NSAI Publishes New National Rules for the Electrical Industry

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The NSAI have released a new set of national rules that apply to the electrical industry.

The first major revision to the standard laid out in over ten years, the new rules as outlined by the NSAI are based on agreed-upon standards for safety and electrical installations.

The new standard, titled I.S. 10101:2020, will replace the former ET 101:2008, and has been produced by industry experts who sit on the NSAI's Electro Technical Committee (ETC/TC 2) “Electrical Installations.” The standard includes requirements for design and installation of many types of installations, including housing, hospitals, agricultural buildings, caravans, construction sites, industrial premises and swimming pools.

It took two years to complete, including a three-month consultation period, and over 600 comments that were all considered in detail by the committee.

Yvonne Wylde, The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s Standards Technical Manager, said that the new document is ‘essential’ and an invaluable reference point for designers and electrical installers, providing for the safety of electrical installations in homes, businesses, factories, and farming communities across the country.

“Some of the key changes proposed in the new rules are that Residual Current Devices (RCDs) will now be required on lighting circuits in domestic premises, and Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) will be recommended for circuits installed in locations with particular risk, such as in premises with sleeping accommodation; or buildings made of combustible construction materials such as wooden buildings.” said Ms Wylde.

Other changes included are

  • Revised specifications for cables, which will now be required to meet the minimum rating of class Dca-s2, d2, a2 in accordance with I.S. EN 50575.

  • A new set of recommendations on energy management and efficiency,

  • Provision is made for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and

  • There are modified requirements for electrical installations in medical locations.   

For details about transition arrangements from ET 101:2008 to I.S. 10101:2020 please refer to the Safe Electric website.

The NSAI published the new standards on Friday 6th March. To purchase a copy of the new standards please follow this link. The standard sales team can be contacted by telephone 018576730 or by email info@standards.ie

Hard copy costs €120 (excl. p&p). As part of the hardcopy purchase you also get access to an online (read only) version.  You will receive an email that gives instruction on how to access the online version.

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John Smith