When is BS 7671 Amendment 4 published?

BS 7671 Amendment 4 is published on 15 April 2026. It can be implemented immediately from that date. The previous version BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 is withdrawn on 15 October 2026.

What is changing in BS 7671 Amendment 4?

Amendment 4 introduces new Chapter 57 on stationary secondary batteries, new Section 716 on Power over Ethernet, new Section 545 on functional earthing for ICT systems, new Chapter 81 on energy efficiency, and a major revision of Section 710 Medical Locations.

Is Amendment 4 the 19th Edition?

No. Amendment 4 is an amendment to the 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018), not a new edition. It is formally titled BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 and is known as the Orange Book. A full 19th Edition is not expected before 2027-2030.

Do max Zs values change in Amendment 4?

No. The maximum earth fault loop impedance tables (Tables 41.2-41.4) are unchanged in Amendment 4. Current max Zs values remain valid.

What qualification do I need for EICRs after Amendment 4?

From Amendment 4, every employed person undertaking EICRs must hold C&G 2391-52 or equivalent plus 2 years documented experience. The current 18th Edition qualification closes for new registrations on 31 July 2026 and for certification on 31 December 2026.

When does Amendment 3 get withdrawn?

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 (the Brown Book) is withdrawn on 15 October 2026. From that date Amendment 4 becomes the sole reference standard. NICEIC will require evidence of access to Amendment 4 from October 2026.

Are batteries now covered by BS 7671?

Yes. Amendment 4 introduces Chapter 57 which brings stationary secondary batteries including domestic solar storage like Tesla Powerwall and GivEnergy systems formally under BS 7671. New requirements cover thermal runaway protection, safe isolation, location restrictions with batteries prohibited in lofts and escape routes, and ventilation.

Does Amendment 4 affect domestic electricians?

For standard domestic work with no battery storage, PoE, or medical locations, day-to-day work won't change much. However the new Chapter 57 battery requirements affect anyone installing solar PV with battery storage, and all electricians must update their qualification before the October 2026 deadline.

When is the deadline to get my 18th Edition qualification?

The current 18th Edition qualification (2382-18) closes for new registrations on 31 July 2026 and for certification on 31 December 2026. The new EAL Level 3 Award aligned to Amendment 4 launches April 2026.

Do I need to retake the 18th Edition for Amendment 4?

If your current 18th Edition qualification is still valid, you don't need to retake it immediately. However, from 15 October 2026 when Amendment 3 is withdrawn, certification bodies like NICEIC will expect evidence of current BS 7671 Amendment 4 access. Most electricians will need the updated qualification before the end of 2026.

What is the EAL Level 3 Award for Amendment 4?

EAL is launching a replacement Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS 7671:2018) aligned to Amendment 4 from April 2026. This replaces the existing 2382-18 qualification.

How much does the 18th Edition Amendment 4 course cost?

Prices vary by provider and format. Classroom courses typically cost £200–400. Online options may be cheaper. EAL Amendment 4 pricing will be confirmed from April 2026.

BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026) — What's Changing for Electricians

Publication date

15 April 2026

Pre-release summary. Based on confirmed IET, BSI, NICEIC and EAL publications. This page will be updated with full regulation details on publication day.

What's changing

Amendment 4 is the fourth and final amendment to the 18th Edition. It introduces new chapters on battery storage and energy efficiency, new sections on PoE and ICT earthing, and a major revision of medical locations.

New chapter

Stationary Secondary Batteries

Chapter 57

New requirements for battery energy storage systems (BESS) used to store and supply electrical installations. Covers domestic and commercial battery storage for solar PV, off-peak storage, and UPS systems.

Thermal runaway — new requirements to mitigate fire risks from lithium-ion battery failures
Safe isolation — specific rules for isolating battery systems during maintenance
Location restrictions — batteries prohibited in lofts and escape routes
Ventilation — requirements for battery enclosure ventilation

Impact: Affects every sparky doing solar PV, battery storage, or home energy systems. No more tucking Powerwalls in the loft.

New section

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Section 716

Requirements for distributing extra-low voltage DC power using balanced data cabling. Covers cable selection for thermal load capacity and separation from 230V circuits.

Cable selection — data cables must be rated for the thermal load of PoE power
Separation — protocols for ELV data lines running alongside 230V circuits
Applications — LED lighting, access control, CCTV, Wi-Fi access points, building management systems

Impact: PoE is increasingly common in commercial fit-outs. Now has its own regulatory framework.

