BS 7671 Amendment 4: do I need to retake my 18th edition?

With the previous version of BS 7671 now withdrawn, electricians are asking whether their 18th Edition ticket still counts. Here's what you need to know, and what you need to do next The short answer If you already hold an 18th Edition qualification, you don't need to retake the full exam for Amendment 4. Amendments to BS 7671 have never automatically invalidated existing certificates. There's also no "conversion" exam of the kind seen with the 17th Edition. Amendment 4 is not the 19th Edition. The IET has confirmed it remains part of the 18th Edition framework. It's an amendment, so the 18th Edition course you've already passed still stands. What changed on 15 October BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 was published on 15 April 2026, and could be used on new work from that date. The previous version, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024, was withdrawn on 15 October 2026. A4 is now the only recognised version of the Wiring Regulations. That has practical consequences. From 15 October, businesses need to demonstrate access to Amendment 4 to keep meeting NICEIC scheme requirements. If you're registered with another scheme provider, check their position. Why "no retake" doesn't mean "no homework" Your qualification is safe, but your knowledge needs to be current. You're expected to work to the current regulations, and that's what inspectors, clients and certifiers will measure your work against. In practice, that means: Getting a copy of the new (orange) book Reading the changes that affect your type of work Updating your method statements, templates and certificates Considering a short Amendment 4 update course if you want structured CPD What's new in Amendment 4? The amendment reflects how installations are changing. New and updated sections cover stationary secondary batteries, functional earthing for ICT systems, Power over Ethernet installations and revised requirements for medical locations. Amendment 3 (2024) has also been incorporated into the main document. If you work on battery storage, data and smart building infrastructure, or healthcare premises, these changes will affect you most. Who does need a full course? No 18th Edition at all? You'll need the full course, which now includes Amendment 4 content as standard. Still on the 17th Edition or earlier? You'll also need the full 18th Edition course, including Amendment 4. Newly training? Courses now lead to the City & Guilds 2382-26 exam, assessed against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. Your Amendment 4 checklist Buy or access the current BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 Read the changes that apply to your work Update your paperwork and templates Confirm your scheme provider's requirements Book a refresher if you want one ECN will be explaining the main changes over the coming weeks. Visit our Amendment 4 hub or send your questions to will@allthingsmedialtd.com.

TrustMark appoints Guy Thompson as new CEO

TrustMark, the government endorsed quality scheme for home improvements, has appointed Guy Thompson as its new Chief Executive Officer Guy will join the organisation on 2 November, initially working alongside outgoing CEO Simon Ayers MBE before he moves into retirement. Guy brings extensive leadership experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors including regulated public-private markets and the built environment. Chris Pond, Chair at TrustMark says, “I’m delighted to welcome Guy to TrustMark and the Board and I are very much looking forward to working with him. Guy is joining at a time when our industry faces new challenges and much-needed change in order to deliver the levels of consumer protection required. "I’m confident that his experience, knowledge and focus will enable us to meet those challenges and be a valuable part of the change required.” Guy adds, “TrustMark plays a vital role in protecting consumers and strengthening confidence in the home improvement and retrofit sector. I’m very much looking forward to working with the team, our Scheme Providers, government and industry partners to build on that foundation and ensure TrustMark is equipped for the challenges ahead. “Across my career, I’ve focused on improving standards, modernising assurance systems and delivering public value in complex, regulated environments. There is deep expertise and commitment within TrustMark, and I’m excited to work with the team to create long term, positive impact for consumers, businesses and the wider built environment.” For more from TrustMark, click here.

More than 1,000 Scots back calls for electrician regulation

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition urging the Scottish Government to ensure those carrying out electrical work are properly qualified The appeal to Holyrood is the latest move in a long-running campaign for legislative action and the recognition of the electrical sector as a profession by Scotland's largest trade association SELECT. The petition urges the authority to ensure those carrying out electrical work are properly qualified, competent and accountable, and points out that electrical safety is fundamental to protecting people, homes and businesses. It will build on support from MSPs, organisations and individuals who have backed SELECT’s initiatives over the years and who share the organisation’s concern that, currently, anyone can describe themselves as an electrician without demonstrating they hold appropriate qualifications, skills or experience. Sharon Miller, SELECT Managing Director, says: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had from people in all walks of life who have been astonished that there is no way to protect the public from unsafe and shoddy electrical work. “We now call on them to support this petition, which can be accessed here, and add their names to the groundswell of support calling for politicians to deliver statutory safeguards both for home owners and businesses – and the sector. “The electrotechnical sector today is complex and safety critical. Untrained people put themselves and others at risk causing real issues, which can sometimes be fatal. Gas engineers have enjoyed this type of protection for decades, and with electrification of society as we drive towards net zero, safety has to be the primary concern.” A report commissioned by SELECT estimated that the “human cost” of faulty electrical work is around £120 million per year. It also pointed out that regulation would offer an opportunity to grow the industry by attracting "more aspirational entrants, where reward and reputation is enhanced and the value of an electrical apprenticeship is more widely accepted". The petition has been submitted on behalf of SELECT by Skills and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson and is now open for signature, after which it will be scheduled for consideration by the Public Petitions Committee. For more from SELECT, click here.

