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18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

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18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671 amendment 4) coming soon!  

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BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026): What Actually Changed

Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018, published in January 2026 and effective from April 2026, introduces specific technical updates without fundamentally altering the regulation structure.

Major changes in Amendment 4:

Battery energy storage systems (new Chapter 82): A complete new chapter addressing stationary secondary batteries used for energy storage in residential and commercial installations. Covers lithium-ion battery safety requirements, installation locations, ventilation needs, disconnection devices, and protection against thermal runaway.

This responds to increased home battery storage adoption (often paired with solar PV) and several high-profile battery fire incidents in 2023-2025. Electricians installing battery systems must now follow specific requirements they weren’t legally obligated to meet under previous amendments.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) installations: Updated guidance for low-voltage network cabling systems that deliver power and data simultaneously (common in smart buildings, security cameras, VoIP phones). Addresses fire risk from higher-power PoE standards (up to 100W per port) and proper installation practices to prevent overheating.

Medical locations protections: Enhanced requirements for electrical installations in medical locations, particularly addressing risks in home healthcare settings where medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, patient monitoring, mobility aids) increasingly operates.

Functional Earthing and Functional Equipotential Bonding for ICT System : Refined earthing and bonding requirements for data centres and ICT installations, addressing electromagnetic compatibility and equipotential bonding needs.

What these changes mean for training: 

Existing training courses (Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas, NVQ programmes) will incorporate Amendment 4 content into their syllabuses. A learner starting Level 3 Diploma training in June 2026 will learn battery storage installation rules as part of their core curriculum.

Already-qualified electricians take short CPD update courses (typically 1-3 days) covering Amendment 4 changes. These are similar to the “18th Edition” courses many electricians completed in 2018-2019 when the 18th Edition was first published.

What these changes DON’T mean: 

  • There is no “Amendment 4 Qualification” that replaces or competes with NVQ Level 3
  • Amendment 4 doesn’t create a new fast-track route to becoming qualified
  • The pathway to ECS Gold Card status remains unchanged
  • AM2 assessment standards remain the same (though test scenarios may eventually include battery storage installations)
  • JIB grading criteria haven’t changed

Learners see “Amendment 4 Training” advertised and assume it’s a new qualification pathway. It’s not. It’s an update course for people who are already qualified, comparable to mandatory software updates for professionals in other industries.

Who is the qualification 9BS 7671) for?

This qualification is primarily aimed at practising electricians with relevant experience and other allied professionals eg surveyors, consultants and other trades needing to update and enhance their understanding of IET Wiring Regulations. It is also suitable for anyone wishing to demonstrate an understanding of the IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

What does the qualification generally cover?

The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) are the definitive standards for the electrical industry in respect of safe use and operation of electrical equipment and systems. They set requirements and operating criteria for the UK and correspond to EC standards and are recognised by the British Standards Institute as a British Standard (BS 7671). It is intended to ensure that individuals are conversant with the format, content and application of the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2022

What You Will Study:

  • Structure of BS 7671

  • Protection for Safety

  • Selection & Erection

  • Special Locations

  • Inspection & Certification Requirements

Assessment:  Online multiple-choice exam.

Outcome:

You will be able to interpret and apply wiring regulations confidently.

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