As you will undoubtedly have heard, the 18th Edition changes became effective as of the 1st January 2019. This means that all designs installed after this time must comply – so, you’ve got to get up to speed!
Picking up the big new blue book may seem daunting, particularly if you don’t know where to look for these changes! Here are the key eight changes you need to know, to help guide you through the new edition.
1. New & Revised Chapters, Definitions, and Categories
This is a new chapter which covers a range of topics, such as remote isolation and switching as well as non-automatic local. Each item of equipment used for isolation and switching must also comply with particular parts of Chapter 53.
Chapter 53 has been thoroughly revised to include a new regulation, advising designers and installers where AFDDs must be located within each installation.
Part 6 has also undergone a restructure. Many of the regulations for inspection & testing now reside in different chapters under brand new regulation numbers.
A range of new and amended definitions also feature in the 18th Edition. “Departure,” for example, is a brand new definition defined as an intentional decision to not comply in full with BS7671. Such a decision can only be made if accompanied by a declaration from the designer stating that the safety levels achieved are of the same standard or above of those which full compliance with BS7671 would provide.
Further extending the scope, an extra category has been included which covers electrical shore connections & inland navigation vessels. The requirements for this particular type of installation and location are detailed under Section 730.
2. Energy Efficiency
Although not a requirement, the new, informative appendix has been introduced in regards to energy efficiency, reflecting the country’s need to significantly lower overall energy consumption.
Appendix 17 details valuable recommendations for optimising electrical efficiencies during the design, construction, and assembly of the installation process.
3. Revisions to RCD Protection
As of 1st January 2019, all AC sockets rated up to 32A – as opposed to just 20A – must have RCD protection in place. The only exception to this is the FELV and RLV sockets, for which requirements remain the same.
This new regulation is potentially life-saving and has been put in place to prevent the installer experiencing any electrical shocks while working with live AC socket outlets. This means that to avoid any RCDs being disturbed or blinded by a fault in the current waveform, electrical contractors must pay close attention to the types of RCD being used.
4. AFDDs
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are now covered in Chapter 42 of the latest edition. Arc Fault Detection Devices are designed to provide enhanced protection against fires triggered due to the effects of certain arc fault currents.
When used, Arc Fault Detection Devices should usually be installed in distribution boards and consumer units and must be fitted at the origin of each final circuit requiring protection.
5. Changes to Appendix 6
AFDDs now feature in the Schedule of Inspections as well as on the Schedule of Test Results under Appendix 6. Already common practice for RCDs and RCBOs, it is now necessary to factor in a check for the AFDD six monthly test notice within the schedule of inspections. Details of this can be found under the section on consumer units and distribution boards.
The ‘Schedule of Test Results’ form also features a brand new AFDD tick box, where – again, similarly to that already practised by RCDs RCBOs – the installer will be able to record the operation of the manual test button on the AFDDs.
6. Over-Voltage Protection
The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to surge protection. Over-voltage protection is now required in certain circumstances, such as where public services or industrial/commercial activity is likely to be disrupted, co-located people are affected, or there is a risk of serious injury or loss of life.
For instances in which over-voltage protection is deemed unnecessary, a risk assessment must be carried out. If a risk assessment is not carried out, it is essential that over-voltage protection is in place.
Further details of these requirements are found under 443.4.
7. More Metal Cable Supports
Previous regulations required the support of wiring systems in fire escape routes to prevent premature collapse, should a fire occur. The 18th Edition sees this requirement extended, with support now required throughout the entire installing. All wiring systems must now have metallic clip supports in place. Not all clips are required to be metal, but a minimum of 25% is expected.
8. Insulation Sections on Metallic Pipes
Metallic pipes which feature an insulating section at their point of entry are no longer required to be connected to protective equipotential bonding when installed within a building.
Electrical installers are now required to check whether or not each incoming metallic pipe has an insulating section, to determine whether they must first add protective bonding to the pipe.
With so many additions and revisions in the 18th Edition, it is crucial that electrical contractors and electricians attain a thorough understanding of both the nature and impact of these changes.
Not only is it essential you have all the correct equipment and resources at the ready, but it’s also recommended that installation processes be revised. Implementing the regulations and procedures set out in the 18th Edition will undoubtedly impact how electricians perform their work. For example, electrical installations might require additional time or equipment, or electricians may need to liaise more actively with those involved in the architectural design process, to ensure the building complies with the new regulations.
It’s important to remember that such improvements, while they can feel like a faff to adjust to, are not only essential but also pave the way to creating safer buildings, operations, and environments, which can only be a positive. By taking the time to get up to speed, source the correct equipment and modify the relevant processes now, you’ll prevent the need for any additional time to resolve potentially more pressing issues in the future.
Please remember that the points featured here are for information only. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the full details, designers & installers must have a copy the BS 7671:2018 IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition to read and follow the full requirements and recommendations. Fortunately for you we’re giving away free copies, click below for further details.
