What we know so far

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18th Edition

  Posted by: electrical-poster      17th March 2017

The IET Wiring Regulations – otherwise known as BS 7671 – are currently under full review, with a new 18th edition planned for the near future. Although the proposals are still in draft form, the ECA provides an update on the timeline and some of the likely changes:

Why the changes?

  • Harmonisation with CENELEC and IEC 60364 standards.
  • An opportunity to clarify existing regulations.
  • Allows new technology and methodology to be incorporated.

Anticipated Timeline

  • 1 June – 24 August 2017: Draft for Public Consultation (DPC).
  • 24 August – 9 November 2017: JPEL panels review public comments.
  • 9 November – 30 November 2017: JPEL 64 approval of DPC changes.
  • 28 June 2018 – 18th Edition published.
  • 1 January 2019 – 18th Edition comes into full effect.

Significant headline changes

  • Protection against overvoltages – Updated guidance on Surge Protection.
  • Protection against Fire – Updated guidance on Arc Fault Detection.
  • Updated guidance on Special Locations.
  • New Part 8 Energy Efficiency

NEW – Part 8 – Energy Efficiency

Up until now BS7671 has only ever taken steps to safeguard against fire and electric shock. A proposed new section in BS7671, harmonised document IEC 60364-8-1’ details the steps to be taken during the design process to consider the energy efficiency of an electrical installation. This document gives a framework for clientsto stipulate levels of energy efficiency, in order to to achieve:

  • Less impact on the environment.
  • Reduction of energy losses and energy cost.
  • Use of energy at lower tariffs.
  • Less reactive maintenance.
  • Optimisation of performance for life cycle.

Representing the practitioners view

The ECA technical team have representation on all of the following committees which help determine the Wiring Regulations:

  • JPEL 64 Committee – Final approval.
  • Sub Committee Panel A – Covers: definitions, verification, inspection & testing.
  • Sub Committee Panel B – Covers: thermal effects, cable sizing.
  • Sub Committee Panel C – Covers: protection against electric shock, isolation and switching.
  • Sub Committee Panel D – Covers: special locations & external influences.

What ECA is doing

  • Consulting our members and wider industry on the changes and representing views.
  • Creating cost saving initiatives to smooth the complete process.
  • Providing guidance and updates to contractors, clients and the wider industry.

For more information, visit the ECA Project 18 webpage.