The IET and BSI have confirmed that the new wiring regulations will come into effect immediately upon publishing on March 28, 2022, with the previous version, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, to be withdrawn six months later.
Amendment 2 introduces a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), updated requirements for the fire safety design for buildings and a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations.
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. The IET and BSI are now urging all electrical professionals to ensure they become familiar with the changes.
Significant changes include:
- a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (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, Part 8.
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.
Why the update?
The 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations is constantly evolving, with the IET and BSI constantly looking at international and European standards, as well as the industry itself to ensure that the regulations are always relevant.
Mark Coles, head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said of Amendment 2, “This Amendment is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible for BS 7671, taking on board requirements from international and European standards, as well as input from organisations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety (2018).
“It is vital that the electrical installation industry keeps up to date with the constant developments in technologies that impact our work, improving the efficiency of installations and enhancing sustainable development. Above all, we must ensure that safety remains of paramount importance, and this is reflected in the proposed changes to BS 7671:2018.”
Will I need to update my qualifications?
City & Guilds have announced the new 2382-22 (Amendment 2) qualification is planned to be available from 28th March 2022, and there will be an overlap period of 6 months so the current version (2382-18) will remain available.
It is unlikely those that already have the City and Guilds Qualification 2382-18 will need to update their qualification. However, it I important that you keep up to date with the latest regulations and changes. PTT (Proactive Technical Training) will be offering half day update seminars from April onwards for those that wish to find out more on the changes. Those attending the seminar will be issued with a certificate of attendance that can be presented to your registration body as evidence of continuing professional development and that you are familiar with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.
Those booking the 2382-18 course before the 28th March will have the option to postpone until the 2382-22 qualification is available. Alternatively, those who wish to take 2382-18 in Feb/March (prior to 2382-22 being available) will receive a voucher to attend the PTT BS7671 Am 2 Update seminar free of charge.
