Electrical industry urged to ensure compliance with wiring regulations

Although not compulsory, electrical professionals can leave themselves open to legal action if the work that they carry out does not meet the necessary industry requirements.

BS 7671 focuses on improving the safety of electrical installations, minimising the risk of fires resulting from unsafe wiring, and standardising electrical installation design.

JPEL/64 (the national Wiring Regulations committee) has a responsibility for keeping these standards up to date in line with new and emerging technologies and industry developments, which are vast and fast moving.

A number of new Regulations, or changes to existing Regulations were carefully considered, put out for public consultation, and debated within the committee for the 18th Edition. This includes new and amended requirements and recommendations around the use of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), methods of support of wiring systems and earthing arrangements for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment, among others.

Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements.”

To help industry get up to date, the IET offers a dedicated course on their online training resource, the IET Academy, offering comprehensive training for City and Guild’s 2382:18 qualification.

The IET Academy provides the only course for 2382 that has been prepared by the IET, which jointly publishes the IET Wiring Regulations with BSI. The authors have been carefully selected for their industry experience and knowledge of BS 7671. It is also the only online course to be endorsed by City and Guilds for this qualification.

The course, which is suitable for anyone needing working knowledge of BS 7671, including electrical installers, designers, specifiers and those working in the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, will also fully prepare electricians for the City and Guilds 2382:18 exam.

The IET also offers BS 7671 and a range of expert guidance, both in print and digital versions to help you get up to date ahead of the 18th Edition coming into effect.