L.S. 545.24 Regolamenti dwar l-Installazzjonijiet Elettriċi

(1)The title of these regulations is the Electrical Installations Regulations. Citation.

(2)The scope of these regulations is to regulate the provision of services related to electrical installation works and to establish an authorisation scheme for service providers carrying out such activity. Scope.

(3)These regulations are being made for the safeguarding of the public interest and public safety. Any requirements contained therein including those relating to authorisations and to services are made for overriding reasons relating to the public interest. Overriding reasons relating to the public interest. 2.

(1)Unless otherwise stated in these regulations, the definitions in the Act shall apply. Interpretation. Amended by: XXXIV. 2014.50; XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 270 of 2016; L.N. 45 of 2021; XXIX. 2019.71; L.N. 283 of 2024.

(2)For the purpose of these regulations and unless the context otherwise requires: "the Act" means the Regulator for Energy and Water Services Act; Cap.

1. "ap plicatio n" means an ap plicatio n whi ch is m ad e to t he Regulator for the issue of an authorisation by the Regulator to a person for carrying out the activity of electrical installation works or to a person authorised to exercise such activity; "authorised provider" means a provider authorised by the Regulator to carry out the installation, alteration, extension and certification of single phase electrical installations only or to carry out the installation, alteration, extension and certification of both single and three phase installations by virtue of an authorisation issued in terms of these regulations or a service provider who is authorised to operate under any law in force in a Member State or a state which is a participant to the European Economic Area; "backup equipment" means the additional hardware and control system other than the anti-islanding protection that disconnects the generators and/or energy storage from the distribution system and changes over to a backup operation mode; "backup operation mode" means the disconnection from the distribution system and continuing operation of a generator or e n e rg y s t o r a g e i n t h e e v e n t o f t h e l o s s o f p o w e r f r o m t h e distribution system with complete effective isolation from the distribution system while in this mode of operation; "building unit" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Electricity Connection and Supply Regulations S.L. 545.
2. 2 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS "Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631" means Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631 of 14 April 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators; "customers" means wholesale and final customers of electricity; S.L. 545.13 "distribution system operator" shall have the same meaning as under the Electricity Regulations; "electrical installation" or "electrical installations" means a system of electrical wires and equipment intended for conveying electricity as well as the disconnecting apparatus located on the customer’s side of the electricity service meter; "electrical installation works" means the installation, alteration, extension and certification of an electrical installation; "electricity service meter" means the electricity meter and any associated equipment installed by the distribution system operator or by the redistributor to register the consumption and maximum demand on the customer’s premises; "energy storage" means, in the electricity system, the deferring of the final use of electricity to a moment later than when it was generated, or the conversion of electrical energy into a form of energy which can be stored, the storing of such energy, and the subsequent reconversion of such energy into electrical energy or use as another energy carrier; "energy storage facility" means, in the electricity system, a facility where energy storage occurs. "establishment" means the actual pursuit of an economic activity by a service provider for an indefinite period and through stable infrastructure from where the business of providing services is actually carried out; "IET Wiring Regulations" means the Requirements for Electrical Installations issued by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (I.E.T.) - BS 7671 18th Edition, exclusively as published and applicable on 1st July 2018; "interface protection system" means an automatic switch that disconnects the energy storage facility from the distribution system in the event of loss of supply from the distribution system or deviation of the voltage or frequency at the supply terminals from values declared for normal supply; "kW" means one kilo watt; "lifelong learning" means all general education, vocational education and training, non-formal education and informal learning undertaken throughout life, resulting in an improvement in knowledge, skills and competences, which may include professional ethics; "Member State" means a member state of the European Union; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for energy; "MSA EN 50549-1" means MSA EN 50549-1 Requirements for generating plants to be connected in parallel with distribution ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 networks - Part 1: Connection to a LV distribution network Generating plants up to and including Type B; "Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre" means the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre as established under the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act; Cap.
3. "multi customer facility" means a facility consisting of more than one single phase and, or three phase customers; "Network code" shall have the same meaning as under the Electricity Regulations; S.L. 545.13 "new generator" means a power generating module which is not considered existing within the meaning of Article 4 of Commission Regulation 2016/631; "Registrar of Examinations" means the Registrar of Examinations as appointed under the Education Act; Cap.
4. "the Regulator" means the Regulator for Energy and Water Services as established by the Act; "service provider" means any natural person who is a national of a Member State, or any legal person established in a Member State, who offers or provides the service of electrical installation works; "single phase electrical installation" means an electrical installation designed for alternating current using a system of wiring consisting of one live wire or phase, a neutral wire and a separate protective earth conductor; "technical committee" means a committee established by the Regulator under the Act and which is composed of competent and qualified persons for the purpose of assessing and verifying whether an applicant for an authorisation has sufficient knowledge and expertise with regard to providing the service of electrical installation works under these regulations; "temporary installation" means an electrical installation not of a permanent nature and may include decorative street lighting, public entertainment facilities, outdoor mobile units, cranes and associated construction sites; "three phase electrical installation" means an electrical installation designed for alternating current using a system of wiring consisting of three live wires or phases, a neutral wire and a separate protective earth conductor; "the Treaty" means the Treaty establishing the European Union; "warranted electrical engineer" means an electrical engineer holding a warrant in accordance with the Inġiniera Act: Cap.
5. Provided that for the purposes of these regulations, wherever there is a reference to a warranted electrical engineer, such warranted engineer shall also be required to be the holder of an Authorisation B after the 30th June
6. 3.

