The IET has announced changes to the 18th edition wiring regulations from March 2022.

18th Edition update, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

Over the year the amendments come in various forms but as there have been a large amount of changes throughout this edition (ammendment2) including a totally new section, In other words it means  the purchase of a whole new shiny  BS7671 for the this  18th edition update. To begin with the first of the changes is in the cover which sees it revert back to brown which was last seen on the 16^th edition. Some of the major changes which were originally proposed at the DPC stage are:    

• Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
• changes to fire safety requirements in chapter 422, covering the design of electrical installations in industrial, commercial and multiple-occupancy homes, as well as new information for ‘protected escape routes’
• protection against over voltages
• changes across Part 7: Special Locations
• New section -Part 8

The changes reflect the ever changing demands from consumers and the Governments commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 which is reflected in the new section (Part 8) Prosumer Low Voltage Electrical Installations.

What is a Prosumer?

The meaning of a the prosumer section relates to customers who now not only use energy but also produce it which relates to solar panels, battery storage and the likes. Prosumer was adopted into the IEC standard (IEC-60364-8-2) in October 2018 and more recently reflects the ever changing building regulations. Additionally one of the more suggested changes was on section 411.3.3 which previously allowed the additional protection by a 30mA RCD to be an exception if a documented risk assessment, the proposal is to remove this exception making all socket outlets regardless of their purpose requiring to be RCD protected. The new edition is currently on pre purchase and is expected to be available from the end of March 2022. New installations are always given a grace period of 6 months and there is no date as yet for when the new regulations will be effective from, this is very much driven by a timely release of the publication. All things considered if it improves electrical safety and energy consumption it can’t be a bad thing although the additional cost won’t be welcomed by the electrical trade. To help with an understanding of the regulations for the 18th edition update we are going to offering a short 4 hour update for those wanting to get a full explanation of the changes, how it affects them and lastly best practice going forward which can be booked now on an early bird discount. Priority booking can be secured here