History

AREI evolution from 1981 to 2025, and which version applies when.

Uitleg

AREI evolution at a glance

This page summarizes how AREI evolved from a traditional rulebook into a structured framework that is easier to inspect and validate.

AREI 1981 (baseline)

  • Traditional, article-driven electrician rulebook.
  • Definitions, exceptions and rules were often mixed together.
  • Application depended heavily on interpretation and field experience.
  • Less explicit structure for circuit grouping, RCD distribution and documentation.

Key limitation:

  • Existing-installation treatment was less clearly defined, creating ambiguity about what could stay and what needed upgrading.

In short: flexible and experience-driven, but difficult to standardize or automate.

AREI 2020 (major rewrite)

  • Full redesign, not a minor update.
  • Modular structure: Books -> Parts -> Chapters.
  • Clear separation between new, existing and old installations.
  • More explicit safety architecture (general vs additional protection, clearer RCD logic).
  • Room for justified, risk-based deviations.
  • Stronger documentation requirements (one-line diagram + situation plan).

In short: explicit, consistent and system-oriented - a framework software can actually work with.

AREI 2023 (refinement and alignment)

  • No structural reset; refinement of the 2020 model.
  • Focus on clarity, consistency and EU alignment.
  • Terminology and definitions standardized across languages and norms.
  • Targeted clarifications where 2020 created interpretation gaps.

In short: no paradigm shift, but essential cleanup that improves robustness.

AREI 2025 (practical tightening)

Focus shifted to modern high-complexity homes (EV, PV, heat pumps, smart systems).

Practical impact:

  • More circuits requiring 30 mA RCD protection.
  • Stricter application of the max 8 circuits per RCD principle.
  • More dedicated protections for specific systems (for example EV charging).
  • Clearer requirements for sockets, IP ratings and shared/public spaces.

In short: same architecture as 2020, but tighter real-world application.

Which AREI version applies when?

In Belgium, this mainly depends on:

  1. When the installation was built
  2. How extensive the modifications are

Practical application:

  • Pre-2020 installations can often remain under older AREI (1981/2002) if they are not significantly modified and still pass inspection.
  • Major modifications, extensions or full renovations trigger current AREI requirements for affected parts.
  • Untouched parts may remain under existing-installation rules when explicitly allowed and still safe.

That often creates hybrid projects:

  • Old circuits may remain (within limits).
  • New circuits, replaced boards and substantial upgrades must comply with modern protection and documentation logic.

Summary:

  • New build or full renovation: latest AREI applies in full.
  • Minor like-for-like repairs: usually no full upgrade trigger, unless safety-critical concerns are involved or inspection rejects current condition.