(1)These regulations shall apply to all electrical wiring installations, alterations and extensions at voltage levels 230/400 (+/- 10%) Volts within buildings, factories, places of entertainment, Applicability. 3 4 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS industrial and sport complexes, social and religious places, or any other place where an electrical installation is required except for categories excluded from the scope of these regulations in subregulation

(3).

(2)These regulations shall also apply to extensions or alterations to extensions or alterations to an existing installation.

(3)These regulations shall not apply to the following: (

1. a)the system of distribution of electricity to the public; (
2. b)marine craft; (
3. c)motor vehicles, except those to which the IEE regulations concerning caravans or mobile units are applicable; (
4. d)mobile and fixed offshore installations; (
5. e)aircraft; (
6. f)lightning protection systems. Compliance with standards and regulations. 4. Electrical installations under these regulations shall be carried out with the proper materials and in compliance with the relevant regulations and standards. Requirement and classes of authorisations. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 45 of 2021; L.N. 283 of 2024. 5.

(1)The installation, alteration, extension and certification of single phase and three phase electrical installations shall require an authorisation. There shall be two classes of authorisations for electrical installation works: (

1. a)authorisation A for the installation, alteration, extension and certification of single phase electrical installations; and (
2. b)Authorisation B for installation, alteration, extension and certification of single phase electrical installations and three phase electrical installations rated less than 300Amps per phase. The holder of an Authorisation B may also carry out installation, alteration, extension work on three phase electrical installations rated equal to or more than 300Amps per phase but may not certify the said electrical installations: Provided that such holder of an Authorisation B may only certify such installation works when acting under the supervision of a warranted electrical engineer and who shall also endorse such certification: Cap. 321. Provided further that such an endorsement shall not be necessary when the Authorisation B holder certifying the installation is also a warranted electrical engineer under the Inginiera Act.

(2)Persons who are eligible to apply for an authorisation under these regulations shall be the following: (

1. a)any person who has passed an examination held for such purpose by the Registrar of Examinations, and having completed one year of practical experience in single phase electrical installation works in the case of ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 applicants for the issue of an authorisation A and two years practical experience in three phase electrical installation works in the case of applicants for the issue of an authorisation B; (
2. b)any person qualified as an electrical engineer and possessing a valid warrant recognized in Malta, and having one year of experience in single phase electrical installation works for authorisation A and two years experience in three phase electrical installation works for authorisation B; and (
3. c)any person, although not possessing the qualifications mentioned in paragraphs (
4. a)and (b), who has the relevant and equivalent certification and has obtained a recognition of qualifications statement from the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre: Provided that with regard to any applicant service provider from any other Member State, applicant service providers, in possession of relevant qualifications, shall obtain an evaluation report on comparability of qualifications from the Regulator; (
5. d)any person who has attained the age of eighteen

(18)years at the time of application.

(3)Examinations referred to in sub-regulation

(2)(a), shall be held at least once a year on a date or dates to be fixed by the Registrar of Examinations and as follows: (

1. a)a notice of the holding of an examination shall be published in the Gazette not less than two months before and shall be made public in advance; (
2. b)the syllabus for the examinations shall be set by the Regulator; and (
3. c)any revised syllabus shall be published two years before any examination is set.

(4)Where the Regulator deems that there exists a substantial difference regarding professional qualifications in Malta and the applicant’s professional qualifications and training, the Regulator shall provide the applicant with the opportunity to prove, by completing an aptitude test or undergoing an adaptation period, that the applicant does possess the necessary qualifications.

(5)The applicant may choose between completing an aptitude test or undergoing an adaptation period.

(6)In the case of an aptitude test, the Regulator shall provide the applicant with the list of subjects not covered by his professional qualifications and training.

(7)The aptitude test shall be made in English and the costs shall be borne by the applicant.

(8)Where an adaptation period is chosen by the applicant, the applicant shall be required to exercise the activity being pursued under the responsibility of an authorisation A or an authorisation B holder, as the case may be, for a limited period of time, which in 5 6 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS case of an authorisation A application, shall be of not more than one year and in the case of an authorisation B application shall be of not more than two years, from the date notified by the applicant as being from when such adaptation period shall commence.

(9)The Regulator shall determine the content of the activities to be covered during the adaptation period and the method of its assessment.