New section

Functional Earthing for ICT

Section 545

Distinguishes between protective earthing (safety) and functional earthing (signal integrity) for information and communication technology equipment and networks.

Functional vs protective — clear distinction between earthing for safety and earthing for equipment performance
Broadcast, comms, and computer networks — specific earthing and bonding arrangements

Impact: Primarily affects commercial and high-tech installations. Data centres, server rooms, broadcast facilities.

Revised

Medical Locations

Section 710

Major revision reflecting current medical installation practices. Enhanced testing and documentation requirements.

Supplementary bonding — new schedule of test results for recording supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductor resistance
Improved guidance — updated requirements for medical IT systems and Group 1/Group 2 medical locations

Impact: Specialists only. If you work on hospitals, clinics, dental practices, or care homes.

New chapter

Energy Efficiency

Chapter 81

New chapter focusing on improving energy efficiency in low-voltage electrical installations. Aligns with wider net-zero and sustainability targets.

Impact: Likely to affect design decisions on larger installations. Full details on publication.

Updated

Competence Requirements

EAS 2024 alignment

Individual competence requirements for inspection and testing. Every employed person undertaking high-risk work (Solar PV, EV charging, EICRs) must hold their own relevant Level 3 qualification.

EICRs — require C&G 2391-52 (or equivalent) plus 2 years documented experience
Updated qualification — EAL launching replacement Level 3 Award aligned to Amendment 4 from April 2026
Current qualification — closes for registration 31 July 2026, closes for certification 31 December 2026

Impact: Affects everyone. Make sure your 18th Edition cert is current. Book the updated course before July.

What stays the same

Amendment 4 does not change the fundamental structure of BS 7671. Parts 1–7 remain intact. The core requirements for circuit design, protection against electric shock, overcurrent protection, earthing, and inspection & testing are unchanged.

Max Z_s tables (41.2–41.4) — unchanged — verify your values at maxzs.co.uk
Disconnection times (Table 41.1) — unchanged
Cable current capacities (Appendix 4) — unchanged
RCD requirements for socket outlets — unchanged
Earthing arrangements (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT) — unchanged
Certificate and report formats (Appendix 6) — updated, full details on publication day

If you're doing standard domestic work with no batteries, PoE, or medical locations, your day-to-day won't change much. But you still need the updated book.

Key dates

15 Jan 2026

IET & BSI announce Amendment 4 publication. Pre-orders open.

15 Apr 2026

Amendment 4 published. Can be implemented immediately.

Apr 2026

EAL launches updated Level 3 Award aligned to Amendment 4.

31 Jul 2026

Current 18th Edition qualification closes for new registrations.

15 Oct 2026

Amendment 3 withdrawn. Amendment 4 becomes the sole reference. NICEIC requires evidence of access.

31 Dec 2026

Current 18th Edition qualification closes for certification.

What to do now

Don't panic. The core regs haven't changed. This is an amendment, not a new edition.
Pre-order the book. Available from BSI and IET from 15 April.
Book your updated course. EAL's new Level 3 Award launches April 2026. Get in early before July registration deadline. See training providers ↓
Watch the IET webinars. Free webinars on publication day covering the key changes in detail.
If you do battery work — read Chapter 57 carefully. Location restrictions will affect how and where you install storage systems.

Training courses — Amendment 4 qualifications & providers

Two routes to getting qualified for Amendment 4. The July 2026 registration deadline applies to the existing qualification — don't leave it late.

New

EAL Level 3 Award (Amendment 4 aligned)

Replacing the existing 2382-18

New qualification launching April 2026
Aligned to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 from day one
Registration opens April 2026
Current 2382-18 closes for registration 31 July 2026
Current 2382-18 closes for certification 31 December 2026

Current

City & Guilds 2382-18

18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Current qualification, valid until withdrawn
Will need updating to Amendment 4 version
Check with your provider for Amendment 4 transition arrangements

Training providers

Provider	Qualification	Format	Duration	Price
EAL	Level 3 Award (Amd 4)	Classroom / Online	TBC	TBC
NICEIC / C&G	2382-18 (updating to Amd 4)	Classroom	3 days	~£300–400
JTL	2382-18	Classroom	3 days	Contact
TTE Training	2382-18	Classroom / Online	3 days	~£250–350
Trade Skills 4U	2382-18	Classroom / Online	1–3 days	~£200–350

Prices are indicative and may vary. EAL Amendment 4 qualification details will be confirmed on publication day (15 April 2026). This table will be updated.

PUG's validators and reference tools will be updated for Amendment 4 from publication day.

Join the waitlist →