Amendment 4 to BS 7671 will be published on 15 April 2026, bringing major updates to the Wiring Regulations. Learn what’s changing and how to stay compliant.

18th Edition Amendment 4: Official Release Confirmed for April 2026

The next major update to the IET Wiring Regulations is now confirmed. The IET and BSI have officially signed off Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671:2018, with publication scheduled for 15 April 2026. This update will be a significant shift for UK electricians, introducing new requirements aligned with emerging technologies and modern electrical installations. [theiet.org]

Once published, Amendment 4 can be implemented immediately, and the existing version — BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 + A3:2024 — will be withdrawn six months later.

What is Amendment 4?

Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671 introduces:

  • A new chapter on stationary secondary battery installations
  • Updated requirements for functional earthing and equipotential bonding for ICT systems
  • A new section covering Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • A major overhaul of Section 710 for medical locations
  • Integration of Amendment 3:2024 into the main document
  • Further adoption of CENELEC and IEC standards

Key Changes in Amendment 4 (2026)

1. New Requirements for Stationary Secondary Batteries

With battery energy storage systems becoming increasingly common in homes, commercial buildings, and renewable installations, Amendment 4 introduces a dedicated chapter defining safe installation and operation requirements.

2. Functional Earthing & Bonding for ICT Equipment

As ICT and smart technologies continue to expand, the regulations now include a new section detailing functional earthing and equipotential bonding for communication and data systems.

3. Dedicated Section for Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE is rapidly growing across smart buildings, security systems, and digital devices. Amendment 4 provides clearer guidance on safe PoE design and installation.

4. Major Revision to Section 710: Medical Locations

Healthcare environments require extremely precise electrical safety standards. A full update to Section 710 includes new testing schedules for supplementary protective bonding resistance.

5. Amendment 3:2024 Now Integrated

Instead of remaining as a standalone bolt-on, Amendment 3:2024 is now embedded directly into the main BS 7671 document.

6. Continued Alignment with International Standards

The UK continues to harmonise with European and global electrical standards through further adoption of CENELEC HDs and IEC requirements.

When Do Electricians Need to Comply?

You can begin working to Amendment 4 from 15 April 2026, and after a six-month transition period, the previous edition will be withdrawn. [theiet.org]

This applies to:

  • New low-voltage installations
  • Additions and alterations
  • Periodic inspection and testing

Do You Need to Update Your Qualification?

If you already hold the 18th Edition, you won’t need to retake the full qualification, but you will need to update your knowledge to stay compliant with the latest wiring standards. Keeping your knowledge current demonstrates:

  • Professional competence
  • Safe working practice
  • Up-to-date installation methods
  • Compliance with legal frameworks such as EAWR 1989

If you don’t have your 18th Edition yet, do not wait until April 2026 — it remains an essential requirement for anyone working with electrical installations today.

Our 18th Edition Courses (Updated for Amendment 4)

We deliver the City & Guilds 2382-22 18th Edition course at centres nationwide — including our NEW centres — and online via eLearning.

As soon as Amendment 4 is published, our course will be updated to include the latest changes. We will also launch a dedicated 18th Edition Amendment 4 CPD Refresher Course for qualified electricians who need the update only.

Why You Should Prepare Now

Battery storage, PoE, smart systems, and ICT-driven infrastructure are rapidly becoming industry-standard. Amendment 4 embeds these technologies firmly into BS 7671, and staying ahead ensures:

  • Future-proof knowledge
  • Compliance with evolving regulations
  • Greater employability
  • Confidence when specifying and installing new technologies

FAQs

When is BS 7671 Amendment 4 being released?
It will be published on 15 April 2026.

How long is the transition period?
Six months — the current version will be withdrawn after this period.

Is Amendment 4 a full new edition?
No. It is an amendment to the 18th Edition, not the 19th Edition.

Do I need new training for Amendment 4?
If you already hold the 18th Edition qualification, a CPD refresher is recommended.

What are the biggest changes in Amendment 4?
New battery installation rules, PoE requirements, ICT earthing, and a major update to medical locations.

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