(10)It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to make arrangements with any authorisation holder A or authorisation holder B to undergo the adaptation period, with or without pay: Provided that, the Regulator shall make available, upon a request being made by the applicant, a list of authorisation holders together with their contact details for the purpose of allowing the applicant to make his own arrangements to undergo the adaptation period. Transitory provisions. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41. L.N. 283 of 2024. S.L. 545.41 6.

(1)Any person, who prior to the entry into force of these regulations, was engaged in any activity relating to wireman’s licence A for electricians authorised to carry out single phase installations only and wirem an’s licence B for electricians authorised to carry out single and three phase installations and is in possession o f a valid l icence to d o so u nder the Electricity Connection and Supply Regulations, may continue to perform such activities as authorised under existing licence conditions until the 31st December, 2010 or until the grant of a new authorisation, whichever is the earlier: Provided that any such person shall be required to apply with the Regulator for a new applicable authorisation as listed in regulation 5

(1)within two months from the day of the sending of a notice by the Regulator to apply for such an authorisation: Provided further that any such person shall comply with such authorisation conditions as established in the new authorisation that may be issued by the Regulator with effect from such date that the Regulator may establish.

(2)Authorisations issued under these regulations prior to the 31st December 2010, shall be automatically renewed for a further three years after that date. The applicable annual authorisation fee shall be due and paid pro rata until that date to the Regulator. Application procedure and conditions for authorisation. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 283 of 2024. 7.

(1)Any person who wishes to apply for an authorisation A or for an authorisation B, shall submit an application in writing to the Regulator in such form and manner as the Regulator may prescribe.

(2)A non-refundable application fee of twelve euro (€12) shall be paid to the Regulator together with the application for an authorisation.

(3)The Regulator shall communicate to the applicant in writing within a reasonable time, which shall not be of more than three months from the date of receipt of a valid application, any decision taken concerning an application for an authorisation or any valid reason impeding the Regulator to reach such a decision. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 7

(4)The Regulator may modify, amend, replace, add or delete any authorisation condition as the Regulator may consider to be reasonably justified.

(5)The application shall be accompanied by the documents listed in the First Schedule.

(6)Any person who applies for the issue of an authorisation in accordance with this regulation shall sit for an interview before the technical committee and shall have to be recommended by the technical committee before becoming eligible to be issued with the authorisation applied for. In the case that the applicant is not recommended by the technical committee following the said interview, the applicant may re-apply to sit for another interview after the lapse of six

(6)months from the date of the last interview. 8.

(1)The holders of an authorisation issued under these regulations, shall, subject to compliance with authorisation conditions, have their authorisation automatically renewed.

(2)An authorised provider shall, every three years reckoned from the 1st day of January of the year in which their authorisation is granted, pay an authorisation fee of thirty-five euro (€35) in case of being the holder of an authorisation A and seventy-euro (€70) in case of being the holder of an authorisation B.

(3)If any authorisation fee payable in accordance with subregulation

(2)is not paid within thirty

(30)days, an additional fee of twelve euro (€12) shall also be due to the Regulator as a late payment fee in addition to the fee due.

(4)If the authorisation fee remains unpaid and any documentation required for renewal is not submitted, the Regulator shall inform the authorised provider by registered mail about the failure to pay the said fee and, or to provide the necessary documents. The authorisation shall be revoked if the authorisation fee remai ns unp aid and, or th e req uired do cum en ts are not submitted after thirty

(30)days from the date on which the communication has been sent by registered mail. Any person who has had the authorisation revoked and wants to be re-issued with an authorisation shall be required to submit an application for such purpose and to be recommended following an interview before the technical committee. In considering any such application, the Regulator may take into account the previous failure of the applicant to pay the authorisation fee and, or to submit the required renewal documents and of any explanation regarding that failure which the applicant may submit to the Regulator: Provided that it shall be the duty of the authorised provider to make available to the Regulator the correct contact details or to accept or collect the registered mail. Failure to provide the said correct contact details or to accept or to collect the registered mail shall exonerate the Regulator from contacting the said authorised provider by registered mail. In such cases, the Regulator shall publish on its website a notice directed to the authorised provider instead of using registered mail.

(5)Repealed by Legal Notice 283 of

1. Renewal of authorisations. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 45 of 2021; L.N. 283 of
2. 8 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

(6)The Regulator may publish on its website a notice containing the names and details of authorised providers whose authorisation has been revoked. Authorisation B holders.

1. The holder of an authorisation B shall be deemed to be in possession of an authorisation A. Temporary provision of services. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 270 of
2. Cap.
3. S.L. 451.01 10.

