Why businesses should prioritise compliant electrical installations in 2026

A safe, reliable and compliant electrical installation has long ceased to be merely an administrative obligation. In 2026, it is an essential part of business continuity, safety, insurance requirements and legal compliance. Technological evolution is moving faster than ever — think solar panels, battery storage, charging points, direct current applications — and this means electrical installations must meet increasingly complex requirements.

In Belgium, everything is governed by one central set of regulations: the AREI – General Regulations on Electrical Installations. That AREI has been thoroughly revised in recent years and amended again in 2025 and 2026, requiring businesses to remain vigilant in order to stay compliant.


 


1. What does “compliant” mean for businesses today?

For non-domestic installations — offices, shops, SMEs, manufacturing companies, warehouses, hospitality venues… — compliance means that the entire electrical installation:

  • meets the technical requirements of Book 1, 2 or 3 of the AREI

  • is correctly documented (a single-line diagram, site plan and inspection reports)

  • is protected against overload, short circuit and electric shock

  • is safe for employees, visitors and customers

  • is periodically inspected according to the mandatory intervals

Under the AREI, business sites must have installations inspected before commissioning, after any major modification or extension, and periodically every 5 years (low voltage). For high-voltage applications, an annual inspection is even required. 


2. New AREI rules in 2025 and 2026: what changes for businesses?

The government has recently implemented important updates:

✓ Changes to the AREI from 1 March 2025

  • Stricter requirements for areas with water (e.g. showers in sports clubs or industry).

  • New definition and standardisation of “publicly accessible areas”.

  • Stricter standards for socket outlets (IP rating, permitted types, use).

These rules affect, among others, hospitality businesses, fitness centres, healthcare institutions, shops and office spaces.

✓ New DC rules from 1 April 2026

As businesses increasingly use direct current installations — such as solar panels, battery storage and EV charging points — Belgium has, for the first time, established fully fledged DC safety standards.

These rules set out, among other things:

  • DC network systems (TN, TT, IT)

  • protective measures against electric shock

  • requirements for DC-suitable electrical equipment

  • adapted terminology and safety requirements

Businesses using battery systems, PV installations or fast chargers must comply with these new standards.


3. Why compliance is becoming even more important for businesses

✓ 1. Due to the growth of renewable energy

Solar panels, charging points and batteries are increasingly operating on direct current.
New technology = new risks = stricter regulation.

✓ 2. Due to stricter insurance conditions

A non-compliant installation can lead to:

  • non-payment in the event of fire

  • refusal to renew the policy

  • additional premiums due to increased risk

✓ 3. Due to rising business risks

A poorly maintained or outdated installation is more likely to lead to:

  • short circuit

  • fire

  • production downtime

  • equipment failure

  • danger to staff

Safety is therefore also an economic choice.


4. How businesses can make their installation compliant

Businesses must take three pillars into account:

✓ Pillar 1: Design & implementation in accordance with AREI

Installers must select cable cross-sections, protections, earthing systems, diagrams and safeguards in line with the rules of Book 1, 2 or 3.

✓ Pillar 2: Periodic inspection and documentation

The mandatory documents for businesses:

  • single-line diagram

  • site plan

  • inspection report

  • ‘external influences’ document

Non-domestic installations are subject to strict inspection intervals.

✓ Pillar 3: Continuous follow-up

Compliance is not a one-off check. Businesses must:

  • always have extensions re-inspected

  • have old installations adjusted in good time

  • keep diagrams up to date

  • inform employees about safety rules


5. Typical pitfalls in businesses

Many businesses are unknowingly non-compliant because:

  • cables or fuses are not correctly dimensioned

  • diagrams are missing or outdated

  • extensions have never been inspected

  • socket outlets or lighting do not comply with the new IP standards

  • PV installations, charging points or batteries are not included in the inspection

  • external influence documents have never been prepared

  • old parts of the installation were never adapted to the new rules

According to the FPS Employment, lack of documentation and inadequate protection against electric shock remain the most common causes of non-compliance