AREI/RGIE Regulations 2026: The Key Changes
The latest updates to the Belgian electrical regulations and what they mean for your installation.
Overview of the 2026 Updates
The Belgian electrical regulations — known as AREI (Algemeen Reglement op de Elektrische Installaties) in Dutch and RGIE (Règlement Général sur les Installations Électriques) in French — receive regular updates to keep pace with technological advances and safety requirements. The 2026 edition introduces several important changes that affect both new installations and renovations.
Whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation, an electrician working on projects, or a property developer, understanding these changes is essential for ensuring compliance.
Key Changes at a Glance
1. Enhanced Protection for EV Charging
With the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption in Belgium, the 2026 regulations strengthen the requirements for EV charging installations:
- Dedicated circuit required — Each charging point must have its own dedicated circuit with appropriate protection
- Load management — Installations with multiple charging points must include intelligent load management
- Cable sizing — Minimum cable cross-sections have been increased for charging circuits
- RCD Type B — Charging installations now require Type B residual current devices (or Type A with DC detection)
Impact: If you're installing an EV charger, budget for a dedicated circuit with appropriate protection. Retrofitting an existing circuit is no longer acceptable.
2. Surge Protection Now Mandatory
While previously recommended, surge protection (SPD — Surge Protection Device) is now mandatory for all new installations and major renovations:
- Type 2 SPD minimum at the main distribution board
- Type 3 SPD recommended for sensitive equipment
- Must be coordinated with the upstream protection devices
- Regular testing and replacement after activation required
This change reflects the increasing sensitivity of modern electronic equipment and the growing risk of voltage surges from the grid.
3. Updated Requirements for Solar Installations
The regulations for photovoltaic (PV) installations have been refined:
- DC disconnect switch must be accessible and clearly labeled
- Arc fault detection (AFDD) is now recommended for DC circuits
- Battery storage systems must comply with specific ventilation and fire protection requirements
- Bidirectional energy metering documentation must be included in the installation file
4. Stricter Rules for Wet Areas
The classification of wet areas (zones) and their protection requirements have been updated:
- Zone 0 (inside bath/shower) — Only SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) circuits allowed
- Zone 1 (above bath/shower) — IP X5 minimum rating for all equipment
- Zone 2 (0.6m around bath/shower) — 30mA RCD protection mandatory, IP X4 minimum
- New Zone 3 — Extended to 2.4m around the wet area, requiring splash-proof equipment
5. Digital Documentation Accepted
For the first time, the regulations explicitly accept digital documentation:
- Single-line diagrams may be submitted in digital PDF format
- Floor plans can be generated from digital tools (like PlanElec)
- Digital signatures are accepted on compliance declarations
- Electronic archiving of inspection reports is permitted
Good news: This change officially validates the use of tools like PlanElec for creating your electrical documentation.
What This Means for Existing Installations
The 2026 regulations primarily affect new installations and major renovations. Existing installations that passed inspection under previous regulations remain valid until:
- The next periodic inspection (every 25 years)
- A major modification to the installation
- The sale of the property
However, it's recommended to proactively update your installation to meet the new standards, especially regarding surge protection and wet area requirements.
Timeline and Implementation
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | New regulations published |
| March 2026 | Transition period begins |
| June 2026 | Full enforcement for new installations |
| December 2026 | Full enforcement for major renovations |
How PlanElec Stays Current
PlanElec is continuously updated to reflect the latest AREI/RGIE regulations:
- Symbol library updated with new component symbols
- Validation rules check compliance with 2026 requirements
- Templates include new mandatory elements (SPD, EV circuits)
- Export format generates documentation that meets the new digital acceptance standards
Stay compliant without having to study the full regulation text. PlanElec ensures your documentation meets the latest standards automatically.