(1)Without prejudice to the Mutual Recognition of Qu alification s Act, and t o the Reco gnit ion of P ro fessi onal Qualifications Regulations, any person established in another Member State may practice the activity of carrying out electrical installation works for the purposes of these regulations in Malta on a temporary and occasional basis provided that such person: (

1. a)is legally established in another Member State, for the purpose of practising the activity of carrying out electrical installation works in that Member State; and (
2. b)has practiced the activity of carrying out electrical installation works for at least one year during the ten years immediately preceding the provision of services where such activity is not regulated in that Member State.

(2)Persons referred to in sub-regulation

(1)shall inform the Regulator by means of a written declaration to be made in advance which shall include the following: (

1. a)proof of the nationality of the applicant; (
2. b)an attestation certifying that the applicant is legally established in a Member State for the purpose of pursuing the activities concerned and that such applicant is not prohibited from practicing the activity of carrying out electrical installation works even temporarily, at the moment of delivering the attestations; (
3. c)evidence of professional qualifications recognised by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre; and (
4. d)where applicable, any means of proof that the applicant has pursued the activity of carrying out electrical installation works for at least one year during the previous ten years immediately preceding the provision of services.

(3)Where the Regulator deems that there is a substantial difference between the professional qualifications of the applicant and any of the qualifications and experience required under these regulations, to the extent that the difference is such as to be h a r m f u l t o p u b l i c h e a l t h o r s a f e t y, a n d t h a t i t c a n n o t b e compensated by the service provider’s professional experience or knowledge, skills and competences acquired through lifelong learning formally validated to that end by a relevant body, the Regulator shall give the applicant the opportunity to show, in particular by means of an aptitude test, that he has acquired the knowledge, competence or experience which he lacks. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 9

(4)The Regulator shall assess the temporary and occasional nature of the provision of the service of carrying out electrical installation works on a case by case basis.

(5)No later than one month after receipt of the declaration and accompanying documents, referred to in sub-regulation

(2), the Regulator shall inform the applicant of its decision: (

1. a)not to check his professional qualifications; or (
2. b)having checked his professional qualifications, to either require the applicant to take an aptitude test or to allow the provision of services.

(6)Where there is a difficulty which would result in delay in taking a decision under the paragraph (b) of sub-regulation

(5), the Regulator shall notify the applicant of the reason for the delay within the same deadline. The difficulty shall be solved within one month of that notification and the decision finalised within two months of resolution of the difficulty.

(7)In the event that the Regulator does not give its decision within the period referred to in sub-regulation

(6), the service of carrying out electrical installation works falling under this regulation may be provided.

(8)A person exercising the services under this regulation shall be deemed to be an authorised provider and the provisions of these regulations shall apply to him in the same manner and to the same extent as with any other authorised provider. 11.

(1)The Regulator may revoke the authorisation or may suspend the authorisation for a determinate period of time for any of the following breaches: (

1. a)breach of these regulations; (
2. b)failure to comply with the requirements of these regulations; (
3. c)failure to comply with the requirements of an authorisation issued by any authority having jurisdiction for electrical installation works; (
4. d)failure to rectify any non-compliance of an electrical installation or electrical equipment pursuant to a written warning issued by the Regulator, or any other authority or by a distribution system operator; (
5. e)failure to pay any fee due in accordance with these regulations; (
6. f)failure to comply with any direction issued by the Regulator.

(2)An authorisation suspended in accordance with this regulation shall be reinstated if the breach or failure is rectified in accordance with these regulations, authorisation conditions or as directed by the Regulator.

(3)A person whose authorisation has been revoked shall be required to re-apply for the authorisation and to sit for an interview Suspension of an authorisation. Amended by: XXXIV. 2014.51; XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 283 of 2024. 10 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS so as to be recommended by the technical committee to be re-issued with an authorisation: Provided that a re-application for the issue of an authorisation after a revocation in accordance with this regulation may only take place after the lapse of six

(6)months from the date of revocation of the authorisation by the Regulator. Certification of installations.

1. No person, other than persons duly authorised under these regulations, shall certify electrical installations included in the Second Schedule. Condition and suitability of installation. Amended by: L.N. 283 of
2. 13.

(1)An authorised provider before certifying an electrical installation, shall in particular ensure that: (

1. a)the insulation resistance between conductors and to earth is not below that stipulated in the IET Wiring Regulations; (
2. b)all single pole switches, circuit breakers and fusible cut-outs are inserted in the phase conductors only; (
3. c)where necessary, installation circuits are to be sectionalised into final circuits and that socket outlets are wired in final circuits entirely distinct from the lighting circuits; (
4. d)all appliances and accessories, unless of the all insulated type, are effectively earthed and when portable are connected to earth through three-pin plugs; (
5. e)all metal forming part of the electrical equipment in bathrooms, other than current carrying parts, and all other exposed fixed metal-work in such rooms including piping and bath and associated metal fittings but excluding window frames, door locks and other similar furnishings are connected together by an earth continuity conductor which is permanently connected to earth; (
6. f)all accessories and electrical fixtures fitted in bathrooms are inaccessible to aperson sitting in or on a bath or under a shower; (
7. g)steel conduit or metal trunking is not used as an earth continuity conductor. A separate insulated earth continuity conductor shall be used with all types of conduit and trunking installations; (
8. h)all metal pipes forming part of the water installation on the premises should bebonded together and connected to earth; (
9. i)the earthing of equipment is in full compliance with these regulations; (
10. j)every accessory or fitting in garages unless of a totally enclosed type is fixednot less than one metres and twenty centimetres above floor level. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 11

(2)Unless otherwise specified in these regulations, electrical installations shall comply with the IET Wiring Regulations and with generally accepted principles of good design and safe practices: Provided that the installation of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) shall not be mandatory.

