The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) together with BSI have today signed off the content for Amendment 4 (2026) to the standard Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS 7671:2018) (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations).
Significant changes include:
- a new chapter on Stationary Secondary Batteries where the purpose is for electrical storage
and supply of electrical installations - a new section on Functional earthing and functional equipotential bonding for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and systems
- a new section on Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- a major revision of Section 710 Medical Locations and the inclusion of a schedule of test results for recording the resistance of supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductors.
Amendment 4 can be implemented immediately when published on 15 April 2026 and the previous version, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024, will be withdrawn six months later. This essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations will form the UK national standard for:
- all new low voltage electrical installations
- additions and alterations to existing installations
- periodic inspection and testing of existing installations.
The IET and BSI encourage all electrical professionals to ensure they become familiar with the changes when published.
Members of the committee responsible for the technical content of BS 7671, JPEL/64, are not permitted to release any further information before the publication date.
Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical Installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry.
“The Amendment continues the thread of embracing new technologies and the inclusion of a new section on Stationary Secondary Batteries is an exciting step into the future of renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives.
“Amendment 4 is an essential update to provide safe electrical installations in the UK and it is
imperative that the industry is ready to work to this new amendment before BS
7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 is withdrawn.”
Sebastiaan van Dort, Director of Energy and Sustainability at BSI said: “BSI is proud to jointly
publish this vital standard with the IET at a time when the UK is accelerating towards its 2030
clean energy goals. BS 7671 underpins safe, modern electrical infrastructure—essential for
delivering the electrification needed to meet net zero ambitions.”
Further changes are included throughout all parts of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, including the incorporation of Amendment 3:2024 to BS 7671:2018 as part of the main document. This Amendment sees the further adoption of CENELEC Harmonized Documents and IEC standards as the UK continues the inclusion of standards for new and developing technologies.
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 is available for pre-order via theiet.org/GetTheRegs - you can also
learn more about the IET’s guidance and training packages here too.
Statement from Electrical Safety First
Electrical Safety First is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and fires caused by electricity. Whilst our work is often recognised through consumer campaigns and public advice, we also play a critical role behind the scenes in shaping the technical framework that underpins electrical safety in homes and similar environments.
On the electrical installation side, Electrical Safety First is deeply embedded in the development of BS 7671, contributing specialist expertise through direct involvement in national and international technical committees, working groups and advisory panels. This allows us to bring real-world safety evidence, incident data and consumer risk considerations directly into the standards-making process.
Our contribution helps ensure that changes to BS 7671 are not only technically robust, but also proportionate, practical to apply, and focused on improving safety outcomes for those most at risk, particularly householders and occupants.
Beyond the standard itself, Electrical Safety First plays a key role in translating complex technical requirements into clear industry guidance and accessible consumer advice. This bridge between the standards, installers and the public is essential to achieving tangible safety improvements on the ground.
We welcome the latest amendment to BS 7671 and remain committed to working collaboratively with industry, regulators and government to ensure that electrical safety standards continue to evolve in line with emerging technologies, installation practices and consumer use of electricity.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About the IET
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