Set for publication on 15 April, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 will be the second, full consolidated amendment to the BS 7671:2018 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations, which was first published in 2018. This essential update will serve as the UK national standard for all new low voltage electrical installations, as well as for additions and alterations to existing installations and the periodic inspection and testing of existing installations. The previous version, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024, will be withdrawn six months later.
Significant changes in BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 include the introduction of a new chapter on stationary secondary batteries used for the storage and supply of electrical energy within installations, a new section covering functional earthing and functional equipotential bonding for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and systems, and a new section dedicated to power over Ethernet (PoE). In addition, Section 710 on medical locations has been extensively revised, including the introduction of a schedule of test results for recording the resistance of supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductors.
Sebastiaan van Dort, Director Energy and Sustainability at BSI, said:
“BSI is proud to jointly publish this vital standard with the IET at a time when the UK is accelerating towards its 2030 clean energy goals. BS 7671 underpins safe, modern electrical infrastructure, which is essential for delivering the electrification needed to meet Net Zero ambitions.”
Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, added:
“The Amendment continues the thread of embracing new technologies. The inclusion of a new section on stationary secondary batteries is an exciting step into the future of renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives.”
Frank Bertie, Managing Director at NAPIT, JPEL/64 member and deputy chair of Sub Committee A, concluded:
“This Amendment is an essential update and is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible for BS 7671, with which NAPIT have had strong representation on for over 25 years.”
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Rob Shepherd (author)
Rob is Consulting Editor for InstallerELECTRIC. He is a well-respected journalist with a strong history in the electrical sector.
