH3M",{"id":1725,"title":1726,"articleId":1727,"body":1728,"category":1207,"date":2004,"description":2005,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":2004,"locale":901,"meta":2006,"navigation":776,"path":2007,"publishDate":2004,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":2008,"slug":2009,"stem":2010,"tags":2011,"__hash__":2016},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fearthing-tt-vs-tns.en.md","Earthing in Belgium: TT vs. TN-S System Explained","earthing-tt-vs-tns",{"type":9,"value":1729,"toc":1994},[1730,1734,1740,1744,1751,1755,1762,1766,1874,1876,1934,1938,1953,1956,1967,1971,1978,1982,1985,1987],[12,1731,1733],{"id":1732},"earthing-in-belgium-tt-vs-tn-s","Earthing in Belgium: TT vs. TN-S",[16,1735,1736,1739],{},[20,1737,1738],{},"In Belgium, the TT system is the standard for residential installations."," Each building has its own earth electrode (earth rod), which provides earthing independently from the distribution network. The TN-S system, where the protective conductor is supplied by the grid operator, is mainly used in new constructions and industrial buildings.",[49,1741,1743],{"id":1742},"what-is-a-tt-system","What Is a TT System?",[16,1745,1746,1747,1750],{},"In the TT system (Terra-Terra), the distribution network has its own earth electrode at the transformer, and the consumer installation has a ",[20,1748,1749],{},"separate, local earth electrode"," (typically an earth rod or foundation earth). The protective conductor (PE) is not connected to the network neutral.",[49,1752,1754],{"id":1753},"what-is-a-tn-s-system","What Is a TN-S System?",[16,1756,1757,1758,1761],{},"In the TN-S system (Terra-Neutral-Separate), the protective conductor (PE) is routed by the grid operator from the transformer ",[20,1759,1760],{},"separately from the neutral (N)",". Earthing is achieved through the network connection, not through a local earth electrode.",[49,1763,1765],{"id":1764},"comparison-table","Comparison Table",[99,1767,1768,1781],{},[102,1769,1770],{},[105,1771,1772,1775,1778],{},[108,1773,1774],{},"Property",[108,1776,1777],{},"TT System",[108,1779,1780],{},"TN-S System",[118,1782,1783,1796,1809,1822,1835,1848,1861],{},[105,1784,1785,1790,1793],{},[123,1786,1787],{},[20,1788,1789],{},"Earthing source",[123,1791,1792],{},"Own earth rod\u002Ffoundation earth",[123,1794,1795],{},"Protective conductor from grid operator",[105,1797,1798,1803,1806],{},[123,1799,1800],{},[20,1801,1802],{},"Prevalence in Belgium",[123,1804,1805],{},"Standard (existing + new)",[123,1807,1808],{},"New builds, industrial",[105,1810,1811,1816,1819],{},[123,1812,1813],{},[20,1814,1815],{},"RCD mandatory",[123,1817,1818],{},"300 mA main RCD + 30 mA group RCDs for sockets\u002Fspecial rooms (Art. 4.2.4.3)",[123,1820,1821],{},"Since AREI 2020: 30 mA RCD for socket circuits also mandatory (Art. 4.2.4.3)",[105,1823,1824,1829,1832],{},[123,1825,1826],{},[20,1827,1828],{},"Earth resistance",[123,1830,1831],{},"Max. 100 Ohm absolute limit (Art. 4.2.3.2); 30 Ohm is regulatory threshold (Art. 4.2.4.3_b) — if exceeded, additional RCDs required",[123,1833,1834],{},"Guaranteed by grid operator",[105,1836,1837,1842,1845],{},[123,1838,1839],{},[20,1840,1841],{},"Advantage",[123,1843,1844],{},"Independent from the grid",[123,1846,1847],{},"More reliable earthing",[105,1849,1850,1855,1858],{},[123,1851,1852],{},[20,1853,1854],{},"Disadvantage",[123,1856,1857],{},"Earth rod must be maintained",[123,1859,1860],{},"Dependent on grid operator",[105,1862,1863,1868,1871],{},[123,1864,1865],{},[20,1866,1867],{},"Fault current disconnection",[123,1869,1870],{},"Only via RCD",[123,1872,1873],{},"Also via breaker",[49,1875,1402],{"id":1401},[99,1877,1878,1886],{},[102,1879,1880],{},[105,1881,1882,1884],{},[108,1883,1411],{},[108,1885,1414],{},[118,1887,1888,1896,1903,1911,1919,1926],{},[105,1889,1890,1893],{},[123,1891,1892],{},"Art. 4.2.3.2",[123,1894,1895],{},"Earth resistance in residential installations must be below 100 Ohm (absolute limit)",[105,1897,1898,1900],{},[123,1899,1429],{},[123,1901,1902],{},"30 Ohm is regulatory threshold: if exceeded, at least two 30 mA RCDs with max. 16 sockets each are required",[105,1904,1905,1908],{},[123,1906,1907],{},"Art. 4.2.3.4_c",[123,1909,1910],{},"Formula R_E ≤ U_L \u002F I_A — with 300 mA and U_L = 50 V this yields max. ~166 Ohm",[105,1912,1913,1916],{},[123,1914,1915],{},"Part 6, Art. 6.4.6",[123,1917,1918],{},"Earthing installation must be inspected regularly (periodic inspection)",[105,1920,1921,1923],{},[123,1922,1421],{},[123,1924,1925],{},"RCD (residual current protection) is mandatory — for TT and since AREI 2020 also for TN-S socket circuits",[105,1927,1928,1931],{},[123,1929,1930],{},"Art. 9.1",[123,1932,1933],{},"The type of earthing system must be documented (documentation requirements)",[49,1935,1937],{"id":1936},"checking-the-earth-rod","Checking the Earth Rod",[16,1939,1940,1941,1944,1945,1948,1949,1952],{},"In a TT system, the earth resistance must be measured at every ",[20,1942,1943],{},"electrical inspection (keuring)",". AREI Art. 4.2.3.2 sets an absolute limit of ",[20,1946,1947],{},"100 Ohm"," for residential installations. Art. 4.2.3.4_c defines the formula R_E ≤ U_L \u002F I_A (with a 300 mA main RCD and U_L = 50 V this yields max. ~166 Ohm). The value ",[20,1950,1951],{},"30 Ohm"," is a regulatory threshold (Art. 4.2.4.3_b): if exceeded, the AREI requires additional 30 mA RCDs. If the resistance is too high, an additional earth rod or deep-driven earth electrode may be required.",[16,1954,1955],{},"Typical causes of excessive earth resistance:",[67,1957,1958,1961,1964],{},[70,1959,1960],{},"Dry, sandy soil",[70,1962,1963],{},"Corroded earth rod",[70,1965,1966],{},"Earth rod too short (minimum 1.50 m depth recommended)",[49,1968,1970],{"id":1969},"tt-or-tn-s-which-is-better","TT or TN-S: Which Is Better?",[16,1972,1973,1974,1977],{},"Both systems are safe when correctly installed. In practice, the TT system has the advantage of ",[20,1975,1976],{},"independence"," from the distribution network — a fault on the network does not affect the local earthing. Since AREI 2020, a 30 mA RCD for socket circuits (Art. 4.2.4.3) is also mandatory in TN-S systems. The exemption from the RCD requirement in TN-S only applies to certain older installations (Part 8).",[49,1979,1981],{"id":1980},"tn-c-s-system","TN-C-S System",[16,1983,1984],{},"In Belgium, the TN-C-S system also occurs (common in older installations). In this system, the PEN conductor is split into a protective conductor (PE) and neutral (N) at the building's service entrance.",[49,1986,838],{"id":837},[16,1988,1989,1990,1993],{},"Document your earthing system to code with ",[844,1991,869],{"href":1502,"rel":1992},[1504]," — AREI-compliant schematics generated automatically.",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":1995},[1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],{"id":1742,"depth":877,"text":1743},{"id":1753,"depth":877,"text":1754},{"id":1764,"depth":877,"text":1765},{"id":1401,"depth":877,"text":1402},{"id":1936,"depth":877,"text":1937},{"id":1969,"depth":877,"text":1970},{"id":1980,"depth":877,"text":1981},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"2026-03-20","Differences between TT and TN-S earthing systems for Belgian electrical installations according to AREI Art. 4.2.3.2 and 4.2.4.3.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fearthing-tt-vs-tns.en",{"title":1726,"description":2005},"earthing-tt-vs-tns-belgium","blog\u002Fearthing-tt-vs-tns.en",[2012,2013,2014,1527,2015],"earthing","tt-system","tn-s","belgium","9tBshwaPyxzVZ4eHDtVdQyjNfJpz9pREWlT2UnSWsR0",{"id":2018,"title":2019,"articleId":2020,"body":2021,"category":1207,"date":2226,"description":2227,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":2226,"locale":901,"meta":2228,"navigation":776,"path":2229,"publishDate":2226,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":2230,"slug":2020,"stem":2231,"tags":2232,"__hash__":2236},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fcable-cross-section-breaker.en.md","Cable Cross-Section per Circuit Breaker: Which Cable for Which Breaker?","cable-cross-section-breaker",{"type":9,"value":2022,"toc":2218},[2023,2027,2033,2037,2109,2114,2118,2163,2167,2177,2181,2192,2198,2202,2209,2211],[12,2024,2026],{"id":2025},"cable-cross-section-per-circuit-breaker","Cable Cross-Section per Circuit Breaker",[16,2028,2029,2032],{},[20,2030,2031],{},"The breaker protects the cable, not the appliance."," If a cable that is too thin is connected to an oversized circuit breaker, the cable can overheat and cause a fire. The correct matching of cable cross-section and breaker rated current is safety-critical and mandatory under AREI regulations.",[49,2034,2036],{"id":2035},"reference-table","Reference Table",[99,2038,2039,2052],{},[102,2040,2041],{},[105,2042,2043,2046,2049],{},[108,2044,2045],{},"Circuit Breaker",[108,2047,2048],{},"Minimum Cable Cross-Section",[108,2050,2051],{},"Typical Application",[118,2053,2054,2065,2076,2087,2098],{},[105,2055,2056,2059,2062],{},[123,2057,2058],{},"10 A",[123,2060,2061],{},"1.5 mm²",[123,2063,2064],{},"Lighting",[105,2066,2067,2070,2073],{},[123,2068,2069],{},"16 A",[123,2071,2072],{},"1.5 mm² (AREI minimum per Art. 4.4.1.5 Table 4.11); for socket circuits however 2.5 mm² (Art. 5.2.1.2)",[123,2074,2075],{},"Socket outlets",[105,2077,2078,2081,2084],{},[123,2079,2080],{},"20 A",[123,2082,2083],{},"2.5 mm² (AREI-compliant, regardless of cable length regarding current-carrying capacity); for long cable runs, voltage drop may require an increase to 4 mm²",[123,2085,2086],{},"Dishwasher, washing machine",[105,2088,2089,2092,2095],{},[123,2090,2091],{},"32 A",[123,2093,2094],{},"6 mm²",[123,2096,2097],{},"Cooktop, instantaneous water heater",[105,2099,2100,2103,2106],{},[123,2101,2102],{},"40 A",[123,2104,2105],{},"10 mm²",[123,2107,2108],{},"Main switch, supply cable",[16,2110,2111,2113],{},[20,2112,65],{}," 2.5 mm² is generally permissible for 20 A, regardless of length (regarding current-carrying capacity). The 15 m limit concerns voltage drop: for longer runs, 4 mm² may be required to keep the voltage drop below 3%.",[49,2115,2117],{"id":2116},"arei-basis","AREI Basis",[99,2119,2120,2129],{},[102,2121,2122],{},[105,2123,2124,2126],{},[108,2125,1411],{},[108,2127,2128],{},"Rule",[118,2130,2131,2139,2147,2155],{},[105,2132,2133,2136],{},[123,2134,2135],{},"Art. 4.4.1.5",[123,2137,2138],{},"Table 4.11: Maximum breaker rated current per conductor cross-section (cable\u002Fbreaker matching)",[105,2140,2141,2144],{},[123,2142,2143],{},"Art. 5.2.1.2",[123,2145,2146],{},"Choice of electrical conductors: Minimum cross-section 2.5 mm², exception 1.5 mm² for circuits without sockets",[105,2148,2149,2152],{},[123,2150,2151],{},"Art. 5.2.5",[123,2153,2154],{},"Voltage variation (voltage drop) in conductors must be limited to the values described in the rules of the trade",[105,2156,2157,2160],{},[123,2158,2159],{},"Art. 5.2.7",[123,2161,2162],{},"Fire safety: Cables in bundles must be at least class Cca (CPR fire class)",[49,2164,2166],{"id":2165},"why-does-this-matter","Why Does This Matter?",[16,2168,2169,2170,2173,2174],{},"A cable with too small a cross-section heats up under high load. If the breaker is oversized, it will not trip in time — the cable overheats and there is a ",[20,2171,2172],{},"fire hazard",". The rule is therefore always: ",[20,2175,2176],{},"The breaker must be less than or equal to the current-carrying capacity of the cable.",[49,2178,2180],{"id":2179},"consider-voltage-drop","Consider Voltage Drop",[16,2182,2183,2184,2187,2188,2191],{},"For long cable runs (e.g., from the distribution board in the basement to the garage), voltage drop can become excessive. The AREI refers in Art. 5.2.5 to the \"rules of the trade\", which provide for a maximum ",[20,2185,2186],{},"3% voltage drop"," for lighting circuits and ",[20,2189,2190],{},"5%"," for other circuits. In such cases, a larger cross-section must be chosen than the minimum table prescribes.",[16,2193,2194,2197],{},[20,2195,2196],{},"Rule of thumb:"," Per 10 m cable length at 16 A, the voltage drop increases by approx. 