1. On completion of an electrical installation, including the earthing system and after its testing, a form shall be filled by the authorised provider or the warranted electrical engineer, as the case may be, in the manner approved by the Regulator. The authorised provider or the warranted electrical engineer shall give a copy of this form together with a schematic and wiring layout of the electrical installation, including type and composition of circuits and the means and location of protection and isolation, to the owner of the electrical installation, certifying compliance with these regulations. Tests on completion of an electrical installation. Amended by: XXV. 2015.
3. The design of an electrical installation rated at 300 Amps per phase or more and the final endorsement of the certification on completion of the said electrical installation shall be carried out by a warranted electrical engineer. Electrical installation rated at 300 Amps per phase or more. Substituted by: L.N. 283 of
4. 16.

(1)Electrical installations, including the earthing system, shall be periodically inspected and tested by an authorised provider or a warranted electrical engineer, as the case may be. The owner of the electrical installation shall ascertain that this installation is so tested. Periodic inspection.

(2)The authorised provider shall recommend to the owner of the electrical installations the frequency of the tests in subregulation

(1). 17. In the case of a temporary electrical installation the authorised provider shall ensure that: (

1. a)the electrical installation is provided with the necessary disconnection, protective and other control equipment housed in an insulated weatherproof enclosure (IP 54 or better) in particular for outdoor installations; (
2. b)electrical installations in public facilities and outdoor mobile units: entertainment (
3. i)are provided with a suitable means of disconnection and over-current and earth leakage protection which should be a residual current device with an operating current not exceeding 30mA immediately after the electricity service meter; (
4. ii)are provided with an effective temporary earthing system and all exposed metal that could come into contact with current carrying conductors is properly bonded to the earth electrode; (
5. c)electrical installations for cranes and construction Temporary installation. 12 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS sites: (
6. i)are equipped with suitable means for disconnection and over current and earth leakage protection (residual current type with an operating current not exceeding 100mA) immediately after the electricity service meter; (
7. ii)hand and mobile tool circuits and security lighting shall be protected by means of residual current type devices with operating current not exceeding 30mA; (iii) an earth electrode shall be provided and all exposed metal that can accidentally come into physical contact with the current carrying conductors must be bonded to the earth electrode; (
8. d)in the case of decorative street lighting installations: (
9. i)metal clad equipment such as fuse-switches shall not be used in any part of the installation; (
10. ii)that reasonable care is taken such that no installation component could come in physical contact with any metal structure and objects; (iii) where it is necessary to support and suspend the installation components from such structures and objects as in sub-paragraph (
11. ii)suitable nonconductive material is used. Use of standby generators with fixed installations. 18. Generators intended to be used as standby to supply a fixed electrical installation which is also connected to the electricity distribution system: (
12. a)shall be provided with a two pole (for single phase installations) or a four pole (for three phase installations) change over switch; (
13. b)shall not, under no circumstances, come in direct or indirect connection with the electricity distribution system. Generators operating in parallel with the electricity distribution system. Substituted by: L.N. 45 of 2021. 19. Generators operating in parallel with the electricity distribution system shall: (
14. a)comply with the Network Code; and (
15. b)a new generator shall comply with Commission Regulation EU) 2016/631and unless specified otherwise in the Network Code, shall also comply with MSA EN 50549-1 or an equivalent standard thereof when so considered by the Standards and Metrology Institute within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority; (
16. c)be provided with backup equipment when designed to operate in backup operation mode which backup equipment shall use hardware that physically breaks the connection with the distribution system. Solid state ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 13 relays or other semiconductors to break the connection are not permitted: Provided that the protection of the internal electrical installation shall remain functional also when supplied through the generator operating in backup operation mode. The anti-islanding protection in all cases shall automatically disconnect from the distribution system in the event of loss of supply from the distribution system, and/or deviation of voltage and/or frequency from normal supply conditions. (
17. d)have appropriate signage indicating the presence on the premises of a generator equipped with Backup operation mode function. 19A. An energy storage facility operated in parallel with the electricity distribution system shall include an interface protection system: Energy storage facilities. Added by: L.N. 45 of 2021. (
18. a)that complies with the Network Code; and (
19. b)which, unless the Network Code provides otherwise, complies with MSA EN 50549-1 or an equivalent standard thereof when so considered by the Standards and Metrology Institute within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority; (
20. c)which shall be provided with backup equipment when designed to operate in backup operation mode which backup equipment shall use hardware that physically breaks the connection with the distribution system. Solid state relays or other semiconductors which break the connection are not permitted. Provided that the protection of the internal electrical installation shall remain functional also when supplied through the energy storage facility operating in backup operation mode. The interface protection system in all cases shall automatically disconnect from the distribution system in the event of loss of the supply from the distribution system, and/or deviation of voltage and/or frequency from normal supply conditions. (
21. d)which has appropriate signage indicating the presence on the premises of an energy storage facility equipped with backup operation mode function. 20.

