No excuse for unfamiliarity with updated wiring requirements

The amended IET Wiring Regulations is an essential publication for all professionals working in the electrical industry and sets out the national standard for which all new and amended electrical installations need to comply. As a result the IET is urging all electrical professionals to ensure they are familiar with requirements as all installations designed after 30^th June 2015 are to comply with BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment 3:2015.

This latest amendment, the third following Amendment 1, 2011 and Amendment 2, 2013, has been published as a consolidated book. The amended regulations include changes to the electrical condition report section, new requirements for mobile and transportable electrical units and changes for the installation of luminaires and light fittings, bringing them in line with the latest international and European standards.

One of the major requirements set out in the amended IET Wiring Regulations is Regulation 421.1.201. This requires that within domestic premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with Regulation 132.12.This has been developed to safeguard against the risk of fire that can be produced from the overheating of connections in consumer units. Regulation 421.1.201 does not come into effect until 1^st January 2016 but this does not preclude compliance with this regulation prior to this date.

Geoff Cronshaw, Chief Electrical Engineer, IET, said: “The launch of the IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment 3:2015 marks the launch of an update 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 requirements. What’s more, it’s never been easier to get hold of a copy of the amended IET Wiring Regulations as it is available in the traditional print format and online from the IET’s new digital platform, Electrical Standards Plus. As this is the case, there really is no excuse for not being familiar with the current requirements for electrical wiring.”