Do you need to have the compliance of your home electrical installation inspected? Here are the things to check before the inspection body calls.

In Belgium, the RGIE (General Regulation on Electrical Installations) defines the rules to be followed in terms of wiring. It is on this basis that the recognised organisations determine the compliance of wiring when it is being inspected .

There are many reasons for non-compliance..

You do not have the necessary documents

During the inspection of your electrical installation you must provide the following documents and information:

One-line and positional diagrams

• A one-line diagram for the wiring describes the make-up of the various circuits and their interconnections;
• The position diagram lists the elements of the wiring system (boards, connection boxes, junction boxes, power outlets, light points, switches and appliances).

The inspector will check that these plans show the actual situation.

If you have electrical knowledge, you can make these diagrams. If not, call an electrician.

The EAN code

You will also need to provide the EAN code for the connection of the wiring system.

You are missing a differential switch

The regulations require that a differential switch of 300 mA maximum be placed at the head of your wiring system.

They must also be provided on the circuits for bathrooms and kitchens and rooms where there is a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher (maximum sensitivity of 30 mA). If it detects a current leak to earth, and therefore an insulation fault, this device cuts the circuit, protecting people from electrocution.

The earth ground resistance is too high

The earthing diverts any electrical current that may leak out of an appliance to earth, preventing electrocution.

When inspecting your wiring, the inspector measures the ground resistance of the earth connection or loop. This resistance must be less than 30 Ohms or 100 Ohms, through the installation of an additional differential switch.

Your electrical installation is not properly insulated

Each wire in your installation is covered with insulating material which, in the same way as a water pipe, prevents 'leaks'. If this insulation is faulty, a weak current can flow from the conductor to earth  and cause an electric shock or a fire. 

During the inspection, the insulation is measured using a special device (megohmmeter).To do so, your entire installation will be powered off for a few minutes.

Your electrical socket pose a risk

Please beware of the following:

• Maximum 8 sockets per circuit (if the circuit includes sockets and lighting, each light point counts as a socket);
• The sockets must be fitted with an earthing;
• Visible sockets must be installed at least 15 cm from the ground in dry rooms and 25 cm in other rooms;
• Be careful! If your sockets are installed in a wooden wall, you must install them with a device designed for this purpose.

What happens if my electrical installation doesn't comply?

You have one year to put it in order and have a new inspection. If the accommodation is being sold, it is the new owner of the house who will have to carry out the compliance work within 18 months of signing the deed of sale.