Vent-Axia marks 90th anniversary with commemorative tree planting

Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has marked its 90th anniversary with a commemorative tree planting near its Crawly headquarters A fastigiate oak was planted in Crawter’s Brook People’s Park by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, John Barclay, DL, as part of the anniversary celebrations attended by the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Marion Ayling, Peter Lamb MP for Crawley, Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID, and representatives from the Crawley Museum. Founded in 1936 by Joe Akester, inventor of the world’s first electrically-operated window fan, Vent-Axia's history includes supplying ventilation to Sir Winston Churchill for his Chartwell home in 1945.  To commemorate the milestone, Vent-Axia also funded a new planting scheme at Crawter’s Brook, in collaboration with the Manor Royal BID, helping to enhance biodiversity in the area. Students from Crawley College also produced an engraved commemorative oak plaque to mark Vent-Axia’s 90th Anniversary tree planting at Crawter’s Brook People’s Park. Graham Sanders, Managing Director at Vent-Axia, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 90th Anniversary at Vent-Axia. From Joe Akester’s invention of the world’s first electrically-operated window fan in 1936 to the ventilation solutions we develop today, innovation has always been at the heart of our business. "We are very proud of our British manufacturing heritage, and it is particularly fitting to mark this milestone by supporting a project that will benefit the local environment and community of Manor Royal that has been home to our HQ for nearly 70 years." Further anniversary celebrations took place at Vent-Axia’s headquarters in Fleming Way, Crawley, which was decorated with bespoke bunting, made from recycled materials and featuring the company’s special 90th Anniversary logo. Guests heard a presentation on the company’s 90-year history and viewed a special exhibition co-curated with Crawley Museum. Featuring historical photographs, archive ventilation equipment and artefacts, the exhibition included a commemorative booklet recording the 1950 visit of HRH Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, when she officially named Manor Royal and planted a tree in Crawley town. Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, John Barclay, DL, adds: "90 years is a remarkable achievement, and Vent-Axia’s history is one of innovation, engineering excellence and an enduring commitment to improving the indoor environments in which we live and work. Today’s celebrations have recognised that heritage while looking firmly to the future. "Through the company’s support for Crawter’s Brook People’s Park and the planting of the oak tree, Vent-Axia is making a lasting contribution to biodiversity and the local community. I congratulate Vent-Axia on 90 years of achievement and wish the company continued success and a sustainable future."

Awaab’s Law Phase 2: 5 things you need to know

From 30 November, electrical hazards in social homes in England fall under Awaab's Law's fixed repair deadlines. Here's what electricians and contractors working in social housing need to know What is Awaab's Law? Awaab's Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in his social home. It requires social landlords in England to investigate and repair emergency and significant hazards within set timeframes, and Phase 1 began on 27 October 2025, covering emergency hazards and significant damp and mould. Phase 2 widens it. Here's what that means for the electrical trade: 1. Electrical hazards are now in scope From 30 November 2026, Awaab's Law extends to excess cold, excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosions, electrical hazards and domestic hygiene, where they present a significant risk of harm. Emergency hazards of any type, apart from overcrowding, are already covered, so something like exposed wiring has been in scope since Phase 1. 2. The timescales are tight Landlords must investigate and make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours and investigate potential significant hazards within 10 working days. They must give tenants a written summary within three working days of the investigation ending, complete safety work within five working days of it ending, and begin preventative work within five working days, or within 12 weeks at the latest if it can't start sooner. Tenants can take legal action for breach of contract if their landlord fails to comply. 3. What counts as an electrical hazard The guidance covers unsafe installations and fixed equipment, including defective sockets, switches, consumer units and light fittings. It gives exposed live parts and damaged socket-outlets as examples of emergency hazards, and deteriorated installations needing remedial work as significant ones. EICR codes can help triage, but they aren't the test. The guidance's own example is a pregnant tenant with a toddler, where an EICR with several C3 observations, no surge protection and an older consumer unit still counts as a significant hazard. A C3 on a consumer unit with no vulnerability involved is out of scope. Appliances that aren't part of the building are out of scope. 4. Competence and speed will be tested Landlords must ensure investigations are carried out by someone competent, and electrical hazards should be investigated and remedied by a qualified and competent electrician. Landlords remain responsible for their contractors and are advised to review contracts to make sure they match the new obligations. In practice, expect landlords to ask for faster response times; prompt information for tenant summaries; and reports of any other hazards you spot on site. 5. It's England and social housing only, for now Awaab's Law applies only in England, and Phase 2 covers social landlords, not private ones. The Renters' Rights Act gives the government the power to extend it to private landlords, but that needs separate regulations and there is no confirmed start date. A consultation on extending it to the private sector closes on 18 December 2026. Phase 3 will extend it to all remaining hazards apart from overcrowding. What to do now - Check your social housing contracts for response times and reporting routes. - Make sure your team can respond within 24 hours to exposed live parts or damaged sockets. - Keep records, including photos and access attempts, to help landlords show they've done what's reasonable. - Remember that installation work must still meet the current BS 7671, which is Amendment 4 since 15 October. ECN will be explaining the main changes over the coming weeks. Send your questions to will@allthingsmedialtd.com.

