Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI)

Non-ionizing radiation is regulated in Switzerland by the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation (NISV, SR 814.710), which aims to protect humans from harmful or annoying effects of non-ionizing radiation. The Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (Eidgenössisches Starkstrominspektorat ESTI) is responsible for enforcing these regulations. When submitting plans for approval, ESTI verifies that installations comply with the NISV standards. Required documentation includes specific forms for overhead high-voltage lines and substations, such as enforcement aids and assessment data sheets for station locations. The ESTI functions as a federal supervisory authority overseeing electrical installations nationwide, ensuring electrical safety and regulatory compliance. It operates under the administration of Electrosuisse and is headquartered in Fehraltorf with a branch in Bulle. Beyond non-ionizing radiation, ESTI performs a wide range of tasks including certification and control of electrical products and installations, issuing installation permits, conducting examinations, supervising special installations with elevated risk, handling reports of electrical accidents and incidents, and managing disputes related to electrical safety violations. ESTI also publishes technical directives, bulletins, yearly activity reports, and maintains electronic registers of certified products and authorized installers. Coordination with other federal agencies such as the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) supports holistic management of electromagnetic exposure and related environmental concerns. Overall, ESTI ensures that electrical infrastructure complies with safety standards, including limits for non-ionizing radiation exposure, thereby protecting public health and promoting safe use of electrical technologies in Switzerland.