ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS REGULATIONS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 545.24

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS REGULATIONS

16th April, 2010

LEGAL NOTICE 225 of 2010, as amended by Legal Notice 426 of 2012;

Acts XXXIV of 2014 and XXV of 2015 and XXIX of 2019 and Legal Notices

270 of 2016, 45 of 2021 and 283 of 2024.

(1) The title of these regulations is the Electrical

Installations Regulations.

(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.

(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.

Amended by

L.N. 426 of 2012;

Regulation 5

XXV. 2015.41;

L.N. 45 of 2021;

L.N. 283 of 2024.

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.

(1) Unless otherwise stated in these regulations, the

definitions in the Act shall apply.

(2) For the purpose of these regulations and unless the context

otherwise requires

"the Act" means the Regulator for Energy and Water Services

Act;

"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

"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;

"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

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;

"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;

"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;

"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

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 2025.

Amended by

XXV. 2015.41;

Regulations 12, 13, 14, 15

L.N. 283 of 2024.

Mandatory Certification

(a) All new installations / re-wires requiring connection / reconnection to

the distribution system operator network;

(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;

(c) All electrical installations where the distribution system operator has

disconnected supply with the customer’s consent for a period greater

than six months;

(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;

(e) All new electrical installations and alterations/extensions to existing

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.

(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,

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 sub-

regulation (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

(a) the system of distribution of electricity to the public;

(b) marine craft;

(c) motor vehicles, except those to which the IEE

regulations concerning caravans or mobile units are

applicable;

(d) mobile and fixed offshore installations;

(e) aircraft;

(f)

lightning protection systems.

Electrical installations under these regulations shall be

carried out with the proper materials and in compliance with the

relevant regulations and standards.

(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

(a) authorisation A for the installation, alteration,

extension and certification of single phase electrical

installations; and

(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

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

(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

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;

(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

(c) any person, although not possessing the qualifications

mentioned in paragraphs (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;

(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

(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;

(b) the syllabus for the examinations shall be set by the

Regulator; and

(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

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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 sub-

regulation (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 2024.

(6) The Regulator may publish on its website a notice containing

the names and details of authorised providers whose authorisation has

been revoked.

The holder of an authorisation B shall be deemed to be in

possession of an authorisation A.

(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

(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

(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

(a) proof of the nationality of the applicant;

(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;

(c) evidence of professional qualifications recognised by

the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information

Centre; and

(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.

(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

(a) not to check his professional qualifications; or

(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.

(1) The Regulator may revoke the authorisation or may

suspend the authorisation for a determinate period of time for any of

the following breaches

(a) breach of these regulations;

(b) failure to comply with the requirements of these

regulations;

(c) failure to comply with the requirements of an

authorisation issued by any authority having

jurisdiction for electrical installation works;

(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;

(e) failure to pay any fee due in accordance with these

regulations;

(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

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.

No person, other than persons duly authorised under these

regulations, shall certify electrical installations included in the

Second Schedule.

(1) An authorised provider before certifying an electrical

installation, shall in particular ensure that

(a) the insulation resistance between conductors and to

earth is not below that stipulated in the IET Wiring

Regulations;

(b) all single pole switches, circuit breakers and fusible

cut-outs are inserted in the phase conductors only;

(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;

(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;

(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;

(f)

all accessories and electrical fixtures fitted in

bathrooms are inaccessible to aperson sitting in or on a

bath or under a shower;

(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;

(h) all metal pipes forming part of the water installation

on the premises should bebonded together and

connected to earth;

(i)

the earthing of equipment is in full compliance with

these regulations;

(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.

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(2) The authorised provider shall recommend to the owner of

the electrical installations the frequency of the tests in sub-

regulation (1).

In the case of a temporary electrical installation the

authorised provider shall ensure that

(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;

(b) electrical installations in public

entertainment

facilities and outdoor mobile units

(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;

(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;

(c) electrical installations for cranes and construction

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

sites

(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;

(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;

(d) in the case of decorative street lighting installations

(i)

metal clad equipment such as fuse-switches shall

not be used in any part of the installation;

(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 (ii) suitable non-

conductive material is used.

Generators intended to be used as standby to supply a fixed

electrical installation which is also connected to the electricity

distribution system

(a) shall be provided with a two pole (for single phase

installations) or a four pole (for three phase

installations) change over switch;

(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 shall

(a)

comply with the Network Code; and

(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;

(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

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.

(d) have appropriate signage indicating the presence on

the premises of a generator equipped with Backup

operation mode function.

An energy storage facility operated in parallel with the

electricity distribution system shall include an interface protection

system

(a) that complies with the Network Code; and

(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;

(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.

(d) which has appropriate signage indicating the presence

on the premises of an energy storage facility equipped

with backup operation mode function.

(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

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

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.

(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

(a) an over current device;

(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

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.

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;

(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.

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

(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;

(b)

where the extension of the electrical installation is

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

(i)

be supplied through a dedicated circuit

provided with the necessary protection;

(ii)

be provided

with

the

appropriate

mechanical protection;

(iii)

not be of obstruction in any way; and

(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;

(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

(i)

the said extension shall be supplied through

a dedicated circuit provided with the necessary

protection;

(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

bonding shall be part of the routine testing of the

electrical installations physically found within the block;

and

(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.

(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.

(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 sub-

regulation (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-

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.

(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.

(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).

(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

(a) name, surname and identity card number or identity

document number or passport number of the authorised

provider;

(b) authorisation number;

(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).

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS