Royal Decree 2012 & AREI 2020 — how do they relate?

The General Regulations on Electrical Installations (AREI) set out the technical requirements for the design, execution, inspection, maintenance and modification of electrical installations. The regulations apply to all installations in Belgium: residential, commercial and industrial. Since 1 June 2020, the “New AREI” has applied, replacing the former regulations. This revision is clearly divided into three parts, so that the provisions better match the type of installation: domestic installations, non-domestic installations, and special installations and locations. In practice, the AREI acts as the technical reference that installers, designers and inspection bodies must comply with.

The Royal Decree of 2012 (RD 2012 for short) focuses specifically on electrical installations in workplaces. Whereas the AREI describes the technical standards, RD 2012 sets out the employer's obligations in the context of well-being and safety at work. Employers must demonstrate that their electrical installations can be used safely, that they are periodically inspected and maintained, and that appropriate work procedures are in place — think of lock-out/tag-out, clear authorisations and training for those working on or near electrical installations. RD 2012 therefore imposes the organisational framework within which the technical rules of the AREI are actually applied and safeguarded.

There are clear similarities between the two sets of regulations. Both the AREI and RD 2012 aim to prevent electrical risks and protect people against electrical hazards. In many situations, RD 2012 refers to the AREI as its technical basis: the AREI says how the installation must be executed in a technically correct way, and RD 2012 requires that this execution is demonstrably organised and managed safely in the workplace.

At the same time, there are important differences. The AREI is a general technical regulation that applies to all electrical installations, regardless of context. RD 2012 is workplace-specific and emphasises management, organisation and responsibility. For example, where the AREI prescribes how cabling, distribution boards and protective devices must be executed, RD 2012 requires the employer to assess risks systematically, lay down procedures, train employees and have periodic inspections carried out. You can see it like this: AREI = technical requirements; RD 2012 = occupational safety and compliance.

In summary: the AREI sets the technical standard for safe electrical installations; RD 2012 ensures that this standard is actually applied and monitored on the shop floor. Together they create a watertight system: first build in a technically correct way according to the AREI, then manage demonstrably safely according to RD 2012.