Publication date for 18th now confirmed as 2nd July 2018
Regulations come in to effect on installations designed after 31st December 2018
18th Edition changes and additions
We now know which sections and regulations are changing in the BS7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations.
Part 1 Scope, object and fundamental principles
133.1.3 will require a statement on the Electrical Installation Certificate.
Part 2 Definitions
As with every update, new and changed definitions are included
Chapter 41 – Protection against electric shock
Significant changes are proposed throughout this chapter.
411.3.1.2 metallic pipes and point of entry
411.3.2.2 maximum disconnection times
411.3.3 limit to 32A and risk assessment relating to RCD protection
411.3.4 new regulation – RCD and luminaires
411.4.3 switiching and isolating device in PEN conductor
411.4.4 and 5 redrafts
411.6 deletions and redrafts
419 automatic disconnection not feasible
Chapter 42 – Protection against thermal effects
Installation of arc fault detection devices to mitigate risk of fire
Chapter 44 – Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
Changes to specific sections and critically a requirement for risk assessment to be performed in order to determine if protection against transient overvoltage is required.
Chapter 46 – Devices for isolation and switching
This chapter which was removed after the 16th Edition, reappears. This chapter will cover the requirements for the functions of isolation, functional switching (control), auxiliary circuits, motor control, switiching off for mechanical maintenance and emergencies, which are currently in Section 537. The requires for the devices relating to these functions will remain in Section 537.
Part 5 – Selection and Erection of Equipment
Chapter 52 – concerning wiring support systems, SELV buried cables and CPR requirements
Chapter 53 – Changes to protection against overvoltage, earthing arrangements, protective conductors and other equipment including ground-recessed luminaires.
Chapter 54 – new regulations relating to earth electrodes and switching devices in a protective conductor
Chapter 55 – new scope and ground recessed luminaires
Part 6 – Inspection and testing
Completely restructured to align with CENELEC standards
Part 7 – Special installations or locations
A large number of small changes in many sections in particular
704 Construction sites,
708 Caravan/Camping parks,
710 Medical locations,
715 Extra low voltage lighting installations,
721 Caravans,
722 Electric Vehicle Charging,
730 Onshore Units – new section to apply to onshore installations supplying inland navigation vessels – whose power requirements are significantly greater than those of vessels covered in 709 Marinas
753 Floor and Ceiling Heating
Appendix 17 – Energy Efficiency
A major new addition to the Wiring Regulations to support the worldwide requirement to reduce the consumption of energy and how electrical installations can contribute to this effort, effectively and safely.
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