1.1% for 2.5 mm². At 30 m, that is already 3.3% — 4 mm² would be the better choice.",[49,2199,2201],{"id":2200},"common-failure-at-inspection","Common Failure at Inspection",[16,2203,2204,2205,2208],{},"One of the most common defects found during electrical inspection: ",[20,2206,2207],{},"breaker too large for the installed cable cross-section."," Especially in older installations with 1.5 mm² wiring that was later protected with 20 A breakers.",[49,2210,838],{"id":837},[16,2212,2213,2214,2217],{},"Calculate cable cross-sections automatically with ",[844,2215,869],{"href":1502,"rel":2216},[1504]," — AREI-compliant by design.",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":2219},[2220,2221,2222,2223,2224,2225],{"id":2035,"depth":877,"text":2036},{"id":2116,"depth":877,"text":2117},{"id":2165,"depth":877,"text":2166},{"id":2179,"depth":877,"text":2180},{"id":2200,"depth":877,"text":2201},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"2026-03-18","Overview of correct cable cross-sections per circuit breaker according to AREI Art. 4.4.1.5 and 5.2.1.2 in Belgium.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fcable-cross-section-breaker.en",{"title":2019,"description":2227},"blog\u002Fcable-cross-section-breaker.en",[2233,2234,1527,2235],"cable-cross-section","circuit-breaker","electrical-installation","mU6B4TOKaOSHhcwMSMVlr22pWsQVtks_ax2upS5YBxw",{"id":2238,"title":2239,"articleId":2240,"body":2241,"category":1207,"date":2479,"description":2480,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":2479,"locale":901,"meta":2481,"navigation":776,"path":2482,"publishDate":2479,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":2483,"slug":2240,"stem":2484,"tags":2485,"__hash__":2490},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fxvb-vs-vob-cable.en.md","XVB vs. VOB Cable: Which Is Right for Your Installation?","xvb-vs-vob-cable",{"type":9,"value":2242,"toc":2471},[2243,2247,2253,2257,2260,2264,2271,2273,2379,2383,2418,2422,2433,2443,2463,2465],[12,2244,2246],{"id":2245},"xvb-vs-vob-cable-which-is-right","XVB vs. VOB Cable: Which Is Right?",[16,2248,2249,2252],{},[20,2250,2251],{},"XVB is the standard sheathed cable for fixed wiring in Belgian new installations."," It contains multiple conductors with an outer sheath and can be installed directly in walls, floors, or conduits. VOB, on the other hand, is a single-core wire that must always be placed inside a protective conduit or cable trunking.",[49,2254,2256],{"id":2255},"what-is-xvb","What Is XVB?",[16,2258,2259],{},"XVB (e.g., XVB 3G2.5) is a multi-core sheathed cable with PVC insulation and PVC outer sheath. The designation indicates the number of cores and cross-section. XVB is designed for fixed installation — in wall chases, under plaster, in conduits, or on cable trays.",[49,2261,2263],{"id":2262},"what-is-vob","What Is VOB?",[16,2265,2266,2267,2270],{},"VOB (e.g., VOB 2.5mm²) is a flexible single-core wire with PVC insulation. It must ",[20,2268,2269],{},"never be installed freely"," and always requires a protective conduit (tube) or cable trunking. VOB is cheaper per meter but requires the additional cost of protective tubing.",[49,2272,1765],{"id":1764},[99,2274,2275,2286],{},[102,2276,2277],{},[105,2278,2279,2281,2283],{},[108,2280,1774],{},[108,2282,1221],{},[108,2284,2285],{},"VOB",[118,2287,2288,2301,2314,2327,2340,2353,2366],{},[105,2289,2290,2295,2298],{},[123,2291,2292],{},[20,2293,2294],{},"Construction",[123,2296,2297],{},"Multi-core with outer sheath",[123,2299,2300],{},"Single core without sheath",[105,2302,2303,2308,2311],{},[123,2304,2305],{},[20,2306,2307],{},"Installation",[123,2309,2310],{},"Directly in wall, floor, conduit",[123,2312,2313],{},"Only in conduit\u002Ftrunking",[105,2315,2316,2321,2324],{},[123,2317,2318],{},[20,2319,2320],{},"Conduit required?",[123,2322,2323],{},"No (optional)",[123,2325,2326],{},"Yes, always",[105,2328,2329,2334,2337],{},[123,2330,2331],{},[20,2332,2333],{},"Price per meter",[123,2335,2336],{},"Higher (~€1.50–3.00\u002Fm for 3G2.5)",[123,2338,2339],{},"Lower (~€0.30–0.50\u002Fm per core)",[105,2341,2342,2347,2350],{},[123,2343,2344],{},[20,2345,2346],{},"Total cost",[123,2348,2349],{},"Often cheaper (no conduit needed)",[123,2351,2352],{},"Conduit + labour = more expensive",[105,2354,2355,2360,2363],{},[123,2356,2357],{},[20,2358,2359],{},"Flexibility",[123,2361,2362],{},"Stiffer, harder to bend",[123,2364,2365],{},"More flexible inside conduit",[105,2367,2368,2373,2376],{},[123,2369,2370],{},[20,2371,2372],{},"Typical use",[123,2374,2375],{},"New construction, renovation",[123,2377,2378],{},"Renovation in existing conduits",[49,2380,2382],{"id":2381},"areirgie-requirements","AREI\u002FRGIE Requirements",[99,2384,2385,2393],{},[102,2386,2387],{},[105,2388,2389,2391],{},[108,2390,1411],{},[108,2392,1414],{},[118,2394,2395,2403],{},[105,2396,2397,2400],{},[123,2398,2399],{},"Art. 5.2.2",[123,2401,2402],{},"Cables must be suitable for the installation method; single-core wires (VOB) only in electrical conduits or cable trunking",[105,2404,2405,2408],{},[123,2406,2407],{},"Art. 5.2.7.2 \u002F 5.2.7.3",[123,2409,2410,2411,1121,2413,1125,2415,2417],{},"CPR fire class: individually installed cables require at least ",[20,2412,1120],{},[20,2414,1124],{},[20,2416,1128],{}," is required (Art. 5.2.7.3, Art. 4.3.3.5b)",[49,2419,2421],{"id":2420},"recommendation","Recommendation",[16,2423,2424,2425,2428,2429,2432],{},"For ",[20,2426,2427],{},"new installations",", XVB is the first choice: fewer work steps, no protective conduits needed, and AREI-compliant. VOB is mainly suitable for ",[20,2430,2431],{},"renovations"," where conduits already exist and individual wires need to be pulled through.",[16,2434,2435,2436,2439,2440,2442],{},"For both cable types, ensure compliance with the required CPR fire class — in hollow walls and escape routes ",[20,2437,2438],{},"Cca-s1,d2,a1",", in solid walls under plaster ",[20,2441,1120],{}," is sufficient. Older cables without CPR classification may no longer be used in new installations.",[25,2444,2445],{},[16,2446,2447,2450,2451,2454,2455,2458,2459,2462],{},[20,2448,2449],{},"Colour coding (Art. 5.1.6.2):"," Conductor colours must comply with the AREI: ",[20,2452,2453],{},"Green-Yellow"," = protective conductor (PE), ",[20,2456,2457],{},"Blue"," = neutral (N), ",[20,2460,2461],{},"Brown\u002FBlack\u002FGrey"," = phase conductors (L1\u002FL2\u002FL3).",[49,2464,838],{"id":837},[16,2466,1191,2467,2470],{},[844,2468,869],{"href":1502,"rel":2469},[1504]," — automatic cable calculation included.",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":2472},[2473,2474,2475,2476,2477,2478],{"id":2255,"depth":877,"text":2256},{"id":2262,"depth":877,"text":2263},{"id":1764,"depth":877,"text":1765},{"id":2381,"depth":877,"text":2382},{"id":2420,"depth":877,"text":2421},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":838},"2026-03-16","Comparison between XVB sheathed cable and VOB single-core wire for Belgian electrical installations according to AREI\u002FRGIE standards.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fxvb-vs-vob-cable.en",{"title":2239,"description":2480},"blog\u002Fxvb-vs-vob-cable.en",[2486,2487,2488,2489,1527],"cable","xvb","vob","installation","Jo-NhGQH9qdvoUAzXm2387CqBZ2oTjOVWV5zq8w3nWM",{"id":2492,"title":2493,"articleId":2494,"body":2495,"category":1207,"date":2729,"description":2730,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":2729,"locale":901,"meta":2731,"navigation":776,"path":2732,"publishDate":2729,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":2733,"slug":2494,"stem":2734,"tags":2735,"__hash__":2749},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Finspection-checklist.en.md","What Does the Inspector Check During an Electrical Inspection?","inspection-checklist",{"type":9,"value":2496,"toc":2721},[2497,2501,2504,2508,2511,2537,2545,2549,2552,2611,2615,2618,2689,2693,2700,2703,2716],[49,2498,2500],{"id":2499},"three-areas-documentation-visual-inspection-measurements","Three areas: documentation, visual inspection, measurements",[16,2502,2503],{},"The inspector checks your electrical installation in three consecutive steps. If the documentation is already missing, the inspection typically stops right there — it's an automatic fail.",[49,2505,2507],{"id":2506},"_1-documentation","1. Documentation",[16,2509,2510],{},"The inspector requires the following documents:",[67,2512,2513,2519,2525,2531],{},[70,2514,2515,2518],{},[20,2516,2517],{},"Single-line diagram"," — present, complete, and up to date?",[70,2520,2521,2524],{},[20,2522,2523],{},"Situation plan"," — floor plan showing sockets, switches, and lights?",[70,2526,2527,2530],{},[20,2528,2529],{},"Conformity declaration"," from the installer?",[70,2532,2533,2536],{},[20,2534,2535],{},"Technical data sheets"," — distribution board, RCDs, circuit breakers?",[25,2538,2539],{},[16,2540,2541,2544],{},[20,2542,2543],{},"Warning",": The most common reason for failing an inspection is a missing or incorrect single-line diagram. Without proper documentation, the inspector will in most cases not proceed to measurements.",[49,2546,2548],{"id":2547},"_2-visual-inspection","2. Visual inspection",[16,2550,2551],{},"Next, the inspector visually checks the