Have your say on the latest changes to the 17th Edition, says the IET

The 17th Edition of the IET’s Wiring Regulations is coming up for its Third Amendment, which is due to be introduced in January 2015.  The Draft for Public Comment (DPC) is now available for BS 7671:2008 (Amendment No 3:2015). 

 

This DPC, which is based upon IEC / CENELEC standards, is not available from the British Standards Institution (BSI). Because it is now based upon IEC / CENELEC standards the UK’s ability to change the requirements is limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try! So do read the DPC now by going to www.theiet.org/updates (note that if you have not done so already, you’ll have to register). However, you can also download the DPC using the link at the bottom of this web page (PDF doc). You can make your comments using the official form, also available at www.theiet.org/updates

 

It’s important to note the deadline for all comments, which is Saturday, 8th of March 2014.

 

 

A number of changes are proposed. These include, but are not limited to:

 

• The introduction of Section 557 Auxiliary Circuits, which covers the requirements for auxiliary circuits for low voltage electrical installations

 

• Changes to Section 701 Locations containing a Bath or Shower, relating to the use of RCDs

 

• A re-drafted Section 522 Selection and Erection of Wiring Systems in relation to external influences) concerning 522.6 – Impact

 

The IET says that the above are only some highlights of the full amendments. A detailed article is scheduled to appear in the Spring 2014 edition of the IET’s in-house Wiring Matters magazine. Sign up to receive Wiring Matters at www.subscription.co.uk/cc/ccirc1.asp?card=W2WM

 

To find out more about these and additional changes, and submit your comments, visit www.theiet.org/updates

 

 

The 17th Edition of the IET’s Wiring Regulations has been around since 2008, when there were many changes introduced over the previous 16th Edition. It was completely restructured compared to the 16th Edition and included changes necessary to maintain technical alignment with CENELEC harmonisation documents. For example, it adopted the IEC numbering system. In addition, the layout and parts were completely revised. 

 

The main technical changes included requirements to protect against voltage disturbances and implement measures against electromagnetic influences, new requirements for safety services, continuity of service considerations, additions to Special Locations, requirements for emergency escape lighting and fire protection applications and changes to inspection and testing. 

 

Probably the change that got Voltimum UK users most excited at the time was the then new requirement that socket-outlets to 20A for use by ordinary persons must have 30mA RCD protection, and socket-outlets up to 32A for mobile equipment for use outdoors had to have 30mA RCD protection (with a very few exceptions).

 

The first Amendment to BS 7671:2008 came into being from July 2011, and installations designed after 31st December 2011 had to comply with BS7671:2008 (2011). The main changes included a new section 444 (Measures against electromagnetic disturbances), a new section 534 (Devices for protection against over voltage. Selection of surge protection devices), a new section 710 (Medical locations), another new section 729 (Operating or maintenance gangways), plus an Appendix 6 (New model forms for certification and reporting, including the new Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which superseded the Periodic Inspection Report (PIR)). The amendments also covered minor works changes that relate to exceptions regarding RCD protection.

 

Last year’s Second Amendment was not consolidated into a new Edition, but was a free download from the IET. The idea was that it could be inserted into the existing bound copy of BS 7671:2008 (2011). The main change was the inclusion of a new Part 722 on electric vehicle (EV) charging points. This was an important addition, not least because EV growth is now beginning to be substantial, and with it, the crucial charging infrastructure. 

 

To learn more about EV charging infrastructures and Voltimum UK’s role, go to: www.voltimum.co.uk/EVI