A new amendment to the IET Wiring Regulations has published
Developed by the Joint IET/BSI Technical Committee JPEL/64, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 has published. Marking an essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations, it forms the national standard providing authoritative requirements to help ensure electrical installations are safe, enabling conformity with applicable UK legislation.
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Requirements for Electrical Installations was issued on 28th March 2022 and may be implemented immediately. BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 remains current and will be withdrawn on 27th September 2022.
BS 7671 applies to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, and to additions and alterations to existing installations. It provides a single reference point for almost all types of installations including residential, commercial, public, industrial and similar electrical installations. It also specifies requirements for applications such as solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging.
This standard is the most widely accepted way to demonstrate conformity with the applicable legislation.
What are the new changes to BS 7671?
Whether you are already a user of BS 7671, or looking to adopt this standard, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes several new updates that are considered essential for anyone engaged in electrical installation activities.
Some key changes are as follows:
RCD protection of socket-outlets up to 32 A
Regulation 411.3.3 has been redrafted and now has three indents. The exception to omit RCD protection still exists where, other than BA1, BA2 or BA3 and mobile equipment (not exceeding 32 A) for use outdoors, a suitably documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary.
RCD selection and application
Two key changes in Chapter 53 are embodied in two regulations; Regulation 531.3.2 indent (ii) which highlights the use of RCBOs for individual final circuits in residential premises to minimise unwanted tripping, and Regulation 531.3.3 which now states that, RCD Type AC shall only be used to serve fixed equipment, where it is known that the load current contains no DC components.
Generating set in parallel with other sources e.g. Solar PV installations
A new requirement in Regulation 551.7.2 relates to where a generating set is connected via an LV assembly e.g. a consumer or distribution board. The rated current of the LV assembly must take into account the additional supply from any generating set(s) . It requires the rated current of the assembly to be greater than, or equal to, the rated current or current setting of the incoming circuit overcurrent protective device either incorporated within the LV assembly or upstream of it, plus the rated output current of the generating set or sets.
Protection Against Transient Overvoltages
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 deals with the protection of electrical installations against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin transmitted by the supply distribution system, and against switching overvoltages generated by the equipment within the installation. A risk assessment now must be performed to determine if protection against transient overvoltages is required.
Changes to Identification, Labels and Notices
The ways of how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation has been updated in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 to reflect current industry best practices.
A New Requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes requirements for the protection of persons, livestock and property against fire caused by electrical equipment, against burns and against overheating, together with precautions where particular risks of fire exist. It is now a requirement for some types of installation, (rather than a recommendation as it was in previous editions) to protect final circuits supplying socket-outlets and fixed current-using equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A by Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs).
Updated Requirements for the Fire Safety Design for Buildings
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces requirements 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.
A New Chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations (PEI) which covers energy efficiency measures, the interface with the flexible grid, the management of electricity consumption through an electrical energy management system (EEMS), the management of renewable sources of electricity, and energy storage.
The concept of the PEI has been developed to answer the needs of the end-user. For example, where a PEI has a storage capability, the user could take advantage of low demand to store energy when its price may be lower. With active energy management, the end-user should be able to permanently monitor and control their own electricity consumption and production.
What do the experts say?
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 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).
Dan Palmer, Associate Director of Committees at BSI said: “BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety. The changes introduced in this new amendment will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies, as well as ensuring they have current knowledge about designing safe installations.”
Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry.
Amendment 2 is an essential update to provide for the safety of electrical installations in the UK and it is now imperative that the industry is ready to work to this amendment before BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is withdrawn.”
The 2nd Amendment is available to buy from the BSI Shop online. Get your copy of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 today.