(1)Single phase electrical installations and three phase installations not exceeding 60 Amps per phase shall be provided with a main double pole switch fuse or circuit breaker or four pole switch fuse or four pole circuit breaker as applicable immediately after of the electricity service meter to control the supply input to the installation.

(2)Fuses and circuit breaker devices shall be graded to provide over current discrim inatio n with the fuses provi ded by t he Protective devices to be provided at the supply point for installations not exceeding 60Amps per phase. Amended by: L.N. 283 of 2024. 14 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS electricity supply service.

(3)The main switch fuse or circuit breaker shall be mechanically linked so as to effect simultaneous disconnection of all live conductors phases and neutral.

(4)An overvoltage protective device to detect and protect against sustained overvoltage shall be installed immediately after the main switch fuse or circuit breaker: Provided that in the case of a multi-customer facility it shall be acceptable to install the over voltage protective device at the supply intake point in the customer’s premises: Provided further that any circuits supplied upstream of the over voltage protection device shall also be protected by an over voltage protective device.

(5)One

(1)or more residual current devices protecting individual sub-circuits separately of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude with means for periodic inspection and with a tripping current of 30mA to earth shall be installed immediately after the over voltage protection device: Provided that in the case of a multi- customer facility it shall be acceptable to install a residual current device of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude, with a tripping current of not more than 100mA, or a tripping current of 30mA with time discrimination, near the metering point, followed by a residual current protection device or more of the appropriate type taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude, protecting individual subcircuits separately with a tripping current of 30mA, at the supply intake point in the customer’s premises or parallel circuits supplied from the same customer meter: Provided further that where in the opinion of the authorised provider the unintended interruption of supply gives rise to greater risks, such as the de-energising of life support and emergency equipment, alternative arrangements for the sub-circuit supplying such equipment may be made by the authorised provider: Provided further that in the case of circuit-specific loads with high earth leakage currents, such as in the case of circuits supplying electronic equipment, which may cause unintended interruptions of supply, a residual current protection device of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude and if necessary with a tripping current higher than 30mA, as recommended by the manufacturer, which shall not however exceed 300mA, may be used at the supply intake after the overvoltage protection to protect that specific load only, with any other parallel and, or downstream sub-circuits, including common parts, in particular, those circuits supplying electrical loads accessible to users to be protected by one

(1)or more residual current devices with a tripping current of 30mA: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 15 Provided further that cables supplying specific loads protected by a residual current device, of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude, with a tripping current exceeding 30mA shall be laid in protective conduit or trunking that provides appropriate mechanical protection. A metallic armoured cable may also be used as an alternative to the aforementioned arrangement: Provided further that the authorised provider shall ensure that an appropriate warning sign is provided indicating that the equipment is protected with a residual current device with a tripping current higher than 30mA.

(6)In the case of electrical installations in multi-consumer facilities referred to in sub-regulation

(5), the circuit between the main switch fuse or circuit breaker and the individual customer’s premises shall consist of main supply cables that run in a separate and individual protective conduit or in an individual trunking system dedicated for electricity supply wiring, to the individual customer’s premises. Separate and independent metallic armoured cable may also be used as an alternative to the aforementioned arrangement.

(7)Any compartment used in the electrical installation shall be of the non metallic and non-hygroscopic type. 21.

(1)Three phase installations exceeding 60 Amps per phase shall be provided with a four pole switch fuse or a four pole circuit breaker as the intake of the electricity supply service.

(2)The supply intake shall be adequately protected at least by: (

1. a)an over current device; (
2. b)an earth fault protection device.

(3)Fuses and circuit breaker devices shall be graded to provide over current d iscrim inati on w ith the f uses p rov ided b y th e electricity supply service.

(4)The main switch fuse or circuit breaker shall be mechanically linked so as to effect simultaneous disconnection of all live conductor phases and neutral.

(5)Over voltage protective device or devices that detect and protect against sustained overvoltage may be installed on downstream sub-circuits.

