In the Republic of Ireland, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) oversees restricted and controlled electrical works. Through its designated Safety Supervisory Body, Safe Electric, the CRU ensures that electrical contractors comply with current standards. The new I.S.10101 standards, which introduce significant changes to electrical regulations, are being phased in with a two-year transition period (Safe Electric).

Key Changes in I.S.10101 Regulations

Here are the main updates that electrical contractors need to be aware of:

• Distribution Boards in Domestic Premises

• Compliance: Distribution boards must adhere to I.S. EN 61439-1 & I.S. EN 61439-3.
• Isolation Switch: Every distribution board must have an isolation switch. For switches intended for operation by ordinary persons, both live and neutral conductors in a single-phase supply must be interrupted (CRU).
• Installation Height: Wall-mounted boards must be installed at a height no greater than 2.15m from the floor to the top of the device.

• Protection Against Transient Overvoltages

• Surge protection must now be a standard installation in distribution boards. If a surge protection consumer unit is not used, a risk assessment must justify its omission (CRU).

• Residual Current Devices (RCDs) on Lighting Circuits in Domestic Premises

• Additional Protection: RCDs with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA must be used for AC final circuits supplying luminaires (Safe Electric).
• Overcurrent Protection: Use 6A protection devices for 1.5mm copper conductors and 10A protection devices for 2.5mm copper conductors in lighting circuits.

• Protection Against Fire Caused by Electrical Equipment

• Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD): The new regulations introduce AFDDs, which detect and disconnect dangerous electrical arcs that could cause fires. It is recommended to fit AFDDs to IEC 62606 for additional safety (CRU).

• Electric Wire Colours

• New standards for electric wire colours aim to ensure consistency and safety in electrical installations.

Timeline of Key Dates

• 1 April 2020: New electrical installations could be designed and certified to the new standard (Safe Electric).
• 1 February 2021: New electrical installations must be designed to the new standard (CRU).
• 2022: All electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.

Want to learn more about these regulation changes? Here’s a helpful explainer!

Credit: Safe Electric Webinars

For more information or advice on the new I.S.10101 regulations, please contact one of our Account Managers today at [email protected] or call 048 867 51515. 

FAQ: Understanding the I.S.10101 Regulation Changes

Q1: What is the I.S.10101 standard?

A: The I.S.10101 is a new standard for electrical installations in the Republic of Ireland, introduced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to ensure safety and compliance in electrical works.

Q2: What are the key changes in the I.S.10101 regulations?

A: Key changes include updated requirements for distribution boards, mandatory surge protection, additional protection for lighting circuits with Residual Current Devices (RCDs), and the introduction of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs).

Q3: When do the new regulations come into effect?

A: New electrical installations could be designed and certified to the new standard from 1 April 2020. By 1 February 2021, all new electrical installations must be designed to the new standard, and by 2022, all electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.

Q4: Do I need to install surge protection on my distribution board?

A: Yes, surge protection is now a standard requirement in distribution boards. If a surge protection consumer unit is not used, a risk assessment must justify its omission.

Q5: What is an Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD), and why is it important?

A: An AFDD detects and disconnects dangerous electrical arcs that could cause fires. It is recommended to install AFDDs to IEC 62606 for enhanced safety.

Q6: Where can I find more information about the I.S.10101 regulations?

A: For more information, you can contact one of our Account Managers at [email protected] or call 048 867 51515. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance with the new regulations.