Do you work with electrical installations? We have some important news for you.
Developed in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the British Standards Institute (BSI) has published BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, a new major amendment to one of the UK’s most important electrical safety standards.
This newly launched amendment marks an essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations and forms the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK are to comply.
Safety as a standard for electrical installations
Electrical accidents, from fires to burns, are a preventable yet common occurrence.
To improve electrical safety, it is important to identify the hazards, assess the effectiveness of the methods of protection, produce safe systems of work, perform regular inspections and testing and ensure conformity to legislation.
First adopted as a standard by BSI in 1992, BS 7671 is primarily a safety standard that provides a framework for the electrical industry in the UK and many other countries that have adopted its requirements.
It applies to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, also additions and alterations to existing installations. It provides a single reference point for almost all domestic and similar electrical installations.
In addition, BS 7671:
- Increases the safety of electrical installations
- Supports the sustainable development of renewable sources of electricity
- Helps users stay up to date with new and innovative technologies
- Improves the efficiency of installations
- The product of consensus among a comprehensive group of stakeholders
This standard is the most widely accepted way to demonstrate compliance with the applicable legislation, and so if you are an electrical professional, you need to ensure that you are familiar with the new changes being introduced in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.
What’s new with the IET Wiring Regulations?
Whether you are already a user of BS 7671 or new to this standard, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes several additions that are considered essential for anyone engaged in electrical installation activities.
From a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and the requirement for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented, to the addition of a whole new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations (PEI); these changes, along with others in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, ensure advanced safety and sustainability in electrical installation activities.
This amendment focusses on keeping you informed of new and innovative sustainable technologies, as well as ensures that you have the up-to-date industry knowledge on designing safe installations to comply with the applicable legislation.
Dan Palmer, Associate Director of Committees at BSI says of the amendment: “BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety.”
Ensure you’re complying with the latest IET Wiring Regulations. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is currently available to buy from the BSI Shop online. Get your copy of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 today.