Andersen to supply EV chargers for new luxury car showroom

Andersen EV has been selected to provide 10 electric vehicle (EV) charge points at The Firs, a new luxury car showroom spanning more than 80,000 sq ft in Hook Norton, the Cotswolds The installation comprises four Andersen A2 charge points capable of charging at up to 22 kW and six Andersen A3 units rated at 7 kW. The chargers have been positioned at key points across the site, which is owned by luxury vehicle firm Tom Hartley Jnr. Officially opened on 29 June 2026, The Firs features a vehicle display area, reception and client lounge, detailing facilities, a photography studio and a car barn. Andersen’s design-led charging points were selected to sit within the environment while ensuring the new establishment can accommodate electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles alongside the classic and performance cars the business is known for. David Martell, CEO of Andersen EV, says: “Tom Hartley Jnr operates at the highest echelons of the automotive market, where every product and every detail is expected to meet the highest technical and aesthetic standards. Andersen was founded on the belief that EV charging should be approached in the same way, combining advanced technology with premium materials and considered design. “Increasingly, clients, visitors and staff at The Firs will be using EVs and other plug-in cars. This installation provides the charging capability the business needs, while working in harmony with the stunning new showroom and display environment.” For more from Andersen EV, click here

Electrical skills shortage persists in Kent's £4.9bn construction sector

Electrical installation is among the trades facing a skills shortage in Kent – where the construction sector is worth £4.9 billion – according to new analysis from field service management platform Field Ascend Employers in the county have reported shortages in electrical installation, plumbing and heating, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, plastering, scaffolding, groundworks and plant operation. The latest Kent and Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan warns that major projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing, are expected to keep demand for skilled workers high. Construction accounts for 18.4% of businesses in Kent, compared with 15.6% across the South East and 14.1% across England. The sector supports 50,500 jobs in the county, or around 58,000 across Kent and Medway, with almost half of construction roles classed as skilled trades. Field Ascend also ranked UK local authorities by the proportion of businesses operating in trades. Gravesham placed third nationally at 30.8%, followed by Medway (13th, 28.3%), Swale (15th, 26.3%) and Maidstone (21st, 25.8%). Richard Skelson, Managing Director at field service management platform Field Ascend, comments: "Kent has a large trades and construction workforce, but shortages across several skilled professions mean many businesses are already trying to manage busy workloads with limited capacity. “When teams are stretched, even small operational delays can have a knock-on effect. Engineers still need access to schedules, job details and customer information while moving between sites, and losing connectivity can make that harder. “For homeowners, that can mean slower updates, rearranged appointments or longer gaps between stages of a job, particularly when local businesses are already balancing high demand with shortages in skilled labour. “Gravesham stands out because nearly a third of local businesses operate in trades, while several other Kent areas also rank prominently. With so much of the local economy depending on field-based work, businesses need processes that allow jobs to keep moving without every task relying on a live mobile connection."

One step at a time: the benefits of interoperable technology in automation modernisation