(6)Residual current device or devices of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude, with a tripping current of 30mA shall be installed on downstream sub-circuits supplying electrical loads accessible to users: Provided that where in the opinion of the authorised provider the unintended interruption of supply gives rise to greater risks, such as the de-energising of life support and emergency equipment, alternative arrangements for the sub-circuit supplying such equipment may be made by the authorised provider: Protective devices to be provided at the supply point for installations exceeding 60Amps per phase. Amended by: L.N. 283 of

1. 16 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS Provided further that in the case of circuit- specific loads with high earth leakage currents, such as in the case of circuits supplying electronic equipment, which may cause unintended interruptions of supply, a residual current protection device of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude and if necessary with a tripping current higher than 30mA, as recommended by the manufacturer, may be used to protect that specific load only: Provided further that cables supplying specific loads protected by a residual current device, of the appropriate type, taking into account the presence of any direct current leakage components and their magnitude, with a tripping current exceeding 30mA shall be laid in protective conduit or trunking that provides appropriate mechanical protection. A metallic armoured cable may also be used as an alternative to the aforementioned arrangement: Provided further that the authorised provider shall ensure that an appropriate warning sign is provided indicating that the equipment is protected with a residual current device with a tripping current higher than 30mA. Earthing systems. Amended by: XXXIV. 2014.
2. L.N. 283 of
4. The authorised provider shall ensure that the electrical installation is provided with a suitable and reliable connection to earth by: (a) providing an independent connection to earth through one

(1)or more earth electrodes as deemed appropriate, suitably installed and tested, solidly connected by means of an insulated and mechanically protected copper conductor cable of adequate cross-sectional area to the main earthing terminal to which the protective conductor of the electrical installation shall be connected; (

1. b)in addition to the requirement in paragraph (a), the electrical installation earthing system may also be connected to the earthing point in a distribution system operator substation supplying the installation, when this is technically feasible. Protection measures for electrical installations extensions. S.L. 545.41. Added by: L.N. 283 of 2024. 22A. Where an extension of the electrical installation from a building unit is extended outside the boundaries of the building unit and where this is allowed in accordance with the Electricity Connection and Supply Regulations, the authorised provider shall ensure that: (
2. a)where the extension of the electrical installation from a building unit is used to supply a private garage, a manual mechanical means of isolation of all phases and neutral wire shall be provided in an accessible position and immediately after the entrance of the garage. The wiring of the extension leading to the garage shall pass only through common areas; (
3. b)where the extension of the electrical installation is [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS extended outside the boundaries of a building unit to supply outside facilities or equipment, a manual mechanical means of isolation of all phases and neutral wire shall be installed on the outside wall of the building unit in the immediate vicinity of the area or equipment being serviced. The isolation means shall not be of the remotely electrically operated type: Provided that the wiring of the extension shall: (
4. i)be supplied through a dedicated circuit provided with the necessary protection; (
5. ii)be provided mechanical protection; with the appropriate (iii) not be of obstruction in any way; and (
6. iv)be clearly indicated and documented if buried: Provided further that the earthing system of any conductive structures or street furniture located within two meters

(2)from the area or equipment being supplied from the premises shall be bonded with the earthing system of the said premises. The testing of the earthing system bonding shall be part of the routine testing of the electrical installation of the premises including the extension; (

1. c)where extension of the electrical installation from a building unit forming part of a building block is extended to connect electrical equipment on the roof of the same building block within which the building unit is physically located but not internally and physically interconnected with the roof: (
2. i)the said extension shall be supplied through a dedicated circuit provided with the necessary protection; (
3. ii)the said extension shall be provided with a manual mechanical means of isolation of all phases and neutral wire provided in the common area leading to the roof and located next to the electricity service meters supplying the units in the block. The isolation means shall not be of the remotely electrically operated type; (iii) the earthing system of the building unit which is not physically interconnected to the common area of the building block shall be linked to the earthing system of the block. The testing of the earthing system 17 18 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS bonding shall be part of the routine testing of the electrical installations physically found within the block; and (
4. iv)the means of isolation shall be properly labelled and documented to indicate the sources of supply and the location of the electrical equipment serviced. The earthing system bonding shall be properly labelled and documented. Protective devices on motor loads. S.L. 545.51. Amended by: XXXIV. 2014.53. Substituted by: L.N. 283 of 2024. 23.

(1)The authorised provider shall ensure that motor loads above 1.5kW are in compliance with the Electricity Connection and Supply Regulations.

(2)Devices inhibiting automatic re-starting of motors shall be provided wherever in the opinion of the authorised provider the said restart may cause danger or damage to equipment.

(3)Equipment with three phase motors shall be provided with phase failure protection and with incorrect phase sequence protection where in the opinion of the authorised provider an incorrect phase sequence may cause danger or damage to equipment. Inspections. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 283 of 2024. 24.

(1)The Regulator may appoint persons duly authorised by it to inspect electrical installation works, installed, altered, extended and certified, by an authorised provider, or installed, altered or extended under the supervision of a warranted engineer or certified by a warranted engineer.

