ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades Electric code (wiring regs)

Okay, I fianlly found it. Our code is the ETV 2002 (Elektrotechnikverordnung), pretty much like the NEC. It's kinda law text, pretty tough to read and only available in German. It's available as a .pdf for free!

Please provide the link!

It's http://www.kfe.at/empfehlungen/techn_infos.htm
and consists of 16 .pdf files. The first one seems to be an index.

Ok, I downloaded all these files, and it seems to be just some parts of the code. Another website indicates that a full version without appendix 4 (whatever that is) is available for 13 Euro.

I just read through the new Swedish rules for electrical installations. The book has been shortened from the previous edition and now consists of merely seventeen (17) pages, covering both high voltage and low voltage installations. All details are now in standards only, mainly a new standard called "SS 436 40 00"

And there is a analysis too, 7 pages long, where the reasons for the new regulations are presented and the consequences cost wise. (None, as the only real change is that RCD protection is now required only for the sockets, not the entire circuit.)

The reason for the shortened regulations? It was too costly for the authority to keep the regulations up-to-date. Less regulations cost less.

[This message has been edited by C-H (edited 12-01-2003).]

In Ireland there are a few relevant documents:

ET 101 : 2002 National Rules for Electrical Installations (3rd Edition) : Incorporating Ammendement No. 1 2001.

This document covers pretty much everything and is quite rule bound.

Then for domestic installations :

ET 207 : 2003 "Guide to the National Rules for Electrical Installations As Applicable To Domestic & Similar Installations"

ET 209:2003 "Guidelines for Extensions, Additions and Alterations to Exsisting Electrical Installations"

Other code of practice documents are also applicable such as ET 205 : 1998 "Guide to the Installation of Extra-Low Voltage Lighting Systems"

The ETCI* publications split into 2 broad categories:

1: National Rules
2: Codes of Practice and Guides

1: Sets out basic inflexible rules which cannot be played around with and is still quite codified
2: Is more informal and sets out general ways of doing things.

I don't think we've gone too far down the IEC way of thinking just yet although we have harmonised standards, colour codes etc a lot of the way things are done is still most definitely codified.

The ETCI rules in themselves are not legally binding however, there are pieces of legislation at national and local level that require that an installation has been installed in accordance with the latest revision of the ETCI's National Wiring Rules.

The HSA (Health and Safety Athority) and insurance companies also require that installations be regularly tested and certified to be in complience with the current ETCI rules.

If an installation is being reconnected to the system: This document needs to be refered to:
ET 107 : 2003 "National rules for Inspection and Certification of Exsisting Electrical Installations for Reconnection to the Distribution System"

Failure to comply leaves you open to potential criminal prosecution and/or civil law suits should anything go wrong.

Similar situation elsewhere? or are we way out on our own while everyone else is moving towards a common-sense approach?

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Unsupprisingly despite all of the above the weakest link tends to be the consumer. E.g. installing DIY sockets, lights and of course.. wiring a plug.. tend to cause most problems not non-complient installations:

e.g. this is what Irish consumers are given by the ESB (PoCo) (in cooperation with ETCI) re: Wiring a plug ( the printed version has pictures of both types)
Way too complicated. The fact that most appliences now come fitted with a plug has helped a lot even if it's schuko rather than BS1363! In the past most appliences came with just a flex!
http://www.esb.ie/main/energy_home/safety_plug.jsp

Would it confuse your typical Granny?

*ETCI = ElectroTechnical Council of Ireland.



[This message has been edited by djk (edited 12-01-2003).]