Updates explained
Ahead of the publication of Amendment 2 to BS 7671: 2018, SELECT is already working hard behind the scenes to help Members understand and implement its much-anticipated changes
As you will have seen by now, the IET and BSI have signed off the content for Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018, the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations.
As outlined by SELECT at last year’s AGM, this amendment introduces a new requirement for arc fault detection devices (AFDDs), updated requirements for the fire safety design for buildings and a new chapter which provides requirements for prosumer’s low voltage electrical installations.
Amendment 2 will now come into effect immediately when published on 28 March 2022 and the previous version – BS 7671: 2018 + A1: 2020 – will be withdrawn six months later on 27 September.
This essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations will form the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK are to comply.
SELECT is therefore committed to helping Members become familiar with its most significant changes, which include:
A new requirement for AFDDs in some AC final circuits for installations in some types of higher risk residential buildings
The requirement for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented where specific conditions of external influence exist, such as protected escape routes and locations with risk of fire
Method for determining the requirement to provide overvoltage protection
Changes to identification, labels and notices, such as for consumer units, affecting how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation
A chapter on prosumer’s low voltage electrical installations, in a new Part 8.
Members of the committee responsible for the technical content of BS 7671, JPEL/64, are not permitted to release any further information before the publication date.
However, further changes are included throughout all parts of BS 7671, including the incorporation of Amendment 1: 2020 to BS 7671: 2018 as part of the main document.
Post-Brexit, the amendment also sees the further adoption of CENELEC Harmonised Documents as the UK continues the inclusion of standards for new and developing technologies.
As you know, BS 7671 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety. The changes introduced in this new amendment will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies, as well as ensuring they have current knowledge about designing safe installations. The amendment also continues the thread of embracing new technologies and prosumer’s low voltage electrical installations is an exciting step into the future of renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives. Focusing on high-risk environments with requirements for AFDDs and the fire safety design of buildings is also a major step in order to increase safety.
In conclusion, Amendment 2 is an essential update to provide for the safety of electrical installations in the UK and SELECT will be working to ensure our Members are ready to work to this amendment before BS 7671: 2018 + A1: 2020 is withdrawn.
BS 7671: 2018 + A2: 2022 is available for pre-order at theiet.org/amendment2-wm
What SELECT will be doing to help Members
To help our Members to understand the implications and impact of Amendment 2, SELECT will be carrying out a range of activity during 2022 that will include:
Videos
As part of our growing selection of technical films on SELECT TV, we are planning to film several instructional presentations on Amendment 2 and make them available online for Members only. This will include a video on prosumer’s low voltage electrical installations.
Toolbox Talks
Our roadshows are due to return in May and June, during which our Technical Advisers will deliver two Amendment 2 presentations, the first giving an overview of what’s new, the other explaining changes to certification.
CABLEtalk articles
An in-depth article about Amendment 2 will appear in the April/May edition of CABLEtalk. Subsequent editions will also feature technical updates on the topic, focusing on a specific section of the amendment.
Webinars
SELECT is exploring the option of holding one-off webinars about Amendment 2 if there is significant demand from Members. All sessions would be recorded and available to watch again via SELECT TV.
Training courses
Our Training team is already busy revising and updating BS 7671 course materials to ensure they are in line with Amendment 2. We are aiming to launch these courses at the end of September, helping delegates with our usual clear and practical instruction.
Find out more about the updates to our training courses and the new e-learning options.
