The third amendment to BS 7671: 2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations was published in January 2015 and is due to come into effect on 1 July 2015. Installations designed after 30 June 2015 must comply with BS 7671: 2008 incorporating Amendment 3. With July just around the corner, it will soon be a requirement that all electrical installations designed and periodically inspected comply with the updated regulations, and all contractors will be expected to hold a copy of BS 7671:2008, incorporating Amendment 3, for any assessment visit taking place after this date.
Key Changes
* New numbering system – only UK regulations will be recognised. Regulations with a .100 are CENELEC and those with a .200 are specific to the UK.
* Definitions expanded and modified and the introduction of new symbols.
* Protection against electric shock – a requirement for RCD protection for socket outlets up to 20A for all installations.
* Protection against thermal effects – consumer have to have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material.
* All equipment to be suitable for the nominal voltage and noted on the Electrical Installation Certificate.
* Selection of wiring systems – requirements for the methods of support of wiring systems in escape routes
* A new section called Auxiliary Circuits is included.
* Lighting installation – Requirements for outdoor lighting installations and extra low voltage lighting installations have been moved.
* A requirement for RCD protection to be provided for low voltage circuits serving the location and low voltage circuits passing through zones 1 and 2 not serving the location.
* Current characteristics of overcurrent protective devices and RCDs.
* Certification and reporting – examples of items requiring inspection during initial verifications (which must be appended to the Electrical Installation Certificate). As well as the above changes already being implemented, on the 1st January 2016 the Regulation 421.1.200 (PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT) will also come into full effect.
See more information on NICEIC website by clicking on this link or alternatively contact us and we can advise how these changes to legislation may affect you.