The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institution have proposed some major changes to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. Now, the industry is responding to the proposed changes.
What changes have been proposed to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations
You can read an overview of the changes coming to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations here, although the highlights are:
- The introduction of a new Part 8 – Functional Requirements. This includes Chapter 82: Prosumer’s Low-Voltage Electrical Installations.
- Changes to the regulation surrounding AFDDs on circuits less than 32A
- Removal of the risk assessment method for omitting additional RCD protection on socket outlets
- Alterations to the model forms situated in appendix 6
- New cut-off date for complying with the 18th Edition
- Alterations surrounding SPD requirements
- New foundation earthing requirements
- New protected area requirements (protected escape routes)
NICEIC and ELECSA
The NICEIC and ELECSA have urged their members to have a say on the proposals to ensure that they work for the electrical industry in the UK.
John O’Neill, NICEIC and ELECSA’s director of Technical Excellence, noted on Monday, “Today marks an important day for the electrotechnical industry as the Draft for Public Comment (DPC) surrounding Amendment 2 of BS 7671: 2018 is released.”
“Providing the first glimpse of the proposed changes to the regulations which are planned to be introduced in March 2022, this document is vitally important in shaping how our industry operates.
“Outlining some extensive changes, which, if implemented, could have significant ramifications for all electrical contractors, the DPC provides everyone within the electrotechnical industry with an opportunity to put forward their views, and I urge all to engage and comment.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure we form part of the process when it comes to important introductions such as this. As such, we will be working with NICEIC and ELECSA members in the coming weeks to explore the document in greater detail.
“While it is important to remember that ultimately the proposed changes have been brought forward to improve safety and provide alignment with both International and European standards, we must ensure implementation is both practical and achievable for contractors.”
NAPIT
NAPIT has joined the NICEIC and ELECSA in calling for its members to have a say on the proposed changes.
Frank Bertie, chief technical officer, (JPEL/64 member and deputy chair of Sub Committee A) at NAPIT commented, “This Amendment is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible for BS 7671, with which NAPIT have had strong representation on for over 20 years. It’s important that our electrical members keep up to date with the ever-changing technologies and ways of working to ensure they are working to the safest standards. I urge NAPIT members, likewise the rest of the industry to read and comment where they feel appropriate on the new DPC.”
Electrical Contractors Association
Like the other industry groups, the ECA wants its members to be engaged with the process. After all, these are just proposed changes and can still be altered at this stage.
Gary Parker, ECA technical manager said, “With the ever-increasing pace of technological developments, it’s vital that the Wiring Regulations keep up-to-speed with new industry technology and methodologies. However, this must be balanced with a practical engineering approach.
“The proposed changes could impact all ECA Members. Therefore it is vital that Members submit comments to BSI if they feel these changes could be overly onerous, lacking clarity or simply require refining.”
How you can get involved with Amendment 2 of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations
You can have your say on the proposed changes to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations over on the BSI’s website. The consultation runs until December 11, 2020, at which point feedback will be taken into account before the new regulations come into effect.