18th Edition Amendments

The so called 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, the essential publication for all electrical contractors and engineers, underwent a major overhaul in 2019, with Amendment 1 coming into effect on 1st February last year.

But the recent BSI proposals for a new set of changes (Amendment 2) could represent the biggest set of revisions to the Regulations to date.

With the ever increasing speed of technological change, the Regulations need reflect these changes to ensure that installations are safe, efficient and suitable to keep pace with evolving standards.

The key changes proposed are as follows:

Mandating of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) on circuits with a rated current not exceeding 32 A

The proposal is that AFDDs should now be required on all single-phase final circuits supplying socket-outlets and fixed current-using equipment.

The potential benefit is that this would effectively mandate the use of AFDDs across all small, single phase circuits, whether in a domestic, commercial or industrial installation, increasing the potential for safety. But this also creates the prospect of greatly increasing cost and the complexity of installations.

Risk assessment for sockets

It is also suggested that Regulation 411.3.3 should be altered to remove the option for omitting RCDs on socket outlets not exceeding 32 A.

The impact could be that designers have no option but to install RCDs on all socket outlets – unless they raise a departure against BS 7671.

Reducing the number of items on the schedule of inspections for an Electrical Installation Certificate.

The number of boxes would be reduced to 13 items, greatly reducing the time needed to complete an EIC. A list of items that should be inspected (where relevant) is available, but this does not need to be completed.

Foundation earthing

Regulation 542.1.2.202 would require that for new premises, additional earthing, such as foundation earthing, should be provided.

This means that every new build would need to be provided with a means of embedding electrodes to supplement the earthing system. This will require the use of electrodes or foundation earthing, in many cases at times when electrical contractors are not on site.

Consultation on the above changes closed in December of last year but updates are always in discussion. To keep up-to-date with regulatory changes CLICK HERE.