On 1 May the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) announced a consultation to amend BS7671: 2018 – the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations – for the third time.
The consultation, which was launched on 8 May 2024, was triggered by a technical bulletin issued by BEAMA which aims to address the requirements for the correct connections of unidirectional and bidirectional residual current devices (RCDs) and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs).
Welcoming this next amendment as a positive and essential step forward for the industry, electrical expert and Technical Manager at Bureau Veritas, Martin Sampson, stresses the need for electricians to remain on top of the frequently changing regulations to ensure utmost safety for end-users.
Martin takes up the story: “This new focus on connection of unidirectional and bidirectional RCD and MCBs comes at a relevant time for the industry, as we’re seeing a marked rise in the demand, installation and use of renewable energy solutions. The introduction of renewable technology such as solar PV, electric vehicle charging or battery storage systems means that we must now consider the safety implications and likelihood of parallel supplies within a single installation.
“An RCD is a safety device designed to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire, caused by earth faults; it essentially identifies a fault in an electrical system and switches it off. A unidirectional RCD will therefore only identify a fault when electricity is flowing in the one direction it was designed for. Newer technologies such solar, EV and battery storage may require bidirectional devices. The designer and installer must refer to manufacturer’s advice on where to connect these within the distribution board.
“The regulations are being updated to keep pace with the advances in technology and the relevant manufacturer’s guidance.
“However, also important to note is the significance of yet another amendment to the wiring regulations. As the demand and scope for renewable energy sources continues to grow and develop, so too will the regulation that sits alongside it. This proposed emergency amendment to the IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations marks the third review of the document in six years – a notable increase in frequency compared to previous versions. The BEAMA report accelerating this evolution of the regulations.
“I don’t expect there to be a slow-down in regulatory change either, as technology will continue to evolve on the race to net zero, and we learn new things about the technological advancements aiding us to achieve this. This is simply just the start. For example, EV charging guidance is changing quickly with the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, moving onto edition five in 2023 – only 11 years after publication.
“As outlined in the BEAMA report, electrical installation designers will need to decide on which method to use for new installations to ensure that, going forward, they utilise the correct connections for unidirectional and bidirectional RCDs and MCBs.
“Time will only tell exactly what this third amendment of the 18th edition will bring, and industry leaders now have the opportunity to comment against the proposed changes, until 5 June, with the final amendment due to be published in summer 2024.
“Bureau Veritas offers a range of testing and certification services to support customers in managing compliance around electrical safety in general for new and existing installations or for specific areas, solar PV panels, battery storage plants and EV charging points.”
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