The future’s bright? Well, hopefully … but, in the UK electrical installation sector, the future is now certainly ORANGE … at least for the next few years.
15 April 2026 saw the publication of BS 7671:2018+A4:2024, which sets the standard for low voltage electrical installations in the UK. The joint IET/BSI committee JPEL/64, chaired throughout the development of this Amendment by our Managing Director, Graham Kenyon, is responsible for the maintenance and development of BS 7671, along with the UK national interest in IEC 60364 series, HD 60364 series, and a number of other related standards such as IEC 60479 series, IEC 61140 and CLC/TR 50480.
This update implements some key changes for the renewables sector:
- A new Chapter 57 Stationary secondary batteries.
- Changes to Regulation Group 551.7 regarding connection of generators. In particular, Regulation 551.7.2.2 now permits four options in determining the minimum rated current (InA) of consumer units and similar switchgear and controlgear assemblies via which generators operating in parallel with other sources connect to the electrical installation.
- Update to the symbol indicating presence of a photovoltaic installation on a building, to align with IEC 60417-6400.
Among other changes are:
- Introduction of the term inherently short-circuit and earth fault proof.
- Clarification, in the NOTE to Regulation 522.8.10, of the classification of underground conduits that are considered to offer ‘equivalent mechanical protection against mechanical damage’.
- A new Section 545 on the subject of functional earthing and bonding systems
- New Section 716 Power over Ethernet.
- Substantial revision of Section 710 Medical locations.
- Clarification in new Regulation 722.421.1.7.201 that arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) are not required for circuits supplying electric vehicle supply equipment conforming to BS EN 61851 series incorporating socket-outlets or vehicle connectors to BS EN IEC 62196-2.
- Updates to the model forms in Appendix 6.
The 9th Edition of the On-Site Guide, and the 10th Edition of IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection and Testing, both publications revised and edited by Graham Kenyon, were also available on 15 April 2026 to accompany the release of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