installation:",[67,2553,2554,2561,2567,2574,2580,2585,2592,2599,2605],{},[70,2555,2556,2557,2560],{},"Correct ",[20,2558,2559],{},"cable cross-section"," per breaker? (e.g. min. 2.5 mm² at 16A for socket circuits; for lighting 1.5 mm² at 16A is sufficient)",[70,2562,2563,2566],{},[20,2564,2565],{},"30mA RCD"," present for all socket circuits?",[70,2568,2569,2570,2573],{},"Maximum ",[20,2571,2572],{},"8 circuits per RCD","?",[70,2575,2576,2579],{},[20,2577,2578],{},"Bathroom zones"," respected? (Zone 0, 1, 2 per AREI Art. 7.1, zone definitions Art. 7.1.5)",[70,2581,2582,2584],{},[20,2583,384],{}," present and accessible?",[70,2586,2587,2588,2591],{},"All ",[20,2589,2590],{},"junction boxes"," closed?",[70,2593,2594,2595,2598],{},"Cables properly ",[20,2596,2597],{},"secured"," and protected?",[70,2600,2601,2604],{},[20,2602,2603],{},"Main switch"," present and freely accessible?",[70,2606,2607,2610],{},[20,2608,2609],{},"Surge protection device (SPD)"," present? (Art. 4.5.1 requires general protection against overvoltages according to the rules of the trade — in practice, an SPD Type 2 is recommended)",[49,2612,2614],{"id":2613},"_3-measurements","3. Measurements",[16,2616,2617],{},"Finally, the inspector performs technical measurements:",[99,2619,2620,2633],{},[102,2621,2622],{},[105,2623,2624,2627,2630],{},[108,2625,2626],{},"Measurement",[108,2628,2629],{},"Limit",[108,2631,2632],{},"Instrument",[118,2634,2635,2645,2656,2667,2678],{},[105,2636,2637,2639,2642],{},[123,2638,1828],{},[123,2640,2641],{},"≤ 30 Ohm (Art. 4.2.4.3b; additional RCDs required if exceeded)",[123,2643,2644],{},"Earth resistance tester",[105,2646,2647,2650,2653],{},[123,2648,2649],{},"Insulation resistance",[123,2651,2652],{},"> 0.5 MOhm",[123,2654,2655],{},"Megger (insulation tester)",[105,2657,2658,2661,2664],{},[123,2659,2660],{},"Loop impedance",[123,2662,2663],{},"Depends on MCB rated current",[123,2665,2666],{},"Loop impedance tester",[105,2668,2669,2672,2675],{},[123,2670,2671],{},"RCD trip time",[123,2673,2674],{},"\u003C 300 ms at rated residual current I∆n, \u003C 40 ms at 5× I∆n (per IEC 61008)",[123,2676,2677],{},"RCD tester",[105,2679,2680,2683,2686],{},[123,2681,2682],{},"Voltage measurement",[123,2684,2685],{},"230V ±10%",[123,2687,2688],{},"Multimeter",[49,2690,2692],{"id":2691},"result","Result",[16,2694,2695,2696,2699],{},"After the inspection, you receive an ",[20,2697,2698],{},"inspection report",". For new builds and major renovations, the inspection must be passed before the grid operator activates the electricity connection. If deficiencies are found, you are given a deadline for corrections and must schedule a re-inspection.",[49,2701,2702],{"id":837},"Related articles",[67,2704,2705,2710],{},[70,2706,2707],{},[844,2708,2709],{"href":852},"Electrical inspection in Belgium — what you need to know",[70,2711,2712],{},[844,2713,2715],{"href":2714},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fsockets-per-circuit","How many sockets per circuit? (AREI limits)",[16,2717,2718],{},[844,2719,2720],{"href":873},"Create your AREI-compliant single-line diagram now — free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":2722},[2723,2724,2725,2726,2727,2728],{"id":2499,"depth":877,"text":2500},{"id":2506,"depth":877,"text":2507},{"id":2547,"depth":877,"text":2548},{"id":2613,"depth":877,"text":2614},{"id":2691,"depth":877,"text":2692},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":2702},"2026-03-13","Documentation, visual inspection, measurements — learn point by point what the inspector actually checks and measures during an electrical inspection in Belgium.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Finspection-checklist.en",{"title":2493,"description":2730},"blog\u002Finspection-checklist.en",[911,2736,1722,2737,2738,2739,2740,2741,2742,910,2743,2744,2745,2746,2747,2748],"RGIE","keuring","checklist","single-line diagram","eendraadschema","Eindrahtschema","schéma unifilaire","Situationsplan","plan de situation","RCD","earth resistance","insulation resistance","Belgium","Nyhw2LU6mvXeSMI83KtMeGxQI4MjPk7MzMHNIsxNLe4",{"id":2751,"title":2752,"articleId":2753,"body":2754,"category":1207,"date":2967,"description":2968,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":2967,"locale":901,"meta":2969,"navigation":776,"path":2970,"publishDate":2967,"readTime":1212,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":2971,"slug":2753,"stem":2972,"tags":2973,"__hash__":2978},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fsockets-per-circuit.en.md","How Many Sockets Per Circuit? (AREI Limits)","sockets-per-circuit",{"type":9,"value":2755,"toc":2959},[2756,2760,2775,2779,2830,2834,2892,2896,2899,2919,2930,2934,2941,2943,2955],[49,2757,2759],{"id":2758},"maximum-8-points-per-circuit","Maximum 8 points per circuit",[16,2761,2762,2763,2766,2767,2770,2771,2774],{},"The AREI specifies in ",[20,2764,2765],{},"Art. 5.3.5.2b",": a maximum of ",[20,2768,2769],{},"8 single or multiple socket outlets"," may be installed per final circuit. An important counting rule applies — a double socket counts as ",[20,2772,2773],{},"one"," point, not two.",[49,2776,2778],{"id":2777},"counting-rules-in-detail","Counting rules in detail",[99,2780,2781,2791],{},[102,2782,2783],{},[105,2784,2785,2788],{},[108,2786,2787],{},"Connection",[108,2789,2790],{},"Counts as",[118,2792,2793,2801,2808,2815,2822],{},[105,2794,2795,2798],{},[123,2796,2797],{},"Single socket",[123,2799,2800],{},"1 point",[105,2802,2803,2806],{},[123,2804,2805],{},"Double socket",[123,2807,2800],{},[105,2809,2810,2813],{},[123,2811,2812],{},"Triple socket",[123,2814,2800],{},[105,2816,2817,2820],{},[123,2818,2819],{},"Light outlet",[123,2821,2800],{},[105,2823,2824,2827],{},[123,2825,2826],{},"Fixed connection (oven, hob)",[123,2828,2829],{},"Dedicated circuit",[49,2831,2833],{"id":2832},"cable-and-breaker-per-circuit-type","Cable and breaker per circuit type",[99,2835,2836,2852],{},[102,2837,2838],{},[105,2839,2840,2843,2846,2849],{},[108,2841,2842],{},"Circuit type",[108,2844,2845],{},"Cable",[108,2847,2848],{},"Breaker",[108,2850,2851],{},"Max. points",[118,2853,2854,2867,2879],{},[105,2855,2856,2859,2862,2865],{},[123,2857,2858],{},"Sockets",[123,2860,2861],{},"XVB 3G2.5",[123,2863,2864],{},"16A or 20A",[123,2866,360],{},[105,2868,2869,2871,2874,2877],{},[123,2870,2064],{},[123,2872,2873],{},"XVB 3G1.5",[123,2875,2876],{},"10A or 16A",[123,2878,360],{},[105,2880,2881,2884,2887,2890],{},[123,2882,2883],{},"Dedicated (oven)",[123,2885,2886],{},"XVB 3G4 or 3G6",[123,2888,2889],{},"20A or 32A",[123,2891,249],{},[49,2893,2895],{"id":2894},"practical-example-typical-single-family-home","Practical example: typical single-family home",[16,2897,2898],{},"A single-family home with 3 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and living room typically requires:",[67,2900,2901,2907,2913],{},[70,2902,2903,2906],{},[20,2904,2905],{},"5–7 socket circuits"," (living areas, kitchen, bedrooms)",[70,2908,2909,2912],{},[20,2910,2911],{},"3–4 lighting circuits"," (ground floor, upper floor, outdoor lighting)",[70,2914,2915,2918],{},[20,2916,2917],{},"3–4 dedicated circuits"," (oven, hob, dishwasher, dryer)",[25,2920,2921],{},[16,2922,2923,2925,2926,2929],{},[20,2924,2543],{},": Kitchens often need dedicated circuits for the dishwasher, oven, and hob. These appliances are hardwired and do ",[20,2927,2928],{},"not"," count as regular sockets — each gets its own circuit with heavier cable and an appropriately rated breaker.",[49,2931,2933],{"id":2932},"existing-installations-arei-part-8","Existing installations (AREI Part 8)",[16,2935,2936,2937,2940],{},"For existing installations built before the current AREI, ",[20,2938,2939],{},"Part 8"," allows more than 8 points per circuit under certain conditions — provided the total load remains reasonable and the cable cross-section is adequately sized. However, when renovating or extending, the current limits apply.",[49,2942,2702],{"id":837},[67,2944,2945,2951],{},[70,2946,2947],{},[844,2948,2950],{"href":2949},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002F30ma-rcd-per-socket","Do I need a 30mA RCD for every socket?",[70,2952,2953],{},[844,2954,2709],{"href":852},[16,2956,2957],{},[844,2958,2720],{"href":873},{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":2960},[2961,2962,2963,2964,2965,2966],{"id":2758,"depth":877,"text":2759},{"id":2777,"depth":877,"text":2778},{"id":2832,"depth":877,"text":2833},{"id":2894,"depth":877,"text":2895},{"id":2932,"depth":877,"text":2933},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":2702},"2026-03-11","Maximum 8 points per circuit — but how do you count correctly? Learn the AREI rules for sockets, lighting, and dedicated circuits.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fsockets-per-circuit.en",{"title":2752,"description":2968},"blog\u002Fsockets-per-circuit.en",[911,2736,2974,2975,2976,2486,1221,2739,2740,2741,2742,1722,2737,2977,2748,910],"socket","circuit","breaker","electrical installation","mwp_PStl1s1BARAI_qBJqAJMDLGOsZKXOSTAEvhXUOg",{"id":2980,"title":2981,"articleId":2982,"body":2983,"category":1207,"date":3357,"description":3358,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":3357,"locale":901,"meta":3359,"navigation":776,"path":3360,"publishDate":3357,"readTime":1714,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":3361,"slug":2982,"stem":3362,"tags":3363,"__hash__":3370},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbathroom-cables-arei-zones.en.md","Which Cables Can I Use in the Bathroom? (AREI Zones)","bathroom-cables-arei-zones",{"type":9,"value":2984,"toc":3346},[2985,2989,3000,3004,3011,3070,3081,3084,3088,3199,3203,3232,3236,3300,3304,3311,3322,3326,3329,3331,3341],[49,2986,2988],{"id":2987},"xvb-is-always-allowed-vob-only-with-restrictions","XVB is always allowed — VOB only with restrictions",[16,2990,2991,2992,2995,2996,2999],{},"Bathroom electrical installations in Belgium are subject to special regulations. The key rule of thumb: ",[20,2993,2994],{},"XVB cable"," (sheathed cable) is permitted in all bathroom zones. ",[20,2997,2998],{},"VOB wire in conduit"," (Preflex) has restrictions — especially in hollow walls.",[49,3001,3003],{"id":3002},"the-arei-bathroom-zones","The AREI bathroom zones",[16,3005,3006,3007,3010],{},"The AREI defines ",[20,3008,3009],{},"three zones"," around bathtubs and showers: Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 (bathtubs only), and the area outside the zones (Art. 7.1.3.2).",[99,3012,3013,3026],{},[102,3014,3015],{},[105,3016,3017,3020,3023],{},[108,3018,3019],{},"Zone",[108,3021,3022],{},"Area",[108,3024,3025],{},"Permitted installation",[118,3027,3028,3041,3054],{},[105,3029,3030,3035,3038],{},[123,3031,3032],{},[20,3033,3034],{},"Zone 