Renovation and AREI: When Do You Need New Electrical Plans?
Not every renovation requires new electrical plans. Learn which works trigger a mandatory re-inspection and what the contamination rule means.
When does a renovation trigger a mandatory re-inspection?
Not every renovation requires new electrical plans and a re-inspection. The AREI clearly distinguishes between works that trigger a mandatory re-inspection (keuring) and those that don't. This guide explains which rule applies to your renovation.
The decision tree: Re-inspection yes or no?
Re-inspection REQUIRED
The following works trigger a mandatory re-inspection (Art. 6.4.7.3):
| Work | Reason |
|---|---|
| Adding new circuits | Extension of the installation |
| Replacing the distribution board | Change to protection devices |
| Installing a sub-distribution | Extension of the installation |
| Running new cables | Substantial modification |
| Modifying the earthing system | Safety-critical |
| Converting to three-phase | Fundamental change |
| Connecting an EV charger / heat pump | New dedicated circuit |
Re-inspection NOT REQUIRED
These works count as maintenance and don't trigger a re-inspection:
| Work | Why no re-inspection |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like socket/switch replacement | Same position, same rating |
| Replacing a lamp with LED | No intervention in the installation |
| Painting, wallpapering, flooring | Cosmetic, no electrical connection |
| Like-for-like breaker replacement | Same type and rated current |
| Changing a socket cover plate | No intervention in wiring |
Grey area: Moving a socket to a different position already counts as a modification. Any significant modification or extension triggers a re-inspection (Art. 6.4.7.3) — even if the circuit stays the same.
The contamination rule
The contamination rule is the most important concept for renovations:
If you modify one part of the installation, the inspector can question the entire installation.
What this means in practice
Say you renovate your bathroom and install new sockets and lighting:
- The bathroom is assessed against the current AREI — all current regulations apply
- The inspector can also check the rest of the installation
- Existing defects (e.g., missing RCDs in the basement) can also be flagged
How to limit contamination
- Document precisely which parts were modified and which weren't
- Mark the new/modified circuits in the single-line diagram
- Unmodified parts fall under Part 8 (relaxed requirements)
Part 8 vs. Full AREI: What applies when?
The AREI distinguishes between old and new:
| Installation part | Applicable regulation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Unmodified, pre-1981 | Part 8 Art. 8.2 (existing installation) | Relaxed — e.g., no RCD per circuit required, old cable types tolerated |
| Unmodified, 1981–2020 | Part 8 Section 8.2.2 (deviations for domestic installations under former A.O.E.A.) | Must comply with the regulation at the time, with limited relaxations per Art. 8.2.2 |
| Modified / New | Current AREI | All current requirements (300 mA main RCD + 30 mA high-sensitivity RCD for socket, lighting and bathroom circuits, SPD for the new/modified part, cable standards) |
Typical scenario: 1960s house
You're renovating the kitchen and bathroom of a 1965 house:
- Kitchen + bathroom (new circuits): Full current AREI — SPD expected as good practice (Art. 4.5.1, general principle; applies only to the new/modified part of the installation), 300 mA main RCD for the entire installation (Art. 4.2.4.3) + 30 mA high-sensitivity RCD for socket, lighting and bathroom circuits (Art. 4.2.4.3 point b), current cable types
- Bedrooms, living room (unmodified): Part 8 — old VOB cables tolerated, no RCD per circuit required
- However: If the inspector finds that the old installation poses a direct safety risk (e.g., exposed wires, missing earthing), they can still require remediation
Documentation for renovations
Houses with existing plans
If a current single-line diagram and situation plan exist:
- Update the plans — add new circuits, modified positions
- Mark clearly what is old and what is new
- Present updated plans to the inspector
Houses without plans (pre-1981)
Many older houses have no existing documentation. In that case (Art. 9.1.2):
- Survey the entire installation — including unmodified parts
- Create a complete new single-line diagram — for the entire installation
- Create a situation plan — draw all sockets, switches, lighting points
Warning: This is one of the most common reasons renovations become significantly more expensive than planned — the documentation requirement for the entire installation.
Budget planning: Typical costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-line diagram + situation plan (electrician) | €300 – €600 |
| Single-line diagram + situation plan (PlanElec) | Early Access currently free |
| AREI inspection | €125 – €170 |
| Re-inspection (if defects found) | €80 – €120 |
| Defect remediation | €500 – €5,000+ |
The PlanElec advantage for renovations
With PlanElec, you can:
- Document the existing installation
- Add new circuits and have them automatically validated
- Clearly separate old vs. new
- Export the result as PDF for the inspector
- Early Access currently free; payment processing is not active yet
Checklist for renovators
Before starting renovations:
- Check: Do my works trigger a re-inspection?
- Find existing electrical plans (if available)
- Budget for documentation + inspection
- Involve an electrician early (for the installation work)
- Use PlanElec for documentation (create plans yourself)
After renovation:
- Updated plans created?
- All new circuits in the single-line diagram?
- Inspection body contacted?
- Inspection passed?