The reference standard for the construction of a civil electrical system is CEI 64-8. Within the standard, it is possible to find the legal requirements regarding the design, implementation and verification of electrical systems. The purpose of all the provisions is to create a correct system not only from a regulatory point of view, but also from the safety of the people who live in the apartment. Variant 5 of CEI 64-8 has been in force since 1 March 2019, which, compared to previous variants, has introduced new guidelines that provide for the alignment of national standards for civil electrical systems with European standards, as well as introducing the minimum performance that electrical systems must have.

The minimum levels of functional plant equipment

The levels represented by the CEI 64-8 regulation are three: – Level 1 includes the preparation of an electrical system equipped with the minimum mandatory equipment, for compliance with CEI 64-8; furthermore, in this way a guarantee will be given regarding the safety of the same and its (albeit minimal) functionality; – Level 2 includes systems created with a greater number of sockets and circuits, in addition to the intercom and the electrical load control devices; – Level 3, finally, includes innovative systems, that is, those broken down into different sections and equipped, perhaps, also with home automation. This division of the electrical system equipment is useful not only for the electrician who will have to carry out the project and issue the certification of conformity, but also for the client who, having clear the various levels, will be able to make a choice on the type of intervention to be carried out by the professional. Here is a simple diagram for each level, indicating the minimum equipment that the electrician will have to install.

Level 1

The First Level represents a basic electrical system, which the electrician will prepare to ensure that the apartment can be equipped with a certification of conformity, as well as guaranteeing the safety and usability requirements: the CEI 64-8 standard requires that each room be equipped with a minimum number of devices. For an apartment smaller than 50 m2, the electrician will have to prepare a two-circuit electrical system: this means that a cable that powers a circuit breaker / differential for the light line (therefore the chandeliers and lights in general) and a circuit breaker / differential for the socket line will have to start from the main panel. If the apartment is larger than the first, but does not exceed 75 m2, there must be at least three circuits: from the general meter, therefore, a circuit breaker / differential switch dedicated exclusively to the kitchen area and a circuit breaker / differential switch which in turn will divide the line to two other circuit breakers / differential switches for the light and the sockets. Moving on to individual devices, in conclusion, in the entrance hall you will need at least one socket, one light point, the same for the corridor and the closet. For the bedrooms, depending on the size, you will need from 4 to 6 sockets, 1 or 2 light points and at least one TV socket. In the kitchen, however, you can install from 2 to 4 sockets (depending on whether there is a kitchen or kitchenette) and at least one light point and an antenna point. In the bathroom, at least 2 sockets and 2 light points are needed (one for the mirror and one for the ceiling). Finally, external light points will need to be set up (one for the balcony and one on the entrance door) and a telephone socket.