It's just the type of administrative chore we'd rather do without. But, the certificate of compliance (or "inspection report") is much more than just a piece of paper: It's a document proving that your installation has been carried out by the book. Read on for an overview of the times when you absolutely must go through the certification process.
For the electrical installation
Electricity is a bit like plumbing in your house: You only think about it when it's leaking... or when it trips. In Belgium, the General Regulations on Electrical Installations (RGIE) lays down the rules.
Every 25 years
Even if everything appears to be working perfectly, a domestic installation does age. Insulation erodes, connections come loose. Every 25 years, you need to call in an accredited body to check that your installation is still safe. It's a bit like a "technical inspection" of your installation.
If you're selling your property
This is the most common case. If you're selling a home whose installation is dated before 1 October 1981 (or you no longer have the current certificate of compliance), you need to provide an inspection report to the future buyer.
- If it's compliant: Even better, it's another selling point!
- If it's not compliant: You can still sell anyway. The buyer generally has 18 months to bring the installation into compliance.
Who do I contact to have my indoor electricity installation checked?
Other cases
You don't have to wait 25 years if you make any changes to your circuits:
- Before commissioning solar panels: A mandatory inspection verifies the compliance of your inverter and the safety of the connection to your electrical panel.
- Installation of a home battery: Energy storage is subject to an inspection to ensure that the battery system and its grid connection are secure.
- Installation of a charging station or a heat pump: This high-power equipment changes the structure of your installation; therefore, commissioning requires a certificate of compliance.
- In the event of a major modification or extension: This includes replacing your distribution board or adding new circuits (for an extension, a new kitchen, etc.).
- Power upgrade: If you switch from a standard meter to a higher power supply (e.g. three-phase), the grid operator (Sibelga, ORES, RESA...) strictly requires a compliant certificate before intervening.
- After an emergency (fire, flood, etc.): For your safety, an inspection is essential before reopening meters that the grid operator sealed at the request of emergency services.
Did you know?
Do you know which component fails an inspection most often? It's not the switchboard, but the lack of single-line and position diagrams. Without these technical drawings, the inspector can't approve your installation, even if it's in perfect order!
For the gas installation
When it comes to gas, we don't mess around with safety. A leak or the poor evacuation of fumes can have dramatic consequences.
Commissioning and new installations
Whenever a new gas pipeline is laid or an old one is significantly modified, a certificate of compliance is required. Without this document being submitted by an accredited body or a CERGA-authorised installer, your network manager will refuse to open your meter. It's your guarantee against leaks and the risk of explosions.
Replacing your boiler
Replacing a boiler is a specific case that often raises questions. Indeed, depending on the extent of the work carried out on your gas pipes, the administrative requirements vary:
- No certificate required: If you replace your appliance without modifying the layout or materials of the existing gas pipes, the certificate of compliance (NBN D 51-003 standard) is not required.
- Mandatory certificate: As soon as the replacement involves moving, extending, or modifying fixed gas piping, a new certificate of compliance is essential.
- Mandatory commissioning: In all cases (with or without pipe modifications), a formal commissioning procedure for the appliance is legally required to validate the safety of the flue exhaust and the settings of the new boiler.
What mandatory inspections do gas installations have to undergo in Brussels?
Gas installations in Brussels must be inspected regularly. Find out which inspections are required and when you need to have them carried out.
Kill two birds with one stone
If your heating engineer holds the CERGA label, they can issue the gas compliance certificate themselves. This saves you from paying for and organising a separate visit from an external inspection body.
And if you're selling?
Unlike for electricity, a certificate of compliance for gas is not mandatory if you're selling your house. However, don't get them mixed up: A buyer will often ask for the latest annual or biennial servicing certificates. Without these, you may have to pay for a last-minute service before leaving the property!