0",[123,3036,3037],{},"Inside the bathtub\u002Fshower",[123,3039,3040],{},"SELV ≤ 12V only, IPX7",[105,3042,3043,3048,3051],{},[123,3044,3045],{},[20,3046,3047],{},"Zone 1",[123,3049,3050],{},"Vertically above Zone 0, up to 2.25 m height",[123,3052,3053],{},"Fixed appliances ≥ IPX4; SELV sockets and SELV switches permitted (Art. 7.1.5.2c Nr. 2 and 4)",[105,3055,3056,3061,3067],{},[123,3057,3058],{},[20,3059,3060],{},"Zone 2",[123,3062,3063,3064],{},"60 cm around Zone 1 — ",[20,3065,3066],{},"bathtubs only",[123,3068,3069],{},"Sockets with 30mA RCD allowed, appliances ≥ IPX4",[25,3071,3072],{},[16,3073,3074,3076,3077,3080],{},[20,3075,65],{}," Zone 2 is ",[20,3078,3079],{},"not defined"," for showers (Art. 7.1.3.2 Nr. 3b). For showers, Zone 1 is followed directly by the area outside the zones.",[16,3082,3083],{},"Outside these zones, normal installation rules apply.",[49,3085,3087],{"id":3086},"cable-types-and-their-permissibility","Cable types and their permissibility",[99,3089,3090,3109],{},[102,3091,3092],{},[105,3093,3094,3097,3100,3102,3104,3106],{},[108,3095,3096],{},"Cable type",[108,3098,3099],{},"CPR class",[108,3101,3034],{},[108,3103,3047],{},[108,3105,3060],{},[108,3107,3108],{},"Outside zones",[118,3110,3111,3128,3145,3163,3182],{},[105,3112,3113,3117,3119,3122,3124,3126],{},[123,3114,3115],{},[20,3116,2861],{},[123,3118,1128],{},[123,3120,3121],{},"No",[123,3123,1021],{},[123,3125,1021],{},[123,3127,1021],{},[105,3129,3130,3134,3136,3138,3141,3143],{},[123,3131,3132],{},[20,3133,2873],{},[123,3135,1128],{},[123,3137,3121],{},[123,3139,3140],{},"Yes (lighting)",[123,3142,1021],{},[123,3144,1021],{},[105,3146,3147,3152,3155,3157,3159,3161],{},[123,3148,3149],{},[20,3150,3151],{},"VOB in grey Preflex",[123,3153,3154],{},"—",[123,3156,3121],{},[123,3158,1021],{},[123,3160,1021],{},[123,3162,1021],{},[105,3164,3165,3170,3172,3174,3177,3180],{},[123,3166,3167],{},[20,3168,3169],{},"VOB in green Preflex",[123,3171,3154],{},[123,3173,3121],{},[123,3175,3176],{},"No (hollow wall)",[123,3178,3179],{},"Restricted",[123,3181,1021],{},[105,3183,3184,3189,3191,3193,3195,3197],{},[123,3185,3186],{},[20,3187,3188],{},"H07Z1-U (halogen-free)",[123,3190,1128],{},[123,3192,3121],{},[123,3194,1021],{},[123,3196,1021],{},[123,3198,1021],{},[54,3200,3202],{"id":3201},"important-notes-on-cable-types","Important notes on cable types",[67,3204,3205,3210,3220,3226],{},[70,3206,3207,3209],{},[20,3208,1221],{}," (sheathed cable): Always the safe choice. Suitable for flush mounting, surface mounting, and cable trays.",[70,3211,3212,3215,3216,3219],{},[20,3213,3214],{},"Grey Preflex"," (standard conduit with pre-pulled VOB): Permitted in solid walls. ",[20,3217,3218],{},"Not"," allowed in hollow walls or suspended ceilings.",[70,3221,3222,3225],{},[20,3223,3224],{},"Preflex Safe (green)",": In solid walls, Preflex Safe (Cca) is also permitted in Zone 1. The restriction applies to hollow walls (droogbouw), not the zone itself.",[70,3227,3228,3231],{},[20,3229,3230],{},"H07Z1-U",": Halogen-free wire, particularly recommended for sensitive areas. Note: H07Z1-U as a single wire does not inherently have a CPR class of Cca — the class refers to the cable system (wire + conduit). H07Z1-U in Preflex Safe achieves Cca.",[49,3233,3235],{"id":3234},"cross-section-table","Cross-section table",[99,3237,3238,3250],{},[102,3239,3240],{},[105,3241,3242,3244,3247],{},[108,3243,242],{},[108,3245,3246],{},"Min. cross-section",[108,3248,3249],{},"Circuit breaker",[118,3251,3252,3260,3269,3279,3289],{},[105,3253,3254,3256,3258],{},[123,3255,2064],{},[123,3257,2061],{},[123,3259,2876],{},[105,3261,3262,3264,3267],{},[123,3263,2858],{},[123,3265,3266],{},"2.5 mm²",[123,3268,2864],{},[105,3270,3271,3274,3276],{},[123,3272,3273],{},"Washing machine \u002F dryer",[123,3275,3266],{},[123,3277,3278],{},"16A (dedicated circuit)",[105,3280,3281,3284,3286],{},[123,3282,3283],{},"Electric water heater (under-sink, ≤ 2 kW)",[123,3285,3266],{},[123,3287,3288],{},"16A",[105,3290,3291,3294,3297],{},[123,3292,3293],{},"Electric instantaneous water heater (18–27 kW)",[123,3295,3296],{},"6 mm² (32A) or 10 mm² (40A, three-phase)",[123,3298,3299],{},"32A or 40A",[49,3301,3303],{"id":3302},"_30ma-differential-protection-is-mandatory","30mA differential protection is mandatory",[16,3305,3306,3307,3310],{},"According to AREI Art. 7.1.4.3, ",[20,3308,3309],{},"all circuits in the bathroom"," must be protected by a 30mA RCD — no exceptions. This applies equally to lighting, sockets, and fixed appliances.",[25,3312,3313],{},[16,3314,3315,3317,3318,3321],{},[20,3316,2543],{},": Even circuits that merely ",[34,3319,3320],{},"pass through"," the bathroom (e.g., cables to the attic) must comply with zone requirements if they run within the protection zones.",[49,3323,3325],{"id":3324},"equipotential-bonding-in-the-bathroom","Equipotential bonding in the bathroom",[16,3327,3328],{},"Important: The AREI (Art. 7.1.4.4) requires supplementary equipotential bonding in the bathroom — all metallic parts (water pipes, radiators, bathtub, drain pipes) must be connected to each other and to the main earthing terminal via a protective conductor. Missing equipotential bonding is a common reason for inspection failure.",[49,3330,2702],{"id":837},[67,3332,3333,3337],{},[70,3334,3335],{},[844,3336,2950],{"href":2949},[70,3338,3339],{},[844,3340,2709],{"href":852},[16,3342,3343],{},[844,3344,3345],{"href":873},"Plan your bathroom electrics with PlanElec — free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":3347},[3348,3349,3350,3353,3354,3355,3356],{"id":2987,"depth":877,"text":2988},{"id":3002,"depth":877,"text":3003},{"id":3086,"depth":877,"text":3087,"children":3351},[3352],{"id":3201,"depth":882,"text":3202},{"id":3234,"depth":877,"text":3235},{"id":3302,"depth":877,"text":3303},{"id":3324,"depth":877,"text":3325},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":2702},"2026-03-09","XVB is always permitted, VOB in conduit only with restrictions. Learn which cable types are allowed in each AREI zone and what to watch out for.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbathroom-cables-arei-zones.en",{"title":2981,"description":3358},"blog\u002Fbathroom-cables-arei-zones.en",[911,2736,3364,3365,1221,2285,3366,3367,2745,3368,1722,2737,2977,2748,2739,2740,2741,2742,910,3369],"bathroom","zones","Preflex","cables","30mA","CPR","ZgbQLsxNNJRX4smfwHGocQCncIUqNvJMapcLmRmLIdU",{"id":3372,"title":3373,"articleId":3374,"body":3375,"category":1207,"date":3613,"description":3614,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":3613,"locale":901,"meta":3615,"navigation":776,"path":3616,"publishDate":3613,"readTime":1212,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":3617,"slug":3374,"stem":3618,"tags":3619,"__hash__":3620},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-is-a-situation-plan.en.md","What Is a Situation Plan?","what-is-a-situation-plan",{"type":9,"value":3376,"toc":3604},[3377,3381,3395,3402,3406,3413,3453,3459,3463,3466,3499,3503,3580,3583,3585,3599],[49,3378,3380],{"id":3379},"a-floor-plan-of-your-electrical-installation","A floor plan of your electrical installation",[16,3382,3383,3384,3387,3388,3390,3391,3394],{},"A situation plan (Dutch: ",[34,3385,3386],{},"situatieschema",", French: ",[34,3389,2744],{},") is a scaled floor plan of your building showing the ",[20,3392,3393],{},"physical location"," of all electrical components — sockets, switches, lights, distribution boards, and cable routes.",[16,3396,3397,3398,3401],{},"Unlike a single-line diagram, the situation plan doesn't show the logical circuit hierarchy, but rather ",[20,3399,3400],{},"exactly where"," everything is located.",[49,3403,3405],{"id":3404},"what-does-the-arei-say","What does the AREI say?",[16,3407,3408,3409,3412],{},"According to AREI Art. 9.1 (Art. 269 in the old AREI, since 2020 Art. 9.1), every electrical installation in Belgium must have ",[20,3410,3411],{},"two mandatory drawing documents",":",[99,3414,3415,3427],{},[102,3416,3417],{},[105,3418,3419,3422,3424],{},[108,3420,3421],{},"Document",[108,3423,1411],{},[108,3425,3426],{},"Shows",[118,3428,3429,3441],{},[105,3430,3431,3435,3438],{},[123,3432,3433],{},[20,3434,2517],{},[123,3436,3437],{},"Art. 9.1.2 Nr. 1",[123,3439,3440],{},"Logical structure — protection devices, circuits, hierarchy",[105,3442,3443,3447,3450],{},[123,3444,3445],{},[20,3446,2523],{},[123,3448,3449],{},"Art. 9.1.2 Nr. 2",[123,3451,3452],{},"Physical location — where everything is installed in the building, incl. location of the meter board and earthing system",[16,3454,3455,3456,3458],{},"Both documents must be presented at every electrical inspection (",[34,3457,2737],{},"). If either of them is missing, the inspection will not pass.",[49,3460,3462],{"id":3461},"what-must-be-on-the-situation-plan","What must be on the situation plan?",[54,3464,3465],{"id":2738},"Checklist",[67,3467,3468,3471,3474,3477,3480,3483,3486,3489,3496],{},[70,3469,3470],{},"Scaled floor plan of each storey",[70,3472,3473],{},"Position of all sockets (single, double, earthed)",[70,3475,3476],{},"Position of all switches (on\u002Foff, two-way, dimmer)",[70,3478,3479],{},"Lighting points (ceiling, wall, outdoor)",[70,3481,3482],{},"Distribution board and meter location",[70,3484,3485],{},"Fixed appliances (hob, boiler, EV charger)",[70,3487,3488],{},"Cable routes and installation zones",[70,3490,3491,3492,3495],{},"Circuit reference numbers (numbering must be ",[20,3493,3494],{},"identical"," between situation plan and single-line diagram)",[70,3497,3498],{},"AREI-compliant symbols (per IEC 60617)",[49,3500,3502],{"id":3501},"situation-plan-vs-single-line-diagram","Situation plan vs. single-line diagram",[99,3504,3505,3515],{},[102,3506,3507],{},[105,3508,3509,3511,3513],{},[108,3510,1774],{},[108,3512,2523],{},[108,3514,2517],{},[118,3516,3517,3528,3538,3548,3559,3570],{},[105,3518,3519,3522,3525],{},[123,3520,3521],{},"Representation",[123,3523,3524],{},"Physical floor plan",[123,3526,3527],{},"Logical circuit diagram",[105,3529,3530,3533,3536],{},[123,3531,3532],{},"Shows position?",[123,3534,3535],{},"Yes — exact location",[123,3537,3121],{},[105,3539,3540,3543,3545],{},[123,3541,3542],{},"Shows hierarchy?",[123,3544,3121],{},[123,3546,3547],{},"Yes — from grid to consumer",[105,3549,3550,3553,3556],{},[123,3551,3552],{},"Protection devices",[123,3554,3555],{},"Position only",[123,3557,3558],{},"Ratings, type, coordination",[105,3560,3561,3564,3567],{},[123,3562,3563],{},"Cable info",[123,3565,3566],{},"Routes visible",[123,3568,3569],{},"Type and cross-section listed",[105,3571,3572,3575,3578],{},[123,3573,3574],{},"Scaled",[123,3576,3577],{},"Yes (1:50 or 1:100)",[123,3579,3121],{},[16,3581,3582],{},"Both documents complement each other and are equally mandatory.",[49,3584,2702],{"id":837},[67,3586,3587,3593],{},[70,3588,3589],{},[844,3590,3592],{"href":3591},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fsingle-line-diagram","How to create a single-line diagram — step by step",[70,3594,3595],{},[844,3596,3598],{"href":3597},"\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-plan-costs","How much does an electrical plan cost in Belgium?",[16,3600,3601],{},[844,3602,3603],{"href":873},"Create your situation plan with PlanElec now — free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":3605},[3606,3607,3608,3611,3612],{"id":3379,"depth":877,"text":3380},{"id":3404,"depth":877,"text":3405},{"id":3461,"depth":877,"text":3462,"children":3609},[3610],{"id":2738,"depth":882,"text":3465},{"id":3501,"depth":877,"text":3502},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":2702},"2026-03-06","A situation plan shows where all electrical components are physically installed in your building. Learn what it must include and how it differs from a single-line diagram.