In the field of electrical installations, staying up-to-date with the latest regulations is crucial for safety and compliance. Recently, there’s been some confusion and misinformation circulating regarding the release dates of the 19th edition wiring regulations and the 18th edition amendment 4. We’re here to clarify the situation and provide you with the facts.

The 19th Edition Wiring Regulations

It’s important to clarify that we cannot specify when the 19th edition wiring regulations will be released. The IET has not announced any plans or suggested that the 19th edition will be available soon. The next expected update is amendment 4 to the 18th edition, which is currently in draft and is due to be published in 2026.

The 18th Edition Amendment 4

The 18th edition amendment 4 is currently in draft and is scheduled for publication in 2026. This amendment has been long-scheduled and will incorporate changes to harmonised standards at the European level, which the UK has to adopt within a certain time period. It’s intended that this amendment will include requirements for:

  • Stationary secondary batteries
  • Low voltage generating sets
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • Energy efficiency
  • Functional earthing and functional-equipotential-bonding for information and communication technology equipment and systems (ICT)

Each area of change is a response to fast-evolving technologies. Until amendment 4 is published, electrical installers need to have a copy of Amendment 2 (2022) – the ‘brown book’ and Amendment 3 (2024) (free PDF bolt-on) to be up-to-date.

Advice for Learners

We’ve received feedback from some learners who are considering delaying their 18th edition qualification, anticipating the release of the 19th edition. We advise against this for several reasons:

  • The IET has not released any plans to publish the 19th edition in the near future.
  • The 19th edition would follow the upcoming amendment 4, which is due to be released in 2026.
  • While learners are not required to update their qualifications due to amendments, industry practice is to stay current with changes and amendments, and to revisit the qualification when a new edition (19th Edition Wiring Regulations) is released.

Beware of Misinformation

We understand that some of our customers have encountered a website claiming that the 19th edition may be released in 2025. This information is untrue and misleading. It’s crucial to rely on official sources and communications for updates on wiring regulations to avoid any confusion or non-compliance.

Stay Informed

To stay informed about the latest updates and amendments to the wiring regulations, we recommend regularly checking the official websites of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). These organisations are responsible for the publication and maintenance of the wiring regulations and will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

By providing this accurate information, we aim to ensure that our customers are well-informed and prepared for the upcoming changes in the wiring regulations. Remember, compliance with the latest standards is not just about following the rules; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who uses electrical installations.

For Learners Yet to Complete Their Wiring Regulations Exam

If you haven’t yet completed your wiring regulations exam, we offer the C&G 18th edition qualification (C&G 2382-22). Visit our website for more information on our 18th edition courses.