Certified Electrical Systems: Importance, Compliance, and Benefits
What is an Electrical System Certification?An electrical system certification is an official document certifying the system’s compliance with current safety standards. It ensures that the system has been installed properly, meeting the technical requirements set by law. This document is mandatory and is one of the main safety guarantees in domestic environments, preventing all risks related to electrical faults, fires, and electrocutions.
Who Can Issue a Certificate?
An electrical system certification (also known as an electrical system declaration of conformity) can only be issued by authorized companies registered in the Companies Registry. The authorized technician must meet the requirements set by Ministerial Decree 37/2008.
Within 30 days of completion of the work, the installation company must submit the system certification to the One-Stop Shop for Building Services in the municipality where the system is located, which will then forward a copy to the Chamber of Commerce.
When Certification is Required?
Since 2008, all systems must have a Declaration of Conformity; the reference legislation is Decree No. 37 of January 22, 2008, which incorporates and expands Law No. 46 of 1990. The law requires every home to have a compliant electrical system; the certification must contain:
• The system design and diagram.
• The type of materials used.
• Specifications regarding the intended use of the property.
The Declaration of Conformity is mandatory in the following cases:</p>
• New installation of a system.
• Connection of new utilities.
• Substantial modifications to the existing electrical system.
• Extraordinary maintenance.
• Opening of a new business.
It is not required if ordinary maintenance is being performed.
Electrical System Certification Costs
The costs of an electrical system certification can vary based on several factors, such as the complexity of the system and whether or not upgrades are required. Typically, the cost ranges between €150 and €200, but could reach up to €600 for upgrades.
What happens if an electrical system is not certified?
A declaration of conformity for the system is mandatory, so not having a certified electrical system carries several risks:
• Fines from €100 to €1,000.
• Legal problems: The property owner could be held legally liable for damages caused in the event of accidents, especially if there are victims or injuries.
• Obstacles to the sale or rental of the property: The lack of certification required by the buyer or tenant could jeopardize the sale or rental process.
• Safety hazards: Substandard systems pose a safety risk to the environment and the people who live there.
• Insurance problems: Without a declaration of conformity, insurance companies may not pay compensation in the event of accidents caused by the system.
Existing Electrical System
Remedies? If the certification for an existing electrical system has not been produced or is unavailable, the simplest solution is to use a substitute document, such as a declaration of compliance. The same applies to all systems installed before 2008, or before the decree governing the matter came into force. For all other cases, you can:
• Contact the company responsible for installing the system.
• Contact the Municipality’s One-Stop Shop for Building and verify whether the certification has been properly filed.
• Contact the relevant authorities for assistance.
Certifications Benefits
Certifying the compliance of an electrical systems offers several advantages, both in terms of energy efficiency and the prevention of electrical faults. Here’s why:
• Safety: A certified electrical system reduces the risk of accidents such as short circuits and fires, thus ensuring the safety of building occupants;
• Energy savings: A compliant system will operate more efficiently, optimizing consumption and reducing energy bills.
Save with VIVI energia
Besides being safer and more efficient, a certified electrical system significantly reduces energy consumption. But to save even more, it’s important to choose a reliable energy supplier that is attentive to its customers’ needs, like VIVI energia. Choosing one means taking advantage of numerous benefits:
• 100% green energy from renewable sources.
• Affordable electricity rates.
• Transparent bills with no surprises.
Conclusion
The electrician will assess the quality and integrity of the electrical system, verifying its compliance with safety standards and local and national regulations. If the inspection reveals problems or non-compliance, the electrician will provide a detailed list of the work required to bring the electrical system up to code. This work may include replacing defective components, correct grounding, or other modifications.
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