Livestream recap: The importance of staying current
In our recent livestream, we explored the 4th Amendment to BS 7671:2018 The IET Wiring Regulations, a topic that has generated much discussion and curiosity within the industry. With over 10,000 attendees across previous TechTalks, it's clear that these sessions provide valuable guidance on navigating complex changes in electrical standards and practices.
During the webinar, Darren and Dave, our industry experts, alongside Mark Coles of the IET walked participants through the proposed 4th Amendment to BS 7671:2018 They highlighted the importance of understanding these changes, especially considering their impact on safety, compliance, and the day-to-day operations of professionals in the field. One of the key points emphasised was the necessity for electricians to stay informed and proactive, particularly when it comes to commenting on draft regulations. Your input can shape the final outcomes, making it crucial to engage in these processes.
What’s new in TechTalks Series 4?
TechTalks Series 4 will be a continuation of our commitment to providing industry professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Focus on the 4th Amendment
We'll delve deeper into the 4th Amendment, discussing its implications and providing practical advice on how to adapt to these changes. Expect detailed sessions on new definitions, earthing systems, and critical updates to parts three and four of the regulations.
Industry experts on board
We are thrilled to be partnered with the IET. Their presence not only lends credibility but also offers a unique opportunity for you to get your questions answered directly by the people who influence these regulations.
Interactive sessions
Your participation is vital. This year, we are placing even greater emphasis on interactive Q&A sessions where you can voice your concerns, ask questions, and share your experiences. The feedback from these sessions will be invaluable for shaping future regulations.
Live demonstrations and practical advice
We understand that theory alone isn't enough. That’s why TechTalks will include live demonstrations and practical advice on implementing the new regulations in your daily work. From understanding new earthing systems to dealing with load curtailment, we’ve got you covered.
Upcoming changes to industry regulations
The proposed changes are set to address several critical areas, including:
Protective Neutral Bonding (PNB) vs. Protective Multiple Earthing (PME)
PNB systems are typically used in rural or remote locations where a single earth connection is made at the transformer, contrasting with PME, where multiple earthing points exist along the distribution network.
There are discussions around the need to revisit and clarify the regulations surrounding PNB systems, which had previously been removed from the regulations around 2015. The reintroduction and differentiation from PME systems is crucial for ensuring correct installation practices, particularly in small, isolated installations.
High-Risk Residential Buildings (Regulation 421.1.7)
This regulation relates to the need for enhanced safety measures in high-risk residential buildings, such as those identified in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.
The new amendment brings regulations in line with the latest building safety requirements in the UK, particularly for England, which has seen significant legislative changes. It mandates that all new installations in these high-risk buildings include additional protective measures to prevent electrical fires, in line with devolved nation-specific regulations.
Eddy Currents (Regulation 521.5.1)
Eddy currents can generate unwanted heat in electrical systems, particularly when conductors are run through ferromagnetic enclosures (like metal switchgear or trunking).
The updated regulation requires that for installations where the current exceeds 200 amps, conductors must either pass through separate entries in the enclosure or the manufacturer must state that the equipment is designed to handle the resulting heat. This aims to reduce the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Premature Collapse of Cables (Regulation 521.10.202)
This regulation deals with preventing cables from collapsing prematurely during a fire, which could trap or endanger people trying to evacuate.
The amendment introduces a note specifically addressing the integrity of data cables, ensuring they are also protected against premature collapse. The regulation highlights the importance of maintaining the physical integrity of all cables, not just electrical power cables, to safeguard both the occupants and emergency services during a fire.
Load Curtailment
With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other high-demand electrical equipment, managing peak loads has become a critical concern in electrical installations.
The updated regulations introduce requirements for load curtailment, which is the practice of reducing or shifting electrical loads to avoid overloading the system. This might involve automated systems that temporarily reduce power to certain appliances during peak demand times. For example, an EV charger might reduce its charging rate or switch off entirely if the overall system load is too high.
This change acknowledges the growing complexity of managing electrical loads in modern installations, especially in residential and commercial buildings transitioning away from fossil fuels. The regulation ensures that installations are future-proofed to handle the increasing demands placed on them by electric heating, vehicle charging, and other high-demand technologies.
Firefighter Switches
Firefighter switches are devices that allow firefighters to safely disconnect power from high-voltage lighting systems during an emergency.
The new regulations expand the use of firefighter switches beyond just high-voltage lighting to include other applications where disconnection might be necessary, such as battery storage systems or other high-risk installations. The regulation now suggests that the placement and use of these switches should involve consultation with a fire engineer, particularly in complex commercial or industrial buildings.
Additional Mechanical Protection (Regulation 522)
Regulation 522 deals with the mechanical protection of cables, particularly those installed in walls or underground.
A new table has been introduced to simplify the requirements for when additional mechanical protection is needed. For instance, cables installed in a wall with non-metallic parts do not require additional protection if they are at a certain depth. However, if metal parts are involved, additional earthed protection may be required. This clarification is aimed at reducing confusion and making it easier for installers to comply with the regulations.
Unwanted Tripping of RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
Unwanted tripping of RCDs can be a significant issue, particularly in installations with multiple RCDs in series.
The amendment clarifies that when an S-type (time-delayed) RCD is installed upstream of a non-time-delayed RCD, the downstream device must be a multipole switch with all poles of the circuit protected. This change is intended to prevent issues where a fault might cause both devices to trip unnecessarily, complicating fault-finding and potentially leaving the installation unprotected.
These changes underscore the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of both knowledge and practice.
Detailed focus: Changes to BS 7671
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI are calling on the electrical industry to actively participate in shaping the future of the IET Wiring Regulations. The Draft for Public Consultation (DPC) for BS 7671:2018 Amendment 4 will be open from 7 August 2024 to 3 November 2024.
This amendment is particularly significant, as it reflects the incorporation of new harmonised standards at the European level, which the UK is required to adopt within a specific timeframe. The amendment, expected to be published in 2026, will address several key areas, including:
Stationary Secondary Batteries: New requirements for installation and safety.
Low Voltage Generating Sets: Guidelines for installation and use.
Power Over Ethernet (POE): Standards for electrical safety and efficiency in data transmission.
Energy Efficiency: Updates to improve energy consumption in electrical installations.
To stay compliant during this transitional period, electrical professionals are urged to have the Amendment 2 (2022) ‘brown book’ and the Amendment 3 (2024) PDF bolt-on. Your feedback on Amendment 4 during the DPC period is crucial—it’s an opportunity to directly influence the standards that govern your work.
Comments on the Draft for Public Consultation can be submitted through BSI’s Standards Development portal between 7 August 2024 to 3 November 2024. This is your chance to help shape the industry’s future regulations and ensure they reflect the practical realities of electrical installations.
Q&A
Watch the full livestream
Want to find out more? Watch the full livestream where Darren Staniforth, Dave Austin and Mark Coles of the IET dive deeper into the regulatory changes and discuss what they mean for the industry.
Join the conversation
TechTalks are more than just an event — they are a platform for industry professionals to engage, ask questions, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of electrical safety standards. We encourage all attendees to be part of the conversation that shape the future of the electrical industry and provide feedback that can help refine these regulations further.
Join us in this series to gain a deeper understanding of the latest regulatory updates and how they will impact your work.