BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 will be the first, full consolidated amendment to the BS 7671:2018 18th Edition IET Writing Regulations, which was first published in 2018. Amendment 2 will come into immediate effect when published on Monday 28 March 2022, with the previous version BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 being withdrawn six months later.
The significant changes include:
- A new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in some AC final circuits for installations in some types of higher risk residential buildings.
- The requirement 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.
- Changes to identification, labels and notices, such as for consumer units, affecting how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation.
- A chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations, in a new part, Part 8.
- Method for determining the requirement to provide overvoltage protection.
In preparation for its release, NAPIT is ensuring it has everything members need to get up to speed with the amendment, including:
- Pre-orders for updated NAPIT and IET publications are now live on NAPIT Direct.
- Hosting a range of CPD webinars to provide an overview of the amendment and what it means to its members, the webinars will take place on Tuesday 1 March, Tuesday 5 April and Tuesday 3 May at 6pm with a live Q&A with JPEL Committee representatives Frank Bertie, Paul Chaffers and Richard Townsend.
- Launching its new set of NAPIT EXPO Technical Roadshows with Amendment 2 CPD masterclasses starting April 2022, open to all with locations to be confirmed soon. Here you’ll have access to face-to-face technical training and membership advice, as well as free gifts, discounts, and refreshments.
Frank Bertie, NAPIT’s Chief Technical Officer, (JPEL/64 member and deputy chair of Sub Committee A) says: “This Amendment is an essential update and is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible for BS 7671, with which NAPIT have had strong representation on for over 20 years. It’s important that our electrical members keep up to date with the ever-changing technologies and ways of working to ensure they are working to the safest standards, and they can do that by viewing our webinars, attending our events and within our updated publications.”