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-is-a-situation-plan.en",{"title":3373,"description":3614},"blog\u002Fwhat-is-a-situation-plan.en",[911,2736,910,3386,2743,2744,2739,2740,2741,2742,1722,2737,915,2748],"L37ctZf9sqmXWK3fnFWRKe_-PEAdS0xHUJTJtp4usr8",{"id":3622,"title":3623,"articleId":3624,"body":3625,"category":1207,"date":3795,"description":3796,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":3795,"locale":901,"meta":3797,"navigation":776,"path":3798,"publishDate":3795,"readTime":1212,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":3799,"slug":3624,"stem":3800,"tags":3801,"__hash__":3805},"blog\u002Fblog\u002F30ma-rcd-per-socket.en.md","Do I Need a 30mA RCD for Every Socket?","30ma-rcd-per-socket",{"type":9,"value":3626,"toc":3787},[3627,3631,3649,3651,3654,3695,3699,3740,3744,3747,3761,3764,3771,3773,3783],[49,3628,3630],{"id":3629},"no-but-every-socket-circuit-needs-one","No — but every socket circuit needs one",[16,3632,3633,3634,3636,3637,3640,3641,3644,3645,3648],{},"A common misconception: you do ",[20,3635,2928],{}," need a dedicated 30mA RCD (residual-current device, or ",[34,3638,3639],{},"différentiel"," \u002F ",[34,3642,3643],{},"differentieelschakelaar",") for each individual socket. The AREI\u002FRGIE requirement applies to ",[20,3646,3647],{},"circuits",", not individual connection points. A single 30mA RCD typically protects multiple sockets connected to the same circuit.",[49,3650,3405],{"id":3404},[16,3652,3653],{},"The AREI (General Regulations on Electrical Installations) specifies in several articles when 30mA differential protection is mandatory:",[99,3655,3656,3665],{},[102,3657,3658],{},[105,3659,3660,3663],{},[108,3661,3662],{},"Article",[108,3664,1414],{},[118,3666,3667,3676,3685],{},[105,3668,3669,3673],{},[123,3670,3671],{},[20,3672,1429],{},[123,3674,3675],{},"All socket circuits ≤ 32A must be protected by a 30mA RCD",[105,3677,3678,3682],{},[123,3679,3680],{},[20,3681,1429],{},[123,3683,3684],{},"Maximum 8 final circuits per RCD",[105,3686,3687,3692],{},[123,3688,3689],{},[20,3690,3691],{},"Art. 7.1.4.3",[123,3693,3694],{},"In bathrooms (rooms with bathtub\u002Fshower), 30mA protection is always mandatory (Chapter 7.1)",[54,3696,3698],{"id":3697},"key-limits-at-a-glance","Key limits at a glance",[99,3700,3701,3709],{},[102,3702,3703],{},[105,3704,3705,3707],{},[108,3706,952],{},[108,3708,2629],{},[118,3710,3711,3718,3726,3733],{},[105,3712,3713,3716],{},[123,3714,3715],{},"Max. circuits per 30mA RCD",[123,3717,360],{},[105,3719,3720,3723],{},[123,3721,3722],{},"Max. sockets per circuit",[123,3724,3725],{},"8 (mandatory per Art. 5.3.5.2_b)",[105,3727,3728,3731],{},[123,3729,3730],{},"Rated current for socket circuits",[123,3732,2864],{},[105,3734,3735,3738],{},[123,3736,3737],{},"Min. cable cross-section at 16A",[123,3739,3266],{},[49,3741,3743],{"id":3742},"practical-example","Practical example",[16,3745,3746],{},"A typical single-family home might have 6 socket circuits. These can be split across two 30mA RCDs:",[67,3748,3749,3755],{},[70,3750,3751,3754],{},[20,3752,3753],{},"RCD 1"," (30mA, Type A): Living room, hallway, bedroom 1 sockets — 3 circuits",[70,3756,3757,3760],{},[20,3758,3759],{},"RCD 2"," (30mA, Type A): Kitchen, bedroom 2, office sockets — 3 circuits",[16,3762,3763],{},"This way, if one RCD trips, the entire house doesn't lose power, and you stay within the 8-circuit limit per RCD.",[25,3765,3766],{},[16,3767,3768,3770],{},[20,3769,2543],{},": For bathrooms (Art. 7.1.4.3), the AREI prescribes special protective measures. In residential installations (Art. 4.2.4.3_b), circuits in rooms with a bathtub and\u002For shower must be protected by a high-sensitivity residual-current device (30 mA).",[49,3772,2702],{"id":837},[67,3774,3775,3779],{},[70,3776,3777],{},[844,3778,3592],{"href":3591},[70,3780,3781],{},[844,3782,2709],{"href":852},[16,3784,3785],{},[844,3786,2720],{"href":873},{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":3788},[3789,3790,3793,3794],{"id":3629,"depth":877,"text":3630},{"id":3404,"depth":877,"text":3405,"children":3791},[3792],{"id":3697,"depth":882,"text":3698},{"id":3742,"depth":877,"text":3743},{"id":837,"depth":877,"text":2702},"2026-03-04","No — but you need one per circuit. Learn what the AREI\u002FRGIE requires and when a 30mA residual-current device is mandatory.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002F30ma-rcd-per-socket.en",{"title":3623,"description":3796},"blog\u002F30ma-rcd-per-socket.en",[911,2736,2745,3802,3803,3368,2974,2975,3804,2737,2977,2748,2739,2740,2741,2742,910],"residual current device","differential switch","electrical inspection","Z1gmDdIuGQhS2DqpCcllYFYghTzCgCj6Sx7DNWe6aTI",{"id":3807,"title":3808,"articleId":3809,"body":3810,"category":897,"date":4200,"description":4201,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":4200,"locale":901,"meta":4202,"navigation":776,"path":4203,"publishDate":4204,"readTime":4205,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":4206,"slug":3809,"stem":4207,"tags":4208,"__hash__":4213},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-plan-costs.en.md","How Much Does an Electrical Plan Cost? Price Comparison 2026","electrical-plan-costs",{"type":9,"value":3811,"toc":4184},[3812,3816,3825,3829,3832,3885,3897,3901,3905,3912,3923,3929,3933,3939,3943,3946,3950,3953,3985,3989,3992,3996,4062,4066,4071,4082,4087,4107,4112,4132,4136,4139,4164,4167,4171,4176,4179],[49,3813,3815],{"id":3814},"what-does-an-electrical-plan-cost-with-an-electrician","What Does an Electrical Plan Cost with an Electrician?",[16,3817,3818,3819,3821,3822,3824],{},"Whether you're selling property, preparing for an inspection, or planning a new installation — you need a ",[20,3820,2739],{}," and a ",[20,3823,915],{},". But what does it actually cost? We've researched the current market prices in Belgium.",[49,3826,3828],{"id":3827},"current-market-prices-in-belgium-2026","Current Market Prices in Belgium (2026)",[16,3830,3831],{},"The cost of electrical documentation varies by provider, region, and complexity of your installation:",[99,3833,3834,3844],{},[102,3835,3836],{},[105,3837,3838,3841],{},[108,3839,3840],{},"Service",[108,3842,3843],{},"Price Range",[118,3845,3846,3854,3862,3869,3877],{},[105,3847,3848,3851],{},[123,3849,3850],{},"Single-line diagram + floor plan (apartment up to 110 m²)",[123,3852,3853],{},"€269 – €400",[105,3855,3856,3859],{},[123,3857,3858],{},"Single-line diagram + floor plan (single-family home)",[123,3860,3861],{},"€300 – €600",[105,3863,3864,3867],{},[123,3865,3866],{},"Electrical plan for new construction (complete)",[123,3868,3861],{},[105,3870,3871,3874],{},[123,3872,3873],{},"AREI inspection (keuring)",[123,3875,3876],{},"€125 – €170",[105,3878,3879,3882],{},[123,3880,3881],{},"Making installation compliant",[123,3883,3884],{},"€1,000 – €7,000+",[25,3886,3887],{},[16,3888,3889,3892,3893,3896],{},[20,3890,3891],{},"Note",": These prices are for ",[34,3894,3895],{},"documentation only"," — not for the actual electrical installation. An electrician charges separately for creating the plans.",[49,3898,3900],{"id":3899},"when-do-you-need-which-documents","When Do You Need Which Documents?",[54,3902,3904],{"id":3903},"property-sale","Property Sale",[16,3906,3907,3908,3911],{},"When selling a property in Belgium, a ",[20,3909,3910],{},"compliance report"," of the electrical installation is legally required. You'll need:",[67,3913,3914,3917,3920],{},[70,3915,3916],{},"An up-to-date single-line diagram",[70,3918,3919],{},"A floor plan",[70,3921,3922],{},"The inspection report from the keuring",[16,3924,3925,3926,83],{},"If your existing plans are outdated or non-existent (which is common with older buildings), you'll need to have them recreated — ",[20,3927,3928],{},"typical cost: €269 – €600",[54,3930,3932],{"id":3931},"inspection-preparation","Inspection Preparation",[16,3934,3935,3936,83],{},"For periodic inspections or initial approval, the inspector checks whether your documentation matches the actual installation. Missing or incorrect plans are one of the ",[20,3937,3938],{},"most common reasons for failure",[54,3940,3942],{"id":3941},"new-installation-or-renovation","New Installation or Renovation",[16,3944,3945],{},"For a new build or major renovation, a complete electrical plan is mandatory — including cable calculations, switchboard layout, and AREI validation.",[49,3947,3949],{"id":3948},"what-influences-the-price","What Influences the Price?",[16,3951,3952],{},"Several factors determine the cost:",[67,3954,3955,3961,3967,3973,3979],{},[70,3956,3957,3960],{},[20,3958,3959],{},"Size of the installation"," — More rooms and circuits = higher price",[70,3962,3963,3966],{},[20,3964,3965],{},"Complexity"," — Three-phase, solar panels, EV charger, etc.",[70,3968,3969,3972],{},[20,3970,3971],{},"Region"," — Prices vary between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels",[70,3974,3975,3978],{},[20,3976,3977],{},"Urgency"," — Express service often costs 50–100% extra",[70,3980,3981,3984],{},[20,3982,3983],{},"Electrician's hourly rate"," — Average €40–60\u002Fhour",[49,3986,3988],{"id":3987},"the-affordable-alternative-create-plans-yourself-with-planelec","The Affordable Alternative: Create Plans Yourself with PlanElec",[16,3990,3991],{},"What if you could create the plans yourself — without CAD skills, in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost?",[54,3993,3995],{"id":3994},"price-comparison-electrician-vs-planelec","Price Comparison: Electrician