IET And BSI Announce Official 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Changes

The official list of changes set to be included in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018) has been released by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). BS 7671:2018, the national standard to which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK need to comply, is due to be published on July 1, 2018.

The announcement comes as the IET urges those working in the electrical sector to familiarise themselves with the changes, ahead of the 18th Edition coming into force from January 2019.

According to the IET, a number of significant changes will be included in BS 7671:2018. Among others, these will include:

  • the requirement for a ‘switching device’ to be implemented in the installation of renewable energy storage systems
  • recommendations for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits
  • a change to the requirement for methods of supporting wiring systems in buildings against premature collapse in the event of a fire
  • requirements for devices for protection against overvoltage
  • a new appendix focusing on energy efficiency

Changes will also come into force for electric vehicle charging installations with PME supplies requirements, and new guidance will be issued for the design and erection of electrical installations featuring local production and storage of energy for optimising efficiency.

The amendments to BS 7671 are the result of changes to international and European standards – the technical intent of which the UK is obliged to adopt. Members of the JPEL/64, the national Wiring Regulations committee, represent the UK on many international committees during which these standards are discussed. The IET ensures that the JPEL/64 considers all amendments to the Regulations to ensure they meet the best needs of the industry before a new update is published.

“The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements,” said Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET.

“The IET will make the amended IET Wiring Regulations available in traditional print format, and from our digital platforms, meaning there is no excuse for not being familiar with the current requirements for electrical wiring.”

The full list of changes to BS 7671 can be found on the IET website.

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