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.
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:
The transition period will begin from 1 April 2020. Electrical installations may be designed to the new standard from this date.
After six months (from 1 October 2020), all new electrical installations must be designed and certified to the new standard.
After 24 months (from 1 April 2022), all electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Q] Can I begin using IS10101:2020 immediately?
Electrical installations may be designed and certified to the new standard from 1 April 2020.
[Q] Can I still use ET101:2008?
It is recommended that all installations be designed to the new standard from 1 February 2020.
However, whether an installation may be certified to the old standard depends on its date of design:
- Until 30 September 2020 (for the next six months), installations may be designed to the old standard, provided that
- Such installations are certified (to at least pre-connection) by 31 March 2022 (within 24 months of the transition).
If you are unsure whether the project will meet this deadline, you should design the installation to the new standard.
It is the responsibility of the REC undertaking the works to ensure they are certifying the installation to the correct standard.
[Q] What is the date of the design? What documentation do I need to prove date of design?
This is the date the electrical installation was designed.
For large projects, this may take place at a planning stage prior to beginning construction. For smaller works, this may take place on the day of the installation.
The date of design of the installation may be proved in different ways, depending on the project. Safe Electric inspectors may accept reasonable proof of date of design, including:
- On-site construction drawings with associated completed title blocks
- Contracts associated with the electrical installation
- Documentation validated through BC(A)R
It is the responsibility of the REC undertaking the works to maintain proof of date of design and to present this to their Inspector during inspection (or where queried by Safe Electric). Where the REC does not have documentation demonstrating the date of design, Safe Electric will require the installation to comply with the new standard.
Where the REC has a query as to what documents are acceptable, they should ask their local Inspector.
[Q] What is the date of certification?
This is the date the electrical installation is certified to at least pre-connection stage.
Pre-connection stage means the installation is certified with a Certificate No. 1 or Certificate No. 2, in accordance with Common Procedure No. 1 of the CRU’s Electrical Safety Supervisory Criteria Document (Version 3.0) of 22 April 2016 (CER/16/001).
A completion certification means the installation is and the REC has returned the appropriate post-connection certificate, including testing and verification results, in accordance with Common Procedure No. 1 of the CRU’s Electrical Safety Supervisory Criteria Document (Version 3.0) of 22 April 2016 (CER/16/001).
[Q] I am designing a new installation. Which standard should I use?
Electrical installations may be designed and certified to the new standard from 1 April 2020. It is recommended that all new electrical installations be designed and certified to the new standard from that date.
From 1 October 2020, all new installations must be designed to the new standard.
Until 30 September 2020, electrical installations may be designed to the old standard. However, such installations must be certified (to at least pre-connection) by 31 March 2022. If you are unsure whether the project will meet this deadline, you should design the installation to the new standard.
[Q] I am already working on an installation designed to ET101:2008, but it is not yet certified. What do I need to do?
Where works have started on electrical installations that are designed to the old standard, these installations must have pre-connection certificates completed by 31 March 2022. Otherwise, they will need to be brought into compliance with the new standard before being certified.
[Q] I am already working on an installation designed to ET 101:2008, and a pre-connection certificate has been issued. What do I need to do?
Where a current electrical installation is designed to the old standard and a pre-connection certificate has been issued, these projects may be issued a completion certificate to the old standard after 31 March 2022.
However, all reasonably practicable steps should be taken to bring such systems into conformity with the new standard.
[Q] What about installations wired to previous editions of the National Rules for Electrical Installations?
Existing electrical installations that have been installed in accordance with earlier editions of the National Rules for Electrical Installations may not comply with IS 10101:2020. This does not necessarily mean that they are unsafe for continued use or require upgrading. However, the CRU and Safe Electric recommend that all reasonably practicable steps should be taken to bring such systems into conformity with the new standard.
[Q] I have further queries regarding IS10101:2020
- RECs with questions regarding installations and certification should direct their questions to their Safe Electric Inspector. Where the Inspector requires clarification, they will consult with the Safe Electric Manager.
- Customers with questions regarding installations, certification, and electrical safety should direct their questions to info@safeelectric.ie.
- Technical queries regarding IS10101:2020 should be directed to the NSAI at:.
- Queries regarding regulation by the CRU should be directed to SSBTeam@cru.ie.