(2)In the cases when the person appointed in terms of subregulation

(1)investigates a report on malpractice by an authorised provider or a warranted engineer, an inspection shall take place in the presence of the authorised provider or the warranted engineer: Provided that if the authorised provider or the warranted engineer fails to be available for the inspection for three times, after being notified by the Regulator, such inspection may take place without the presence of the authorised provider or the warranted engineer: Provided further that an inspection may take place even without the authorised provider or the warranted engineer being present in case of imminent danger being present.

(3)If any malpractice is discovered or defects are found in the inspected electrical installation, the Regulator shall issue a directive to the authorised provider or the warranted engineer, to rectify at his expense the defects or the result of the malpractice, within a definite period of time as required by the Regulator.

(4)The failure by the authorised provider or the warranted engineer to rectify at his expense the defects or the result of the malpractice within the definite period of tim e required the Regulator, may give rise to the imposition by the Regulator of an administrative fine of two hundred euro (€200) for each day of non- ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS [ S.L.545.24 19 compliance.

(5)If any non-compliance with these regulations or malpractice results from the inspection and, or testing of the electrical installation, the costs incurred by the Regulator for carrying out the inspection and, or testing shall be borne by the authorised provider or the warranted engineer, as the case may be, which shall be due as a civil debt to the Regulator. 25.

(1)The Regulator shall provide each authorised provider with an identification card which shall serve as prima facie evidence that the holder is an authorised provider authorised under these regulations. Identification card. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41.

(2)Where an authorised provider’s identification card is lost or destroyed, a replacement shall be issued by the Regulator to the authorised provider against a payment of a fee of thirty euro (€30).

(3)Any person who purports to be an authorised provider in terms of these regulations, when not being so authorised, by making use of an identification card, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine (multa) of not more than one thousand euro (€1,000) and of not more than one hundred thousand euro (€100,000). 26.

(1)The Regulator shall keep a register of authorisations, which shall be made public in part or in its entirety and which shall include records of all authorisations granted in accordance with these regulations.

(2)The contents of the registers to be made public as mentioned in sub-regulation

(1)shall include the following information: (

1. a)name, surname and identity card number or identity document number or passport number of the authorised provider; (
2. b)authorisation number; (
3. c)telephone or mobile number of the authorised provider, if available.

(3)The register or registers of authorisations shall be kept under review and up to date by the Regulator: Provided that, it shall be the duty of the authorised provider to inform the Regulator of any change in the information mentioned in sub-regulation

(2). Register of authorisations. Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 283 of

1. 20 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS FIRST SCHEDULE Regulation 5 [ S.L.545.24 21 Amended by: L.N. 426 of 2012; XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 45 of 2021; L.N. 283 of
2. Authorisation A Authorisation Application form A Authorisation B Authorisation Application form B The relative application form may be obtained from the Regulator for Energy and Water Services website: http://www.rews.org.mt/#/en/home Along with this application form, the applicant shall attach and submit: • A copy of the applicant’s legally valid identification document; • A letter issued by the Registrar of Examinations showing a pass in the Wireman’s examination as required for the application to be processed or any other accepted certificate of qualification as listed above; • Other certificates and testimonials relating to practical experience in electrical installation, signed by the authorised persons under whom the experience was attained: In the case of Authorisation A, testimonials shall be endorsed by a person holding at least a Authorisation A; and In the case of Authorisation B, testimonials regarding experiences shall be endorsed by either an Authorisation B holder or a warranted electrical engineer: Provided that warranted electrical engineers applying for an Authorisation B with at least fifteen

(15)years of experience in local electrical installation works may provide a self-declaration instead of such testimonials. SECOND SCHEDULE Regulations 12, 13, 14, 15 Amended by: XXV. 2015.41; L.N. 283 of 2024. Mandatory Certification (

1. a)All new installations / re-wires requiring connection / reconnection to the distribution system operator network; (
2. b)All alterations to existing installations involving changes to the wiring between the distribution system operator connection point/meter and the customer’s main distribution point; (
3. c)All electrical installations where the distribution system operator has disconnected supply with the customer’s consent for a period greater than six months; (
4. d)As otherwise required by the Electricity Connection and Supply Regulations and the network code with respect to requirements posed on electrical installation before their connection to the distribution system operator network, as amended and approved by the Regulator from time to time; (
5. e)All new electrical installations and alterations/extensions to existing 22 [ S.L.545.24 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS installations shall be verified and certified as complying with the relevant IET Wiring Regulations and these regulations. This declaration shall be in the form of a completion certificate recognised by the Regulator and issued by the authorised provider who constructed and/or tested the electrical installation (or alterations or extensions to an existing installation) in question. Where an electrical installation contains a sub-system provided by another installer/contractor, a sub-system completion certificate shall be issued by an installer/contractor in accordance with the relevant IET Wiring Regulations or these regulations. All such sub-systems shall be covered by sub-system completion certificates.