vs. PlanElec",[99,3997,3998,4013],{},[102,3999,4000],{},[105,4001,4002,4005,4008,4010],{},[108,4003,4004],{},"Scenario",[108,4006,4007],{},"Electrician",[108,4009,869],{},[108,4011,4012],{},"Savings",[118,4014,4015,4030,4046],{},[105,4016,4017,4020,4022,4027],{},[123,4018,4019],{},"Check installation (compliance)",[123,4021,3876],{},[123,4023,4024],{},[20,4025,4026],{},"€0 (free)",[123,4028,4029],{},"100%",[105,4031,4032,4035,4038,4043],{},[123,4033,4034],{},"Plans for existing installation",[123,4036,4037],{},"€269 – €600",[123,4039,4040],{},[20,4041,4042],{},"€49 one-time",[123,4044,4045],{},"up to 92%",[105,4047,4048,4051,4054,4059],{},[123,4049,4050],{},"Complete new installation planning",[123,4052,4053],{},"€300 – €600+",[123,4055,4056],{},[20,4057,4058],{},"€149 one-time",[123,4060,4061],{},"up to 75%",[54,4063,4065],{"id":4064},"what-you-get-with-planelec","What You Get with PlanElec",[16,4067,4068],{},[20,4069,4070],{},"Free — Check Installation:",[67,4072,4073,4076,4079],{},[70,4074,4075],{},"AREI compliance check",[70,4077,4078],{},"Basic checklist and report",[70,4080,4081],{},"1 project",[16,4083,4084],{},[20,4085,4086],{},"€49 one-time — Existing Plan:",[67,4088,4089,4092,4095,4098,4101,4104],{},[70,4090,4091],{},"Professional single-line diagram",[70,4093,4094],{},"Floor plan",[70,4096,4097],{},"All AREI\u002FRGIE symbols",[70,4099,4100],{},"PDF export without watermark",[70,4102,4103],{},"Material list",[70,4105,4106],{},"3 projects",[16,4108,4109],{},[20,4110,4111],{},"€149 one-time — New Installation:",[67,4113,4114,4117,4120,4123,4126,4129],{},[70,4115,4116],{},"All Existing Plan features",[70,4118,4119],{},"AI floor plan recognition",[70,4121,4122],{},"Cable calculation and specification",[70,4124,4125],{},"Switchboard layout",[70,4127,4128],{},"AREI validation",[70,4130,4131],{},"Unlimited projects",[49,4133,4135],{"id":4134},"real-world-example-property-sale","Real-World Example: Property Sale",[16,4137,4138],{},"Suppose you're selling a single-family home and need updated electrical plans:",[67,4140,4141,4150,4159],{},[70,4142,4143,4146,4147],{},[20,4144,4145],{},"With an electrician",": Single-line diagram + floor plan = approx. ",[20,4148,4149],{},"€400",[70,4151,4152,4155,4156],{},[20,4153,4154],{},"With PlanElec",": Existing Plan = ",[20,4157,4158],{},"€49",[70,4160,4161],{},[20,4162,4163],{},"You save: €351",[16,4165,4166],{},"And the best part: you can update your plans anytime something changes — without hiring an electrician again.",[49,4168,4170],{"id":4169},"conclusion","Conclusion",[16,4172,4173,4174,83],{},"Electrical documentation doesn't have to be expensive. While an electrician charges between €269 and €600 for plans alone, with PlanElec you can create professional, AREI-compliant plans yourself starting at just ",[20,4175,4042],{},[16,4177,4178],{},"No hidden costs, no subscriptions — your plans belong to you.",[16,4180,4181],{},[844,4182,4183],{"href":873},"Start for free and check your installation now →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":4185},[4186,4187,4188,4193,4194,4198,4199],{"id":3814,"depth":877,"text":3815},{"id":3827,"depth":877,"text":3828},{"id":3899,"depth":877,"text":3900,"children":4189},[4190,4191,4192],{"id":3903,"depth":882,"text":3904},{"id":3931,"depth":882,"text":3932},{"id":3941,"depth":882,"text":3942},{"id":3948,"depth":877,"text":3949},{"id":3987,"depth":877,"text":3988,"children":4195},[4196,4197],{"id":3994,"depth":882,"text":3995},{"id":4064,"depth":882,"text":4065},{"id":4134,"depth":877,"text":4135},{"id":4169,"depth":877,"text":4170},"2026-02-19","Current market prices for single-line diagrams and floor plans in Belgium — and how PlanElec saves you up to 80%.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-plan-costs.en",null,"7 min",{"title":3808,"description":4201},"blog\u002Felectrical-plan-costs.en",[911,2736,2739,2740,2741,2742,910,2743,2744,4209,4210,914,1722,2737,4211,4212,2748],"cost","price","electrician","property sale","lxJnBop-sQBTpwBYAQG81kV-IWhcCLQgnpgKqx4GPps",{"id":4215,"title":4216,"articleId":4217,"body":4218,"category":897,"date":4482,"description":4483,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":4482,"locale":901,"meta":4484,"navigation":776,"path":4485,"publishDate":4204,"readTime":904,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":4486,"slug":4217,"stem":4487,"tags":4488,"__hash__":4491},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-inspection.en.md","Electrical Inspection in Belgium: The Complete Guide 2026","electrical-inspection",{"type":9,"value":4219,"toc":4471},[4220,4224,4238,4241,4245,4248,4280,4288,4292,4295,4299,4302,4326,4330,4333,4356,4360,4363,4383,4387,4390,4416,4419,4423,4429,4461,4466],[49,4221,4223],{"id":4222},"what-is-an-electrical-inspection","What is an Electrical Inspection?",[16,4225,4226,4227,4229,4230,4233,4234,4237],{},"In Belgium, every electrical installation must be inspected by an accredited body before it can be connected to the grid. This inspection — known as the ",[34,4228,2737],{}," (Dutch) or ",[34,4231,4232],{},"contrôle"," (French) — verifies that your installation complies with the ",[20,4235,4236],{},"AREI\u002FRGIE regulations"," (Algemeen Reglement op de Elektrische Installaties \u002F Règlement Général sur les Installations Électriques).",[16,4239,4240],{},"Whether you're building a new home, renovating an existing property, or selling your house, an electrical inspection is mandatory. Failing the inspection can delay your project by weeks and cost you hundreds of euros in additional fees.",[49,4242,4244],{"id":4243},"when-do-you-need-an-inspection","When Do You Need an Inspection?",[16,4246,4247],{},"An electrical inspection is required in the following situations:",[67,4249,4250,4256,4262,4268,4274],{},[70,4251,4252,4255],{},[20,4253,4254],{},"New installations",": Before the initial connection to the grid",[70,4257,4258,4261],{},[20,4259,4260],{},"Major renovations",": When you modify or extend the existing installation",[70,4263,4264,4267],{},[20,4265,4266],{},"Property sales",": Every 25 years or when selling a property",[70,4269,4270,4273],{},[20,4271,4272],{},"After a violation report",": Re-inspection after fixing identified issues",[70,4275,4276,4279],{},[20,4277,4278],{},"Change of use",": When a building changes from residential to commercial use",[25,4281,4282],{},[16,4283,4284,4287],{},[20,4285,4286],{},"Good to know",": Even if you're only adding a few new circuits, you may trigger a full re-inspection. Always check with your electrician or inspection body beforehand.",[49,4289,4291],{"id":4290},"how-to-prepare-for-the-inspection","How to Prepare for the Inspection",[16,4293,4294],{},"Proper preparation is the key to passing your electrical inspection on the first attempt. Here's what you need:",[54,4296,4298],{"id":4297},"_1-required-documentation","1. Required Documentation",[16,4300,4301],{},"The inspector will ask for the following documents:",[67,4303,4304,4309,4314,4320],{},[70,4305,4306,4308],{},[20,4307,2517],{}," (Eindrahtschema \u002F Schéma unifilaire) — A schematic overview of all circuits, protection devices, and connections",[70,4310,4311,4313],{},[20,4312,4094],{}," (Situationsplan \u002F Plan de situation) — Shows the physical location of all electrical components",[70,4315,4316,4319],{},[20,4317,4318],{},"Compliance declaration"," from the installer",[70,4321,4322,4325],{},[20,4323,4324],{},"Technical specifications"," of the main components (circuit breakers, differential switches, etc.)",[54,4327,4329],{"id":4328},"_2-installation-requirements","2. Installation Requirements",[16,4331,4332],{},"Make sure your installation meets these basic requirements:",[67,4334,4335,4338,4341,4344,4347,4350,4353],{},[70,4336,4337],{},"All circuits are properly protected by circuit breakers",[70,4339,4340],{},"A 300mA differential switch protects the entire installation",[70,4342,4343],{},"Additional 30mA differential protection for wet rooms (bathroom, kitchen)",[70,4345,4346],{},"Proper earth connection with a resistance of at most 30 Ohms (AREI Art. 4.2.4.3b: if 30 Ohm is exceeded, additional high-sensitivity residual-current devices are required; general formula: R_A x I_delta_n \u003C= 50 V)",[70,4348,4349],{},"All cables are properly secured and protected",[70,4351,4352],{},"Junction boxes are accessible and properly closed",[70,4354,4355],{},"At least two separate lighting circuits for dwellings with more than two rooms (Art. 5.3.5.2b)",[54,4357,4359],{"id":4358},"_3-common-mistakes-to-avoid","3. Common Mistakes to Avoid",[16,4361,4362],{},"Based on inspection statistics, these are the most frequent reasons for failure:",[67,4364,4365,4368,4371,4374,4377,4380],{},[70,4366,4367],{},"Missing or incorrect single-line diagram",[70,4369,4370],{},"Insufficient differential protection",[70,4372,4373],{},"Earth resistance too high",[70,4375,4376],{},"Cables not properly fixed or protected",[70,4378,4379],{},"Missing covers on junction boxes",[70,4381,4382],{},"Fewer than two separate lighting circuits for dwellings with more than two rooms",[49,4384,4386],{"id":4385},"what-happens-during-the-inspection","What Happens During the Inspection?",[16,4388,4389],{},"The inspection typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the installation. The inspector will:",[580,4391,4392,4398,4404,4410],{},[70,4393,4394,4397],{},[20,4395,4396],{},"Check documentation"," — Verify that the single-line diagram and floor plan match the actual installation",[70,4399,4400,4403],{},[20,4401,4402],{},"Visual inspection"," — Check all visible components, cables, and connections",[70,4405,4406,4409],{},[20,4407,4408],{},"Measurements"," — Test earth resistance, insulation resistance, and loop impedance",[70,4411,4412,4415],{},[20,4413,4414],{},"Functional tests"," — Test all differential switches and circuit breakers",[16,4417,4418],{},"After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed report listing any violations. If the installation passes, you'll get a green certificate valid for 25 years.",[49,4420,4422],{"id":4421},"how-planelec-helps","How PlanElec Helps",[16,4424,4425,4426,4428],{},"Creating the required documentation is often the most time-consuming part of preparing for an electrical inspection. ",[20,4427,869],{}," simplifies this process dramatically:",[67,4430,4431,4437,4443,4449,4455],{},[70,4432,4433,4436],{},[20,4434,4435],{},"Generate single-line diagrams"," in minutes instead of hours",[70,4438,4439,4442],{},[20,4440,4441],{},"AREI\u002FRGIE compliant"," — All symbols and layouts follow Belgian regulations",[70,4444,4445,4448],{},[20,4446,4447],{},"Automatic floor plans"," based on your room layout",[70,4450,4451,4454],{},[20,4452,4453],{},"Export to PDF"," for easy submission to the inspector",[70,4456,4457,4460],{},[20,4458,4459],{},"Multi-language support"," — Documentation in Dutch, French, German, or English",[25,4462,4463],{},[16,4464,4465],{},"Stop worrying about documentation. Focus on your installation and let PlanElec handle the paperwork.",[16,4467,4468],{},[844,4469,4470],{"href":873},"Start creating your electrical documentation for free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":4472},[4473,4474,4475,4480,4481],{"id":4222,"depth":877,"text":4223},{"id":4243,"depth":877,"text":4244},{"id":4290,"depth":877,"text":4291,"children":4476},[4477,4478,4479],{"id":4297,"depth":882,"text":4298},{"id":4328,"depth":882,"text":4329},{"id":4358,"depth":882,"text":4359},{"id":4385,"depth":877,"text":4386},{"id":4421,"depth":877,"text":4422},"2026-01-08","Everything you need to know about the electrical inspection — from preparation to the final check.