Built to Last: Plug & Play Electrical Systems for Modern Concrete Construction

Published on 7 November 2025Time to read: 4 minutes

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Text Lieke Bousema | Images Isolectra

To tackle the severe housing shortage in the Netherlands, 100,000 new homes need to be built annually. A number we simply cannot reach using traditional construction methods alone. That’s why residential construction is increasingly shifting to the factory, observes Bran Jalink, Innovation Manager at Isolectra. “We’re seeing more and more elements being executed in or in combination with concrete. From floors to walls, which can now be installed plug & play thanks to our IP69 waterproof Wieland RST^® system.

The RST^® cables and connectors are so robust and reliable that they are the only ones on the market certified to be directly embedded, without conduits, into precast concrete walls and floors. Our innovative system reduces installation time on site, lowers failure costs, and contributes to a safer and cleaner working environment.”

RST^® in concrete is a breakthrough in plug & play installation, where the RST^® cables and connectors are integrated into the precast concrete, explains Jalink. “Installers benefit from numerous advantages. For instance, they can get involved much earlier in the construction process, allowing electrical installations to be added to the home sooner. A major benefit is that installations embedded in concrete are not subject to specific fire classifications. Additionally, cable trays can be eliminated. This removes several cost items, enabling installers to offer more competitive solutions to their clients.”

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High quality and reliability

The Wieland RST^® system can be processed in just one step, resulting in significant time savings, says Jalink. “Just like our other plug & play systems, the products are designed to prevent incorrect connections. Combined with the ideal working and climate conditions in the factory, this leads to extremely high quality and reliability. It also shortens the construction lead time, as the installation is fully pre-prepared.”

National Environmental Database

RST^® in concrete also scores high on sustainability, as it supports reversible construction methods, Jalink adds. “The various components can be easily disconnected and reconnected at a different time or location.” RST^® in concrete is listed in the National Environmental Database. In agreement with Isolectra, the Wieland RST^® systems can also be returned.

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Waterproof and concrete-proof connectors

The innovation of the Wieland RST^® system lies in its waterproof and concrete-proof connectors, which are highly resistant to the harsh conditions on construction sites, says Jalink. “Installers can walk over the installation before it’s embedded. The cables are highly resistant to the chemicals in concrete and can withstand shrinkage and expansion.”

Also suitable for commercial and infrastructure projects

Originally developed for precast residential construction, Isolectra now sees growing demand for RST^® in concrete in commercial and infrastructure projects. “For example, tunnel construction involves longer concrete sections, requiring longer cables. The walls are cast vertically, increasing concrete pressure. RST^® in concrete has been further developed to meet these demands, allowing us to offer solutions for rough construction and tunnel construction in apartment buildings, hotels, parking garages, schools, and hospitals. As well as for tunnels and viaducts,” says Jalink. RST^® in concrete has already been used in six Van der Valk hotels, where installer Techval achieved significant time savings.
Another great reference is the prefab homes by RAP Wonen, a label of Ouwehand Bouwen & Ontwikkelen, which can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reassembled, including the Wieland RST^® system. Jalink also mentions a project for A&B Elektro in Zuid-Beijerland, where the plug & play installation was embedded in the floor on site, alongside the underfloor heating.

Standardization and expansion

In the coming months, Isolectra will focus on further standardizing RST^® in concrete, making the plug & play system even more attractive for a wider range of projects and concrete applications. Standalone, but also in combination with the GST^® and Streda systems. “Together with ABB, we’re developing a plug & play distribution board with waterproof and concrete-proof connectors, eliminating the need for adapter plugs,” says Jalink. “We’re also introducing new coding clips and other smart features to further simplify installation in various concrete applications.” The standard RST^® cables are included in the BIM library. “Wieland will soon launch a handy tool to easily detail components in BIM.” To be continued.

Want to know more? Do not hesitate to contact us!

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