By John Mackey, Head of Automation Sales, WAGO UK & Ireland The internet, one of the most transformational technologies shaping the 21st century, demonstrates the value of common, open networking standards. Any internet-connected device can use standard protocols for finding and sharing files, which means that consumers can use any PC or smartphone without having to worry about whether it can access websites or play a YouTube video. The same principle applies in industrial and building automation. In the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), sensors, controllers, actuators, software and data systems are connected through a range of networking technologies and open standards, giving operators flexibility to integrate equipment from different manufacturers. The industry bodies which maintain fieldbus standards, such as PROFINET or EtherCAT, also provide open specifications for their connectivity technologies. These specifications allow different manufacturers of connected equipment to ensure that their products are interoperable. Incremental gains from interoperable systems The interoperability across building and industrial networks is giving rise to a new approach to the implementation of automation technology. The traditional approach has been ‘death or glory’, to use a military metaphor: committing to an all-new installation in a large, monolithic system planned and provided by a single equipment manufacturer. The rationale is that everything – network, devices, controllers – comes from a single source, so the supplier guarantees that all the components work together. But the costs associated with this single-supplier assurance are steep: • Financial cost – the approach requires them to make a substantial upfront capital investment • Operational cost – the all-or-nothing switch causes disruption to staff and processes as legacy equipment is decommissioned • Configuration cost – limited to a single supplier’s product portfolio, users are denied the freedom to choose other devices which might fit their application’s requirements better In other words, in exchange for the promise of a fully integrated, all-in-one system, users bear the risk of becoming locked into the products and services of a single supplier. The interoperability provided by the IIoT and open connectivity standards frees automation system users from this trap. Now it has become possible to make continual, incremental gains in operational efficiency, the ethos which has worked so well for sports teams such as British Cycling, without the disruption caused by an all-new installation. This approach enables operators to maintain their legacy systems, while performing staged upgrades either of individual items of equipment or of sections of an automation system. In this approach, operators can prioritise those elements which will provide the biggest operational improvement or return on investment, while keeping the rest of a proven system in place. Open standards can also improve resilience by widening the pool of potentially compatible components and suppliers from which replacement parts may be sourced, provided always that the parts are evaluated for their ability to meet the application’s functional, safety, certification and configuration requirements. This is why small and medium-sized industrial and commercial organisations are taking a fresh look at automation modernisation. A gradual approach allows them to prioritise the investments that offer the strongest operational benefit or return, while reducing disruption and implementation risk. By upgrading in stages, organisations can test, review and refine each element before proceeding further. For users who value flexibility, resilience and efficiency, incremental modernisation provides a practical and lower-risk path forward. For more from WAGO, click here. This article is sponsored by Wago UK

Nexos Group consolidates brands under new integrated identity

Nexos Group has consolidated its specialist consulting, engineering, power technology and delivery organisations under one umbrella  The move sees Nexos Power (formerly Powerstar), Nexos Consulting (formerly OSL Consulting Engineers), Kelton and Nexos Solutions come together as Nexos Group. The new group structure means Nexos Power’s existing customers can now engage with a single group capable of supporting multiple projects, from feasibility studies and front-end engineering through to power system design, battery energy storage deployment, transformer solutions and project delivery: Nexos Consulting: engineering expertise to help clients understand their challenges and identify opportunities with technical insights. Nexos Solutions: engineering, procurement and construction expertise across the energy, infrastructure and power sectors, bridging the gap between strategy and project execution. Kelton: specialist measurement that supports the operation of energy infrastructure to help customers make operational, commercial and regulatory decisions. Dan McAteer, CEO at Nexos Group, explains: “It’s about giving our customer base a cohesive platform through which they can access our full-service offering. By operating as one group, we’re making it simpler and clearer for clients to engage with us, regardless of the solution they require.” “Nexos Power, formerly Powerstar, has extensive expertise in helping customers reduce energy demand while improving resilience and stability. That capability is becoming increasingly important as organisations look for greater control over their energy infrastructure.”

Luceco warns 'growth will be stifled' unless sector supports apprentices

The Trade Sales Director for UK lighting manufacturer Luceco has issued a stark warning about the critical need to attract more young people into apprenticeships if there is to be "any hope" of the industry achieving its "rich growth potential" Speaking during an industry-wide gathering hosted by the Scottish section of the Electrical Distributors’ Association at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Ian Hunter said the electrotechnical industry has the capacity and capability to service a much bigger market, but that ambition would be stifled without enough skilled people to carry out the work. Hunter's message comes after Luceco last month pledged to invest £18,000 to support apprentices in Scotland in partnership with Scottish trade association SELECT. Hunter, who began his career as an electrical apprentice, said: “What I am really concerned about, both short term and long term, is the shortage of skilled electricians, which is a major issue for everyone in this room. “I look at the incredible potential we have to provide products and services to an industry that is potentially much bigger than where we are today. “Advances in technology, product innovation, project management, same day stock availability, training, data, credit – they are all key ingredients in delivering the buildings of the future and the ongoing upgrade of the country’s existing portfolio and infrastructure. “We can meet growing demands, but we need more people to install those products.” Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, added: “The feedback from distributors, manufacturers and members has been very positive. conversation around the initiative has been strong with great feedback from distributors and manufacturers as well as the Electrical Contractors’ Association. “This partnership is a practical example of industry coming together to find solutions and support the next generation of electricians.” For more from Luceco, click here | For more from SELECT, click here.