Who is Safe Energy Ireland?
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.
What are Restricted Electrical Works (REWs)?
These are electrical works which, under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 as amended, can only be carried out and must be certified by individuals who are registered with Safe Electric, i.e. only by RECs. REWs include electrical work in a domestic setting. More information on REW can be found here.
What are Minor Electrical Works?
Minor Electrical Works generally involve the “like for like” replacement of switches, sockets, lighting fittings and/or additions to an existing circuit. The work must be in compliance with the National Wiring Rules. More information on Minor Electrical Works can be found here .
What is the Criteria Document?
The Criteria Document is published by the CER and sets out the detailed rules, procedures and requirements in relation to the regulatory system for electrical safety. This document is published by the CER 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 CER may make changes to the Criteria Document.
Who is the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER)?
The CER was established in 1999 and it is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator. Since then its powers and functions have expanded and it now has a wide range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in energy. The CER has further expanded its role by becoming the economic regulator of the Irish public water and wastewater sector. If you wish to find more information about the CER please click here to visit the CER website.
How do I register?
You will need to submit the following documentation:
- Fully completed Application Form
- Evidence of the electrical qualifications of QC (National Craft Certificate or another suitable award, equivalent to Level 6 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications)
- Evidence of Verification, Testing and Certification course (V&C course) completion of QC
- Proof of a valid insurance (Copy of the Insurance Policy or complete Certificate of Insurance Form filled, stamped and signed by the insurance company or insurance broker)
- Payment of registration fee
- Payment of current subscription fee (can be paid later at issuing registration)
Please follow the step-by-step instructions on the How to Join Safe Electric page for more details.
How much does it cost to register?
When you apply for registration you will have to pay an application fee of €84.
For successful applicants the following annual registration fee (plus VAT) will apply depending on the number of electricians employed:
- Employing 10 or less electricians: €396.48
- 11 to 50 electricians: €624.96
- More than 50 electricians: €934.08
What qualifications are needed to register with Safe Electric? / What do I need in order to register with Safe Electric?
If you have a National Craft Certificate or another suitable award, equivalent to Level 6 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications, you are eligible to be registered with Safe Electric.
What is the membership process?
After registration Safe Electric will carry out an inspection of your installation. You are not authorised to self-certify your installations until a satisfactory inspection has been carried out. However if you have been previously registered with the Safe Electric scheme or have the requisite prior experience you may be granted the entitlement to self-certify straight away but an inspection will be carried out within 6 months of registration. Upon completion of the inspection the Safe Electric Approvals Committee will confirm your registration.
How do I renew my registration?
At the end of the calendar year Safe Electric issues the REC with the invoice for the annual subscription fee. The fee is to be paid within 30 days of the renewal date, i. e. by end of January of the current year. The REC also should meet the other registration requirements at the time of the renewal. For more details of the registration renewal process please click here.
Where can I get the accredited Verification & Certification course?
You can find Training Companies that provide the accredited Verification & Certification course here .
Who is my Inspector?
Safe Electric has a team of Inspectors who inspect installation works in the Republic of Ireland. Each Inspector is assigned an area, please visit the Our Inspectors page to see on the coverage map which inspector is responsible for your area.
Why am I not permitted to buy Certificates?
It can happen for various reasons. In alignment with the Enforcement procedures of the CER Criteria Document (Common Procedure No. 5 – Enforcement), RECs who do not comply with the registration requirements, may have their self-certification rights revoked which can also accompany restrictions in purchasing new Certificates. You should receive warning messages from Safe Electric on the post or in email before your self-certification rights are revoked. The most common reasons for revoking self-certification rights and restricting the purchase of new Certs can be
- not paying the annual subscription fee,
- not maintaining a valid insurance,
- not sending back Post-Connection Certs,
- not having a valid Qualified Certifier number,
- not returning Non-Conformance rectification notice.
As soon as you take action and meet the registration requirements, your self-certification rights will be reinstated.
If you are not sure why you are restricted from buying new Certs please contact the Safe Electric office for more information.
