The 18th Edition refers to the latest British Standards BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations.
The 18th Edition can also go by the names:
- Wiring Regs
- The Regs
- 18th Edition wiring regs
- BS 7671
WHAT IS THE 18TH EDITION?
The IET Wiring Regulations is one of the most important documents for an electrician based in the UK and is a British standard and essential publication for the electrician industry. The regulations apply to the design, installation and verification of electrical installations, plus additions and alterations to existing installations.
The “1st Edition” was published in 1882, and has been updated regularly to reflect any new developments and best practice.
While it’s not technically a legal document, It still contains the guidelines and processes by which all electrical installations must adhere in order to comply with the legal requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations. Therefore, it is treated in a similar way and is widely recognised in the industry as an authority.
WHO NEEDS THE 18TH EDITION?
If you are an electrician and perform electrical installation jobs, you will need to make sure that you are designing and installing to the latest regulations, making sure it follows the proper functions for electrical installations and ensure the safety of persons, livestock and property.
WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 18TH EDITION?
Without understanding the 18th Edition, your installations may not meet the current standard, resulting in potentially unsafe or inefficient installations and you will more often than not be rejected from completing any electrical jobs.
Many refer to the 18th Edition as “The Big Blue Book” as it is a comprehensive guide to all the regulations and will most likely not be memorised upon the first read-through. You must make sure you are fully aware of its contents, how to reference them, and how to relate them to specific situations. It is a requirement with the new ECS Check System that you hold the
18th Edition qualification as without it you may find it hard to secure work with large companies and agencies, as they may require that electricians working for them have this qualification as a minimum.
Thankfully our electrician course contains this qualification as well as the Level 2 and 3 NVQs and a range of other essential qualifications, meaning no need for an apprenticeship and you will finish this course as a fully qualified electrician, ready to go straight into the working world.
WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES IN THE 18TH EDITION?
Here are some of the most notable changes for the 18th Edition compared to previous editions:
Protection against electric shock – Chapter 41 (Section 411 contains a number of significant changes)
Metallic pipes entering the building
- The maximum disconnection times for some final circuits.
- Regulation 411.3.3 has been revised and now applies to socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32A.
- A new Regulation 411.3.4 requires that, within domestic (household) premises, additional protection by an RCD shall be provided for AC final circuits supplying luminaires.
- Protection against thermal effects – Chapter 42
- A new Regulation 421.1.7 has been introduced recommending the installation of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire in AC final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effects of arc fault currents.
Selection and erection of wiring systems – Chapter 52
This is a significant change. Regulation 521.10.202 requires cables to be adequately supported against their premature collapse in the event of a fire and applies throughout the installation, not just in escape routes as previously.
Electric vehicle charging installations – Section 722
This section contains significant changes to Regulation 722.411.4.1 concerning the use of a PME supply. Changes have been made to requirements for external influences, RCDs, socket-outlets and connectors.
Energy efficiency – Appendix 17
This is a new appendix that provides recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations.
Keep an eye on our blog for more information about our range of courses as well as the latest news from the electrician industry. If you are ready to start your journey to becoming a fully qualified electrician with us, click the link here and sign up:
https://thetradescollegeuk.co.uk/electrician/