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Felectrical-inspection.en",{"title":4216,"description":4483},"blog\u002Felectrical-inspection.en",[911,2736,3804,2737,4489,2739,2740,2741,2742,910,2743,2744,4490,2745,2012,2748],"contrôle électrique","compliance","V-NaRt_5_U7jnk272coGxXr60nQgwQZV-QF1VbBWH88",{"id":4493,"title":4494,"articleId":4495,"body":4496,"category":4915,"date":4916,"description":4917,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":4916,"locale":901,"meta":4918,"navigation":776,"path":4919,"publishDate":4204,"readTime":4920,"refreshInterval":905,"seo":4921,"slug":4495,"stem":4922,"tags":4923,"__hash__":4924},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fsingle-line-diagram.en.md","Creating a Single-Line Diagram — Step by Step","single-line-diagram",{"type":9,"value":4497,"toc":4892},[4498,4502,4513,4519,4523,4526,4558,4566,4570,4573,4577,4601,4605,4631,4635,4654,4658,4662,4665,4690,4694,4697,4727,4730,4734,4737,4751,4755,4758,4784,4788,4792,4795,4799,4802,4806,4809,4823,4827,4830,4834,4866,4870,4873,4887],[49,4499,4501],{"id":4500},"what-is-a-single-line-diagram","What is a Single-Line Diagram?",[16,4503,4504,4505,3387,4507,4509,4510,4512],{},"A single-line diagram (Dutch: ",[34,4506,2740],{},[34,4508,2742],{},", German: ",[34,4511,2741],{},") is a simplified electrical schematic that shows the structure of your entire installation using standardized symbols. Unlike a wiring diagram that shows every individual conductor, a single-line diagram uses a single line to represent each circuit.",[16,4514,4515,4516,4518],{},"This document is ",[20,4517,1720],{}," in Belgium for every electrical inspection according to the AREI\u002FRGIE regulations. Without a correct and up-to-date single-line diagram, you cannot pass your inspection.",[49,4520,4522],{"id":4521},"why-is-it-important","Why is it Important?",[16,4524,4525],{},"The single-line diagram serves multiple critical purposes:",[67,4527,4528,4534,4540,4546,4552],{},[70,4529,4530,4533],{},[20,4531,4532],{},"Legal requirement"," — Mandatory for every electrical inspection in Belgium",[70,4535,4536,4539],{},[20,4537,4538],{},"Safety overview"," — Shows all protection devices and their coordination",[70,4541,4542,4545],{},[20,4543,4544],{},"Maintenance reference"," — Helps electricians quickly identify circuits and components",[70,4547,4548,4551],{},[20,4549,4550],{},"Modification planning"," — Essential for planning future changes to the installation",[70,4553,4554,4557],{},[20,4555,4556],{},"Property documentation"," — Required when selling a property",[25,4559,4560],{},[16,4561,4562,4565],{},[20,4563,4564],{},"Important",": The single-line diagram must accurately reflect the current state of the installation. Any modification to the installation requires an update to the schema.",[49,4567,4569],{"id":4568},"understanding-arei-symbols","Understanding AREI Symbols",[16,4571,4572],{},"The AREI\u002FRGIE prescribes specific symbols based on the IEC 60617 standard. Here are the most important ones:",[54,4574,4576],{"id":4575},"protection-devices","Protection Devices",[67,4578,4579,4584,4590,4596],{},[70,4580,4581,4583],{},[20,4582,3249],{}," (automaat \u002F disjoncteur) — Protects against overcurrent",[70,4585,4586,4589],{},[20,4587,4588],{},"Differential switch"," (differentieelschakelaar \u002F différentiel) — Protects against earth leakage",[70,4591,4592,4595],{},[20,4593,4594],{},"Fuse"," (zekering \u002F fusible) — Traditional overcurrent protection",[70,4597,4598,4600],{},[20,4599,2603],{}," (hoofdschakelaar \u002F interrupteur principal) — Disconnects the entire installation",[54,4602,4604],{"id":4603},"consumers","Consumers",[67,4606,4607,4613,4619,4625],{},[70,4608,4609,4612],{},[20,4610,4611],{},"Socket outlet"," — Represented by a semicircle symbol",[70,4614,4615,4618],{},[20,4616,4617],{},"Lighting point"," — Circle with rays or cross",[70,4620,4621,4624],{},[20,4622,4623],{},"Fixed appliance"," — Rectangle with device designation",[70,4626,4627,4630],{},[20,4628,4629],{},"Motor"," — Circle with M designation",[54,4632,4634],{"id":4633},"special-symbols","Special Symbols",[67,4636,4637,4642,4648],{},[70,4638,4639,4641],{},[20,4640,384],{}," — Three horizontal lines of decreasing length",[70,4643,4644,4647],{},[20,4645,4646],{},"Equipotential bonding"," — Connecting line with earth symbol",[70,4649,4650,4653],{},[20,4651,4652],{},"Surge protector"," — Zigzag line with arrow",[49,4655,4657],{"id":4656},"step-by-step-guide-with-planelec","Step-by-Step Guide with PlanElec",[54,4659,4661],{"id":4660},"step-1-define-your-installation","Step 1: Define Your Installation",[16,4663,4664],{},"Start by mapping out your electrical installation:",[580,4666,4667,4670,4673],{},[70,4668,4669],{},"Open PlanElec and create a new project",[70,4671,4672],{},"Define the rooms in your building (living room, kitchen, bedrooms, etc.)",[70,4674,4675,4676],{},"For each room, specify the electrical components:\n",[67,4677,4678,4681,4684,4687],{},[70,4679,4680],{},"Number and type of socket outlets (single, double, with earth pin)",[70,4682,4683],{},"Lighting points (ceiling, wall, switched)",[70,4685,4686],{},"Fixed appliances (oven, hob, boiler, etc.)",[70,4688,4689],{},"Special circuits (EV charger, heat pump, solar panels)",[54,4691,4693],{"id":4692},"step-2-configure-protection-devices","Step 2: Configure Protection Devices",[16,4695,4696],{},"PlanElec automatically suggests appropriate protection:",[67,4698,4699,4709,4715,4721],{},[70,4700,4701,4704,4705,4708],{},[20,4702,4703],{},"Main differential switch"," — At least 300 mA at the supply point, ",[20,4706,4707],{},"selective (Type S\u002Ftime-delayed)"," when downstream 30 mA RCDs are installed (Art. 4.2.4.3b)",[70,4710,4711,4714],{},[20,4712,4713],{},"Additional 30 mA differentials"," — For socket circuits (not for fixed appliances), lighting, bathrooms, washing machine\u002Fdryer\u002Fdishwasher (Art. 4.2.4.3b); max. 8 final circuits per 30 mA RCD",[70,4716,4717,4720],{},[20,4718,4719],{},"Circuit breakers"," — Sized according to cable cross-section and circuit type",[70,4722,4723,4726],{},[20,4724,4725],{},"Surge protection"," — If required by your installation type",[16,4728,4729],{},"You can adjust these suggestions based on your specific requirements or your electrician's recommendations.",[54,4731,4733],{"id":4732},"step-3-review-the-topology","Step 3: Review the Topology",[16,4735,4736],{},"PlanElec generates the circuit topology automatically:",[67,4738,4739,4742,4745,4748],{},[70,4740,4741],{},"Circuits are grouped logically (lighting, sockets, dedicated circuits)",[70,4743,4744],{},"Each circuit gets a unique identifier (e.g., A1, A2, B1, B2)",[70,4746,4747],{},"The hierarchy from main switch to end consumer is clearly visible",[70,4749,4750],{},"Cable cross-sections are indicated for each circuit",[54,4752,4754],{"id":4753},"step-4-generate-and-export","Step 4: Generate and Export",[16,4756,4757],{},"With a single click, PlanElec generates your single-line diagram:",[67,4759,4760,4766,4772,4778],{},[70,4761,4762,4765],{},[20,4763,4764],{},"AREI-compliant layout"," — Horizontal main bus with vertical branch circuits",[70,4767,4768,4771],{},[20,4769,4770],{},"Standard symbols"," — All symbols conform to AREI Table 2.23",[70,4773,4774,4777],{},[20,4775,4776],{},"Automatic labeling"," — Circuit references, cable types, and protection ratings",[70,4779,4780,4783],{},[20,4781,4782],{},"PDF export"," — High-quality document ready for your inspector",[49,4785,4787],{"id":4786},"common-mistakes-to-avoid","Common Mistakes to Avoid",[54,4789,4791],{"id":4790},"_1-incomplete-circuits","1. Incomplete Circuits",[16,4793,4794],{},"Every consumer must be traceable back to the main switch through a clear chain of protection devices. Don't leave any \"floating\" connections.",[54,4796,4798],{"id":4797},"_2-wrong-symbol-usage","2. Wrong Symbol Usage",[16,4800,4801],{},"Use only AREI-approved symbols. Common mistakes include using old DIN symbols or inventing custom notations. PlanElec ensures you always use the correct symbols.",[54,4803,4805],{"id":4804},"_3-missing-information","3. Missing Information",[16,4807,4808],{},"Every circuit must show:",[67,4810,4811,4814,4817,4820],{},[70,4812,4813],{},"Circuit reference number",[70,4815,4816],{},"Cable type and cross-section (e.g., XVB 3G2.5)",[70,4818,4819],{},"Protection device rating (e.g., 16A or 20A; typical breaker for 2.5 mm²: 20A — 16A is permissible but not the standard pairing)",[70,4821,4822],{},"Number and type of consumers",[54,4824,4826],{"id":4825},"_4-outdated-schema","4. Outdated Schema",[16,4828,4829],{},"If you've made changes to your installation, the single-line diagram must be updated accordingly. An outdated schema will be rejected during inspection.",[49,4831,4833],{"id":4832},"tips-for-a-perfect-schema","Tips for a Perfect Schema",[67,4835,4836,4842,4848,4854,4860],{},[70,4837,4838,4841],{},[20,4839,4840],{},"Keep it clean"," — Avoid unnecessary crossings and overlapping labels",[70,4843,4844,4847],{},[20,4845,4846],{},"Be consistent"," — Use the same notation style throughout the document",[70,4849,4850,4853],{},[20,4851,4852],{},"Include all circuits"," — Even small additions like a doorbell or garden lighting",[70,4855,4856,4859],{},[20,4857,4858],{},"Date your document"," — Always include the creation\u002Fmodification date",[70,4861,4862,4865],{},[20,4863,4864],{},"Add your details"," — Include the address of the installation and the name of the creator",[49,4867,4869],{"id":4868},"let-planelec-do-the-heavy-lifting","Let PlanElec Do the Heavy Lifting",[16,4871,4872],{},"Creating a single-line diagram manually can take hours and requires detailed knowledge of AREI symbols and regulations. With PlanElec, you can generate a professional, compliant schema in minutes.",[67,4874,4875,4878,4881,4884],{},[70,4876,4877],{},"No CAD software needed",[70,4879,4880],{},"No electrical engineering degree required",[70,4882,4883],{},"Automatic AREI compliance",[70,4885,4886],{},"Export-ready PDF documents",[16,4888,4889],{},[844,4890,4891],{"href":873},"Create your single-line diagram now — it's free →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":4893},[4894,4895,4896,4901,4907,4913,4914],{"id":4500,"depth":877,"text":4501},{"id":4521,"depth":877,"text":4522},{"id":4568,"depth":877,"text":4569,"children":4897},[4898,4899,4900],{"id":4575,"depth":882,"text":4576},{"id":4603,"depth":882,"text":4604},{"id":4633,"depth":882,"text":4634},{"id":4656,"depth":877,"text":4657,"children":4902},[4903,4904,4905,4906],{"id":4660,"depth":882,"text":4661},{"id":4692,"depth":882,"text":4693},{"id":4732,"depth":882,"text":4733},{"id":4753,"depth":882,"text":4754},{"id":4786,"depth":877,"text":4787,"children":4908},[4909,4910,4911,4912],{"id":4790,"depth":882,"text":4791},{"id":4797,"depth":882,"text":4798},{"id":4804,"depth":882,"text":4805},{"id":4825,"depth":882,"text":4826},{"id":4832,"depth":877,"text":4833},{"id":4868,"depth":877,"text":4869},"tutorial","2026-01-05","Learn how to create a compliant single-line diagram for your electrical installation with PlanElec.