Smart Home and AREI: What You Need to Know About Home Automation
Does a Smart Home installation need to be AREI-compliant? Yes — the underlying electrical installation must meet regulations. Here's what's allowed and what to watch out for.
The AREI does not directly regulate Smart Home devices — but the underlying electrical installation must in any case be AREI-compliant. Whether WiFi switches, smart plugs or DIN-rail modules: as long as the base installation meets regulations, Smart Home solutions are not a problem.
What Is Allowed?
Smart Home devices such as WiFi switches (Shelly, Sonoff), smart plugs (TP-Link, Hue Smart Plug) or intelligent lighting (Philips Hue, IKEA TRADFRI) can be used without issues — as long as the underlying electrical installation is AREI-compliant.
This means:
- The wiring must be correctly dimensioned
- Circuit breakers and RCDs must be present and correctly assigned
- The installation must be earthed
- Smart Home modules in the fixed installation must have CE marking and be used within the manufacturer-declared intended purpose and installation conditions
DIN-Rail Smart Modules in the Distribution Board
A special category is DIN-rail Smart modules such as Shelly Pro, Shelly Pro 3EM or Sonoff DIN modules. These are installed directly in the distribution board on the DIN rail.
Important: since they are part of the fixed installation in the distribution board, DIN-rail modules appear in the single-line diagram (which per Section 3.1.2.2.a must show, among other things, protective devices, switches and fixed equipment; the obligation to keep the diagram as part of the installation file derives from Art. 9.1.2). They must be correctly represented there, just like other distribution board components.
Overview: Smart Home Types and AREI
| Smart Home Type | Installation Location | AREI Relevant? | In Single-Line Diagram? |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi switch (Shelly 1, Sonoff) | Behind existing switch | No, if base installation is compliant | No, if no wiring change. Yes, if fixed wiring is modified (e.g. neutral pulled to switch) |
| Smart plug (plug-in) | In existing socket | No | No |
| Smart bulb (Hue, TRADFRI) | In existing fixture | No | No |
| DIN-rail module (Shelly Pro) | Distribution board | Yes — fixed installation | Yes |
| Smart thermostat (Nest, tado) | Wall-mounted | No, if correctly wired | No |
| Smart door lock | Door frame | No | No |
Local control, switching and isolation are design questions
Do not infer a universal rule that every smart function needs a conventional wall switch. What matters is the function of the device and the applicable provisions for operation, switching, isolation, emergency action and maintenance. An app or cloud connection must not be described as an isolating device unless the complete product and circuit are designed for that function. Follow the manufacturer instructions and have the fixed wiring designed professionally.
During the Electrical Inspection (Keuring)
During the electrical inspection, the inspector checks the electrical installation, not the Smart Home logic. This means:
- The wiring, circuit breakers and earthing are checked
- DIN-rail modules must appear in the diagram
- The Smart Home app or automation rules are not inspected
- WiFi switches behind the wall are generally not flagged, provided the base installation is compliant
Documenting supported components with PlanElec
PlanElec can document supported fixed components and their electrical relationships in the project. If a particular actuator or module is not modeled, record it in the dossier rather than substituting a different catalog item. The self-check does not validate automation logic, cybersecurity, radio availability or every product instruction.
Official sources: FPS Economy — AREI Book 1 V06 and the European Commission guidance on CE marking. CE marking reflects the manufacturer's declaration under applicable EU rules; it is not a third-party approval of the Belgian installation.
Related articles:
- Dedicated Circuits: Which Appliances Need Their Own Circuit?
- Top 10 AREI Violations
- AREI Regulations 2026: What Has Changed?
Document supported components and have the fixed installation reviewed professionally. Get started →