RITE and building services
When does a RITE installation need a project or technical memorandum?
The RITE requires a project above 70 kW nominal thermal generation capacity. From 5 kW up to and including 70 kW, a technical memorandum may replace the project. Below 5 kW, those design documents are not mandatory for demonstrating compliance to the regional authority, without removing other requirements.
RITE documentation thresholds
- Generators needed for the service are aggregated as Article 15 specifies.
- There are document exceptions for certain hot-water equipment and prefabricated solar systems.
- Installation, certification, maintenance and inspection are separate duties.
- The Balearics use UDIT-021 where applicable.
Content
The project or memorandum covers demand, generators, distribution, ventilation, controls, efficiency and safety. The completed installation is certified and filed with the regional annexes.
Alterations
Changing equipment, served areas or capacity can change the document scope. Do not classify only one unit where several generators form the system needed for the service.
For the next part of the decision, see the guides to Project or MTD and Electrical documents.
Thermal output is different from electrical input
RITE project and memorandum thresholds concern nominal thermal capacity, not the electrical consumption on a bill. A heat pump can deliver more thermal output than the electrical input it draws. Classification therefore requires the heating or cooling generation ratings and the aggregation rules in Article 15.
Where several generators serve the same building service, do not classify the installation by looking at each unit separately. The RITE specifies how capacities are considered and provides particular documentation exceptions, including certain hot-water systems. Falling below the project threshold does not remove technical, installation or maintenance requirements.
In Menorca, applicable thermal installation registration follows UDIT-021. The project or memorandum, installation certificate and equipment documentation must describe the same system. RITE registration does not replace electrical records for its supply, or independently resolve municipal noise, building-work or business-activity requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does exactly 70 kW need a project?
A memorandum covers 5 to 70 kW inclusive; a project is required above 70 kW.
Must a small split system be registered?
Assess total capacity, scope and exceptions. Being below 5 kW affects design paperwork but does not remove safety or other rules.
Regulatory basis and official sources
- Spanish Building Thermal Installations Regulation (RITE) — BOE
- Balearic RITE installation registration (UDIT-021) — CAIB
Always check the current version of the rule and the administrative procedure that applies to the specific case.