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fsingle-line-diagram.en","12 min",{"title":4494,"description":4917},"blog\u002Fsingle-line-diagram.en",[911,2736,2739,2740,2741,2742,912,223,1722,2737,4489,2745,2974,910,3386,2743,2748],"4bHxpBCL1xP8bm1VaP2am34kN1Sl13kGGB0SQsBV6L0",{"id":4926,"title":4927,"articleId":4928,"body":4929,"category":5254,"date":5255,"description":5256,"extension":900,"lastUpdated":5255,"locale":901,"meta":5257,"navigation":776,"path":5258,"publishDate":4204,"readTime":5259,"refreshInterval":5260,"seo":5261,"slug":4928,"stem":5262,"tags":5263,"__hash__":5270},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Farei-regulations-2026.en.md","AREI\u002FRGIE Regulations 2026: The Key Changes","arei-regulations-2026",{"type":9,"value":4930,"toc":5241},[4931,4935,4946,4949,4953,4957,4960,4986,4994,4998,5004,5024,5027,5031,5034,5060,5064,5067,5090,5094,5100,5114,5122,5126,5136,5147,5150,5154,5200,5204,5207,5233,5236],[49,4932,4934],{"id":4933},"overview-of-the-2026-updates","Overview of the 2026 Updates",[16,4936,4937,4938,4941,4942,4945],{},"The Belgian electrical regulations — known as AREI (",[34,4939,4940],{},"Algemeen Reglement op de Elektrische Installaties",") in Dutch and RGIE (",[34,4943,4944],{},"Règlement Général sur les Installations Électriques",") in French — receive regular updates to keep pace with technological advances and safety requirements. The 2026 edition introduces several important changes that affect both new installations and renovations.",[16,4947,4948],{},"Whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation, an electrician working on projects, or a property developer, understanding these changes is essential for ensuring compliance.",[49,4950,4952],{"id":4951},"key-changes-at-a-glance","Key Changes at a Glance",[54,4954,4956],{"id":4955},"_1-enhanced-protection-for-ev-charging","1. Enhanced Protection for EV Charging",[16,4958,4959],{},"With the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption in Belgium, the 2026 regulations strengthen the requirements for EV charging installations:",[67,4961,4962,4968,4974,4980],{},[70,4963,4964,4967],{},[20,4965,4966],{},"Dedicated circuit required"," — Each charging point must have its own dedicated circuit with appropriate protection",[70,4969,4970,4973],{},[20,4971,4972],{},"Load management"," — Installations with multiple charging points must include intelligent load management",[70,4975,4976,4979],{},[20,4977,4978],{},"Cable sizing"," — Minimum cable cross-sections have been increased for charging circuits",[70,4981,4982,4985],{},[20,4983,4984],{},"RCD Type B or Type A-EV"," — Charging installations require Type B or Type A-EV residual current devices (with integrated DC fault current sensing ≥ 6 mA)",[25,4987,4988],{},[16,4989,4990,4993],{},[20,4991,4992],{},"Impact",": If you're installing an EV charger, budget for a dedicated circuit with appropriate protection. Retrofitting an existing circuit is no longer acceptable.",[54,4995,4997],{"id":4996},"_2-surge-protection-now-mandatory","2. Surge Protection Now Mandatory",[16,4999,5000,5001,5003],{},"Surge protection (SPD — Surge Protection Device) has been ",[20,5002,1720],{}," since the AREI 2020 for all new installations and major renovations. The 2026 regulations reaffirm this and specify the requirements further:",[67,5005,5006,5012,5018,5021],{},[70,5007,5008,5011],{},[20,5009,5010],{},"Type 2 SPD"," minimum at the main distribution board",[70,5013,5014,5017],{},[20,5015,5016],{},"Type 3 SPD"," recommended for sensitive equipment",[70,5019,5020],{},"Must be coordinated with the upstream protection devices",[70,5022,5023],{},"Regular testing and replacement after activation required",[16,5025,5026],{},"This change reflects the increasing sensitivity of modern electronic equipment and the growing risk of voltage surges from the grid.",[54,5028,5030],{"id":5029},"_3-updated-requirements-for-solar-installations","3. Updated Requirements for Solar Installations",[16,5032,5033],{},"The regulations for photovoltaic (PV) installations have been refined:",[67,5035,5036,5042,5048,5054],{},[70,5037,5038,5041],{},[20,5039,5040],{},"DC disconnect switch"," must be accessible and clearly labeled",[70,5043,5044,5047],{},[20,5045,5046],{},"Arc fault detection"," (AFDD) is now recommended for DC circuits",[70,5049,5050,5053],{},[20,5051,5052],{},"Battery storage systems"," must comply with specific ventilation and fire protection requirements",[70,5055,5056,5059],{},[20,5057,5058],{},"Bidirectional energy metering"," documentation must be included in the installation file",[54,5061,5063],{"id":5062},"_4-stricter-rules-for-wet-areas","4. Stricter Rules for Wet Areas",[16,5065,5066],{},"The classification of wet areas (zones) and their protection requirements have been updated:",[67,5068,5069,5074,5079,5084],{},[70,5070,5071,5073],{},[20,5072,3034],{}," (inside bath\u002Fshower) — Only SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) circuits allowed",[70,5075,5076,5078],{},[20,5077,3047],{}," (above bath\u002Fshower) — Minimum IPX4 (IPX5 only when jet water\u002Fhigh-pressure cleaning is present)",[70,5080,5081,5083],{},[20,5082,3060],{}," (0.6m around bath\u002Fshower) — 30mA RCD protection mandatory, minimum IPX4",[70,5085,5086,5089],{},[20,5087,5088],{},"Area outside the zones"," — Normal installation rules, splash-proof equipment recommended",[54,5091,5093],{"id":5092},"_5-digital-documentation-accepted","5. Digital Documentation Accepted",[16,5095,5096,5097,3412],{},"For the first time, the regulations explicitly accept ",[20,5098,5099],{},"digital documentation",[67,5101,5102,5105,5108,5111],{},[70,5103,5104],{},"Single-line diagrams may be submitted in digital PDF format",[70,5106,5107],{},"Floor plans can be generated from digital tools (like PlanElec)",[70,5109,5110],{},"Digital signatures are accepted on compliance declarations",[70,5112,5113],{},"Electronic archiving of inspection reports is permitted",[25,5115,5116],{},[16,5117,5118,5121],{},[20,5119,5120],{},"Good news",": This change officially validates the use of tools like PlanElec for creating your electrical documentation.",[49,5123,5125],{"id":5124},"what-this-means-for-existing-installations","What This Means for Existing Installations",[16,5127,5128,5129,5131,5132,5135],{},"The 2026 regulations primarily affect ",[20,5130,2427],{}," and ",[20,5133,5134],{},"major renovations",". Existing installations that passed inspection under previous regulations remain valid until:",[67,5137,5138,5141,5144],{},[70,5139,5140],{},"The next periodic inspection (every 25 years)",[70,5142,5143],{},"A major modification to the installation",[70,5145,5146],{},"The sale of the property",[16,5148,5149],{},"However, it's recommended to proactively update your installation to meet the new standards, especially regarding surge protection and wet area requirements.",[49,5151,5153],{"id":5152},"timeline-and-implementation","Timeline and Implementation",[99,5155,5156,5166],{},[102,5157,5158],{},[105,5159,5160,5163],{},[108,5161,5162],{},"Date",[108,5164,5165],{},"Milestone",[118,5167,5168,5176,5184,5192],{},[105,5169,5170,5173],{},[123,5171,5172],{},"January 2026",[123,5174,5175],{},"New regulations published",[105,5177,5178,5181],{},[123,5179,5180],{},"March 2026",[123,5182,5183],{},"Transition period begins",[105,5185,5186,5189],{},[123,5187,5188],{},"June 2026",[123,5190,5191],{},"Full enforcement for new installations",[105,5193,5194,5197],{},[123,5195,5196],{},"December 2026",[123,5198,5199],{},"Full enforcement for major renovations",[49,5201,5203],{"id":5202},"how-planelec-stays-current","How PlanElec Stays Current",[16,5205,5206],{},"PlanElec is continuously updated to reflect the latest AREI\u002FRGIE regulations:",[67,5208,5209,5215,5221,5227],{},[70,5210,5211,5214],{},[20,5212,5213],{},"Symbol library"," updated with new component symbols",[70,5216,5217,5220],{},[20,5218,5219],{},"Validation rules"," check compliance with 2026 requirements",[70,5222,5223,5226],{},[20,5224,5225],{},"Templates"," include new mandatory elements (SPD, EV circuits)",[70,5228,5229,5232],{},[20,5230,5231],{},"Export format"," generates documentation that meets the new digital acceptance standards",[16,5234,5235],{},"Stay compliant without having to study the full regulation text. PlanElec ensures your documentation meets the latest standards automatically.",[16,5237,5238],{},[844,5239,5240],{"href":873},"Update your electrical documentation with PlanElec →",{"title":876,"searchDepth":877,"depth":877,"links":5242},[5243,5244,5251,5252,5253],{"id":4933,"depth":877,"text":4934},{"id":4951,"depth":877,"text":4952,"children":5245},[5246,5247,5248,5249,5250],{"id":4955,"depth":882,"text":4956},{"id":4996,"depth":882,"text":4997},{"id":5029,"depth":882,"text":5030},{"id":5062,"depth":882,"text":5063},{"id":5092,"depth":882,"text":5093},{"id":5124,"depth":877,"text":5125},{"id":5152,"depth":877,"text":5153},{"id":5202,"depth":877,"text":5203},"news","2026-01-02","The latest updates to the Belgian electrical regulations and what they mean for your installation.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Farei-regulations-2026.en","6 min",6,{"title":4927,"description":5256},"blog\u002Farei-regulations-2026.en",[911,2736,5264,5265,1722,2737,2739,2740,2741,2742,910,5266,5267,5268,5269,2748],"regulations 2026","electrical regulations","surge protection","EV charging","solar panels","bathroom zones","1N5r4QSyqGaTxVnrPScx_lqRefOJnnEkd9ppDyvj5i0",1775151655477]