Safe Electric is responsible for the regulation of the activities of electrical contractors in the Republic of Ireland with respect to safety. Safe Electric holds a register of all Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs), and ensures through audits and inspections that RECs are operating to the relevant national standards and technical rules. Safe Electric carry out disciplinary actions where necessary, and ensures that any REC that appears on the register has the appropriate insurance cover in place.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has appointed Safe Energy Ireland to operate the Safe Electric Scheme on behalf of the CRU.
The responsibilities of Safe Electric with respect to safety are outlined in detail in the Criteria Document.
The Criteria Document sets out the detailed rules, procedures and requirements in relation to the regulatory system for electrical safety. This document is published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and is particularly relevant to Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs) and Safe Electric. RECs must agree to be bound to the Criteria Document in order to be registered.
From time to time the CRU may make changes to the Criteria Document.
Safe Energy Ireland was appointed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as the Electrical Safety Supervisory Body (ESSB). Safe Energy Ireland will operate the Safe Electric Scheme for a five year period 2023-2028.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has changed its name to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to reflect its broadened remit and mission to regulate water, energy and energy safety in the public interest. The CRU is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator and has a wide range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities. RECI operate the Safe Electric scheme on behalf of the CRU. If you wish to find more information about the CRU please click here to visit the CRU website.
The ESSB is appointed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and it is responsible for running the Safe Electric Scheme. For the designation period 2023-2028, the CRU has appointed Safe Energy Ireland as the single ESSB. The principal functions of the ESSB include, without limitation, the registration of electrical contractors and, the inspection, auditing and monitoring of electrical contractors and their work and activities with respect to safety.
The CRU has statutory responsibility for the regulation of the activities of electrical contractors in the Republic of Ireland with respect to safety. The CRU has appointed Safe Energy Ireland (operating as Safe Electric) as the Electrical Safety Supervisory Body (ESSB) to act as the regulatory body for electrical contractors and to complete the day-to-day activities in this area. The CRU remains responsible for policy decisions regarding electrical safety and the operation of the regulatory scheme.
The CRU also undertakes investigations where unregistered electrical contractors may have completed Restricted Electrical Works in a domestic setting or describe themselves in a manner likely to suggest that they are a REC. These instances can be reported by filling out the report illegal electrical works form.
Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs) must adhere to the Safe Electric Rules of Registration with regard to matters such as training, competence, inspection & audit, test equipment, insurance and completion certificates. It is through this registration system that Safe Electric, can monitor and validate that the electrical works completed meet the required safety standards.
Any REC that appears on the Safe Electric register has appropriate insurance cover in place. RECs shall permit Safe Electric to carry out an inspection and or audit at any time. Any REC who is the subject of a Disciplinary Process must cooperate fully with every phase of the Disciplinary Process.
Using a REC gives confidence to consumers that they are using a contractor who is competent, insured and subject to regular inspection. It is through the registration system that Safe Electric, can monitor and validate that the electrical works completed meet the required safety standards.
Visit ‘Find a REC’ to search for a REC in your area.
If you wish to make a complaint about the standard of the work carried out by a REC or if you have not been issued a Completion Certificate and the REC is refusing to do so, please submit complaint by completing the complaint form.
Your complaint will be investigated by Safe Electric and may result in the disciplinary of the REC concerned. Please note that Safe Electric deals only with complaints related to technical standards and safety. You can find a list of common non-valid complaints here.
If you have reason to suspect that someone who is not a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is performing Restricted Electrical Works in a domestic premises, or describing themselves in a manner likely to suggest that they are a REC, please complete the report illegal electrical works form.
Situations may arise where a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) carrying out installation works observes a potential hazard. A REC has a duty of care to inform the electricity consumer of any immediate or potential hazard identified, by issuing a Notice of Potential Hazard (NoHz). Please find more information about the NoHz here.
Customers should always ask for a Completion Certificate for all electrical works completed in their home immediately after completion. The REC will issue the original white copy of the completion certificate to the customer. A copy of the certificate will also be issued to Safe Electric. Only the REC’s named Qualified Certifier (QC) can certify electrical works on behalf of the REC.
It is through this certification system that Safe Electric, can monitor and validate that the electrical works completed meet the required safety standards. For more information on completion certificates click here.
An application to change electrical contractor is required where the installing contractor is not available to complete and or certify a new installation. To apply for a change of contractor please fill out the change of contractor form. The appropriate criteria must be met for an application to be approved. Please note that a minimum charge of 280 (+ VAT) will apply for a Change of Contractor Inspection. You can find more information on the change of contractor here.
