RGIE 2026: what changes for your electrical installations?

Since 1 April 2026, the RGIE (General Regulations on Electrical Installations) has evolved. These changes are not merely regulatory: they directly impact how electrical installations are designed, sized, and secured, particularly in the non-domestic sector.

With the growing electrification of uses and the rise of new technologies, certain requirements are becoming more precise — but also more demanding.

 

Here are the key points to remember :

1.Direct current officially reinforced in the RGIE

With the development of photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and charging infrastructure, direct current (DC) is becoming essential in buildings.

The RGIE now more clearly reflects this reality by introducing specific earthing arrangements for DC systems, including:

• Specific terminology, particularly for cable designation
• Clarified definitions
• Active protection measures against electric shock due to indirect contact

Design schemes and technical choices must now incorporate this terminology and these specific protective measures.

2.Residual current devices: rules adapted to direct current

Another major development is the introduction of sensitivity threshold values for residual current devices (RCDs) in DC systems.

• Specific thresholds are now defined for DC installations
• These values take into account the particular characteristics of direct current

3. Residual current protection: removal of the fixed 1 A threshold

For non-domestic installations, a significant change concerns residual current protection.

The RGIE removes Table 4.4 from Book 1, resulting in:

• The removal of the maximum tripping threshold of 1 A
• The application of Ohm’s law to determine protection levels

Instead of a fixed value, protection must now be sized based on the actual characteristics of the installation.

4. Earthing: maximum values now defined

The RGIE now sets maximum values for earth electrode resistance:

• 500 Ω for dry, non-conductive locations (AD1, BB1, BC1)
• 250 Ω for other environments (AD2 to AD5, BC2, BB2)

5. TN-C system: stricter restrictions

The RGIE also updates restrictions related to the use of the TN-C earthing system. The TN-C system combines the neutral conductor and the protective conductor into a single conductor (PEN).

 

Finally, the RGIE reiterates an important requirement for non-domestic installations: the identification of publicly accessible areas in the external influences document.

Key timeline:

• New installations (after 01/03/2025): immediate compliance required
• Existing installations (before 01/03/2025): compliance required no later than 01/03/2027

 

Conclusion: anticipate to remain compliant

The RGIE changes that came into force on 1 April 2026 reflect a clear objective: to adapt electrical installations to current technologies while strengthening requirements in terms of design, technical justification, and safety.

In this context, compliance can no longer be considered a final step. It must be integrated from the design phase and taken into account throughout the entire lifecycle of the installation.

In this respect, SECO Belgium supports you through pre-commissioning and periodic compliance inspections.