Overview of regulations for electrical safety in European residential buildings

By G Desmet et al 

The way in which electrical safety in homes is handled in six European countries is presented. In Europe different ways exist to ensure safety of electrical installations in residential buildings. A comparison is made of the technical approaches and rules, especially the national standard, applied in the following countries: Belgium (AREI/RGIE), the Netherlands (NEN 1010), Germany (VDE 0100), France (NF C 15-100), Ireland (ET 101/107) and the United Kingdom (BS 7671 + P). Differences are found for the construction of electrical installations and renovation and periodic control of installations. A major difference is found in the designation of authorized electricians and the different control organisms. Statutory regulation, conditions for connection, periodic controls, the kind of inspection and tax benefits are discussed.