18th Edition is a term used to denote the BS 7671:2018 (British Standard) Requirement for Electrical Installations. It is considered mandatory for beginners and professionals in the electrical field.
The 18th Edition is also referred to by several other names:
- Wiring Reg
- 18th Edition Wiring Regs
- The Regs
- BS 7671
What Is The 18th Edition?
The 18th Edition is the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Wiring Regulation introduced in July 2018 and superseded the 17th Edition in January 2019. The wiring reg is considered one of the most critical documents in electrical wiring in the UK. It has all the rules, regulations, and guidelines required for erection, design, and verification for wiring installations, along with any additions or amendments to existing regulations.
The 17th Edition was published in 2008 and amended in 2015 till it was replaced by the 18th Edition in 2019. This update came with revised and new regulations, including safety and installation guidelines, new subjects, and wholly restructured chapters. All installations designed after 31st December 2018 will have to comply with the new guidelines in the 18th Edition.
The BS 7671 is not a legal document but contains all the essentials for understanding the knowledge behind electrical engineering and installations. It has all the requirements for the Electricity at Work Regulations in the UK. It is treated and enforced as an Authority on electrical installations, safety, and maintenance.
Why Is The 18th Edition Important?
Anyone wishing to work in the field of electrical installation should know the installation best practices in the 18th Edition. Following these regulations helps save lives, property, livestock, and businesses. It is also critical for correct installation and safety procedures.
Who Should Know About The 18th Edition?
People wishing to become electricians and experienced professionals should get trained in 18th edition wiring. The BS 7671 applies to beginners, apprentices, and experienced electricians due to updates, added chapters, and new information on safety and regulations. People who do not update to the 18th Edition may not meet the required installation standards, leading to unsafe and inefficient work. Not meeting the necessary electrical safety standards could also lead to fires, electrical short circuiting, and loss of lives.
The IET regulations book is highly comprehensive, with all the rules, regulations, and information needed. It is not possible to remember each word, so it is better to complete a course instead. Electricians are expected to reference the contents and relate the knowledge to everyday electrical installations, wiring, and fittings for domestic use, businesses, and large areas.
What are the Training Options?
Experienced professionals who have kept themselves updated with the day-to-day requirements may not have to undertake the entire course. There are one-day options available for those with 17th edition experience. However, it is best practice for beginners and experienced professionals to complete the 18th Edition.
The assessment of content and knowledge will be the same for everyone undergoing the training. For people returning to the electrical installation career after a gap, it is advisable to complete the entire 18th edition course instead of opting for the one-day bridging course. Only candidates with 17th edition qualifications are eligible for the one-day course.
What Are The Key Changes To The 18th Edition?
- Revision of Clause 443: Protection against overvoltages and surge protection. Risk assessments against overvoltage and surges are necessary where public services may be disrupted.
- Protection Against Fire: Revision of Chapter 42 with extra information on arc fault detection devices (AFDDs). The new regulations require the installation of AFDDs at distribution boards and in consumer units. This rule has been in place in the US and Canada but is now being implemented in the UK.
- Electrical Embedded Heating: Section 743 is expanded to include embedded electrical heating systems for surface heating. It also provides ice and anti-frost system regulations.
- Energy Efficiency: Appendix 17 with a new section covering energy efficiency and energy consumption.
What Are The Updates For Electricians?
From January 2019, people wishing to apply (for the first time) for an Installation or Maintenance Electrician Gold Card are required to have ‘Registered Electrician Status’. Anyone needing an understanding of electrical wiring has to work according to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. People included in this are builders, kitchen fitters, plumbers, and gas engineers.
Professionals who are previously CPS members must complete the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations simultaneously with Part P qualification. While the 18th Edition isn’t necessarily mandatory, it is needed to understand electrical wiring and installation and safety precautions and standards.
The 18th Edition is crucial for electrical installers, with particular emphasis on business owners and tradespersons. The training can help contextualise the new subject matter and also help in future prospecting and client acquisition.