There's still time to have your say on the 18th Edition changes!

The 18th Edition is the latest version of the Wiring Regulations. They are a set of guidelines that outline the industry standard for electrical installations and aim to ensure the safety of electricians and the public. The latest version came into effect on the 1^st January 2019. However, there are plans to introduce new regulations in early 2021 to keep up with ever-changing technology and the way that we use appliances, devices and so on. This time The IET and BSI have issued the draft for Public Comment which is available to view here. They have decided to include the opinions of professional electricians who deal with installations on a daily basis. This is technically not another addition of the regulations but instead this will be the second Amendment of the 18th Edition...

What are the changes?

It is important that the Wiring Regulations are updated when there are major changes to the way people are using electrics. The roles electrical engineers serve may change and the increasing speed of technological change, the Regulations must reflect these changes to ensure installations are safe, efficient, useful, and able to meet evolving standards. For example, some of these changes are aimed towards the advances in electrical vehicle use including changing points, such as Tesla’s Powerbank or V2G (Vehicle to Grid) technology. These things must have regulations and guidance behind them to ensure professionals have something to reference and to ensure safety, which is the main priority. Some of the changes include the following areas...

Part 2 definitions
Chapter 41 Protection against electric shock
Chapter 42 Protection against thermal effects
Chapter 44 Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
Section 514 Identification and notices
Chapter 54 Earthing arrangements and protective conductors
Section 542 Earthing arrangements
Section 543 High protective conductor currents
Chapter 64 Initial verification
Section 03 Rooms and cabins containing sauna heaters
Section 704 Construction and demolition site4 installations
Section 706 Conducting locations with restricted movement
Section 710 Medical locations
Section 711 Exhibitions, shows and stands
Section 712 Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
Section 714 Outdoor Lighting installations
Section 717 Mobile or transportable units
Section 722 Electric vehicle charging installations
Section 753 Heating cables and embedded heating systems
Chapter 82 Prosumer’s low-voltage electrical installations
Appendix 6 Model forms for certification and reporting
Appendix 7 Harmonized cable core colours
Appendix 11 Warning and user instruction labels
Appendix 13 Escape routes and fire protection
Appendix 17 Energy efficiency

An 18th Edition Courses at Able Skills!

Need 18th Edition training?

Here at Able Skills it is business as usual as we help aspiring electricians learn the tools of the trade and gain the theory knowledge and experience they need to kick-start a career. We offer a full-range of Electrical courses including 18th Edition courses. Our 18th Edition course is taught in a classroom setting over a period of 3-days and aims to help you gain familiarity with the layout, content and application of BS 7671:2018 - 18th Edition Regulations. Our course is aimed at practicing electricians, electrical contractors and those who require to have a good working knowledge of BS 7671 such as those training towards becoming a professional in the field or anybody who interacts with installations. Currently we have spaces on this course available starting in both February & March 2021!

Booking courses with us such as this 18th Edition course is simple, straightforward and can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, you can directly call our office staff over the phone on 01322 280 202 - Over the phone we are happy to answer any questions, provide general advice and process your booking. Secondly, you are completely welcome to come and visit our centre, our office is always open, just ensure you are conscious of social distancing rules. Whilst here we can discuss this course or any of our training in more detail, secure your place on a course and even show you around. Finally, you can secure your space online, on each course page there is a button 'Reserve your Space' where you can see the dates available and fill in your details. Take a look below for the online booking form for our 18th Edition course...

Additional Information:

If you live a considerable distance from our centre then you may be thinking about securing accommodation for the duration of your Electrician courses. Did you know that we offer our own accommodation? Our accommodation is located just a short walking distance from our centre and can be booked for the reasonable price of £20 per night! - If you are interested make sure to contact us ahead of your starting date as spaced are limited!

There's still time to have your say on the 18th Edition changes!