In the Republic of Ireland, the CRU is the body responsible for regulating restricted and controlled electrical works. Through its designated Safety Supervisory Body Safe Electric, the CRU ensures that electrical contractors comply with the current standard. The CRU has allowed a transition period of 2 years to impose the new I.S.10101 standards. 

A Quick Reminder 

Here are the main changes that electrical contractors need to get to grips with:

1. Distribution boards in domestic premises
2. Protection against transient overvoltages
3. Residual Current Devices on lighting circuits in domestic premises
4. Protection against fire caused by electrical equipment

Distribution boards in domestic premises

Within domestic premises, distribution boards need to comply with I.S. EN 61439-1 & I.S. EN 61439-3. Every distribution board shall be provided with an Isolation Switch. Where this isolation switch is intended for operation by ordinary persons, the isolation switch shall interrupt both live and neutral conductors in a single phase supply.

Wall mounted boards must be mounted at a height no greater than 2.15m from the floor to the top of the device.

Protection against transient overvoltages

Surge protection regulations dictate that surge protection will now be installed as standard in distribution boards. If the installer does not wish to use a surge protection consumer unit, a risk assessment must be completed stating that surge protection is not necessary in that case.

Residual Current Devices on lighting circuits in domestic premises

Additional protection by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA shall be provided for AC final circuits supplying luminaires in domestic premises. An overcurrent protective device rating of 6A for 1.5mm copper conductors and 10A protection device for 2.5mm copper conductors should also be used in lighting circuits.

Protection against fire caused by electrical equipment

The new I.S.10101 regulations have introduced a new protection device, an Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD). This device is designed to detect and disconnect dangerous electrical arcs in both fixed wiring and connected equipment which could be a fire source.

It is now recommended to fit an AFDD to IEC 62606 for additional protection. 

Summary of Key Dates

2020 - 1 April 2020: New electrical installations may be designed and certified to the new standard.

2021- 1 February 2021: New electrical installations must be designed to the new standard.

2022 - Electrical installations must be certified to the new standard.

If you require more information or advice on the new I.S.10101 Regulations, please contact one of our Account Managers today - Email [email protected] or Call 048 867 51515.