NEW WIRING RULES IS10101

 

The NSAI will publish the 5th Edition National Rules for Electrical Installations, IS 10101:2020 (hereafter “the new standard”) on 6 March 2020. This replaces the 4th Edition, ET 101:2008 (hereafter “the old standard”).

The CRU is the body responsible for regulating restricted and controlled electrical works in the Republic of Ireland. Through its designated Safety Supervisory Body Safe Electric, the CRU is responsible for ensuring that electrical contractors comply with the current standard. As such, the CRU sets the transition period to IS 10101:2020.

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The CRU has decided on a transition period of 24 months to enforce compliance with the new standard. The following applies to all restricted and controlled electrical works in either commercial or domestic properties:

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The transition period will begin from 1 April 2020. Electrical installations may be designed to the new standard from this date.

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After six months (from 1 October 2020), all new electrical installations must be designed and certified to the new standard.

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After 24 months (from 1 April 2022), all electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.

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Installations may be designed to the old standard until 30 September 2020, provided they are certified to at least a pre-connection stage by 31 March 2022.

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Safe Electric will not process certificates for installations that are not in compliance with the transition timelines set out above.

It is the responsibility of the REC undertaking the works to ensure they certify to the correct standard and within the correct timeframe.

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Where RECs submit certificates to the old standard after these deadlines, Safe Electric will not process the certificate and the REC will be required to bring the installation into compliance with the new standard – IS 10101:2020.

There will be no changes to the certificates of completion or to the process of certification through Safe Electric as a result of the implementation of the new standard.

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Summary of Key Dates

• 2020

  • 1 April 2020: New electrical installations may be designed and certified to the new standard

  • 30 September 2020: This is the last day new electrical installations may be designed to the old standard (such installations must be certified by 31 March 2022)

  • 1 October 2020: New electrical installations must be designed to the new standard

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• 2022

  • 31 March 2022: This is the last day an installation may be pre-connection certified to the old standard (such installations must have been designed by 30 September 2020)

  • 1 April 2022: Electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.​

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Note: under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, it is illegal for a Non-Registered Contractor to carry out Restricted Electrical Works. The act of falsely portraying oneself as a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is a separate offence under of the same Act.​​

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Check the Safe Electric register: Customers should always check the Safe Electric Register before hiring a REC to carry out works.

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Certification: It is mandatory for a REC to issue a Completion Certificate for all Electrical Works (excluding minor works). If a REC carries out minor electrical works they must be certified if requested by the customer. Only the REC’s named Qualified Certifier (QC) can certify electrical works on behalf of the REC.

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Insurance: RECs must submit confirmation that the appropriate insurance cover is in place annually. Any REC that appears on the Safe Electric register has appropriate insurance cover in place.

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Audit and Inspection: RECs shall permit Safe Electric to carry out an inspection and or audit at any time in accordance with the Audit and Inspection procedure.

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Disciplinary: Any REC who is the subject of a Disciplinary Process must cooperate fully with every phase of the Disciplinary Process.

Complaints: Safe Electric is concerned solely with the safety and technical standard (i.e. compliance with the National Rules for Electrical Installations) of electrical works carried out by RECs. If you have any safety concerns you should make a complaint about the REC. This will be investigated by Safe Electric and may lead to REC disciplinary.

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Suspected Illegal Electrical Works: If you suspect an unregistered person is carrying carry out Restricted Electrical Works or falsely portraying oneself as a REC you should report alleged illegal electrical works. This will be investigated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).​​

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(Content taken from website www.safeelectric.ie)