UK electricians and electrical contractors have a major standards update to implement in their work, as Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) is published today, announces ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association).
The update strengthens requirements that underpin safer installations and reflects the accelerating shift to low carbon and digitally connected technologies across homes, workplaces and critical environments.
Amendment 4 introduces practical changes that will affect design, installation, inspection and testing, including:
- PNB Earthing, a form of earthing arrangement which differs from Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) and is commonly adopted in the UK.
- Revised guidance on a selection of switchgear and assemblies, giving more options when adding low carbon technologies, such as solar PV generators to new and existing low voltage switchgear.
- New chapter on Stationary Secondary Batteries (electrical energy storage systems) — supporting safer integration of battery systems into electrical installations.
- New guidance on functional earthing and functional equipotential bonding for ICT equipment and systems — reflecting the growing role of connected building technologies.
- New section on Power over Ethernet (PoE) — clarifying requirements for installations that deliver power and data over structured cabling.
- Revision to Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) where a further investigation code will no longer result in an unsatisfactory report outcome.
- Major revision of Section 710 (Medical Locations), including updated testing and a schedule for recording resistance of supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductors.
As the UK national Standard, the updated Wiring Regulations will apply to all new low voltage electrical installations, as well as additions and alterations to existing installations and periodic inspection and testing.
ECA is helping its Members to navigate and implement the changes with a series of support materials including guidance notes, editable certificates and forms.
A new ‘fireside chat’ video series also explores what the changes mean in practice, hosted by Darren Crannis, Technical Manager at ECA ; with guests Gary Gundry, Independent Technical Consultant; Calum Mansell, Senior Engineer at the IET; and Jeremy Parkin, Technical Committee Chair and Vice President at ECA, and Director at Powerlink Electrical Services.
ECA is holding a Technical Tuesday webinar on 21 April, 11am-12.30pm. The CPD accredited webinar will give ECA Members a chance to ask questions about the update and hear from ECA’s Technical team about the impact and opportunities that it will bring to Member businesses.
ECA Members can also access an exclusive discount on NICEIC Amendment 4 training for those who don’t yet hold the 18th Edition qualification. The discount applies to classroom, virtual and e learning courses booked via NICEIC’s shop.
Mike Smith, Director of Technical and Safety, Health & Environment at ECA, said:
“Amendment 4 will help ensure the electrotechnical industry continues to work to the highest standards—delivering safe, compliant installations while keeping pace with today’s technologies, from EV charging and solar PV to wider low carbon systems.
“The resources and events we’re providing will help Members understand what’s changing and apply it confidently—turning compliance into a real advantage for their businesses.”
Last updated 15 April 26
