What’s Changing in the 18th Edition: April 2026 BS 7671 Amendment 4?
From 15 April 2026, the UK’s national standard forelectrical installations — BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET WiringRegulations) will be updated with Amendment 4 (2026), some in the industryare calling this the “Orange Book.”
This consolidated edition brings together all earlierupdates and introduces several key technical changes that reflect modernelectrical technologies and installation practices. Whether you’re an installation electrician, inspector,designer, trainer or student, this update is the standard you’ll be working toso here’s what you need to know;
Key Dates
- Publication: 15th April 2026 -the amendment can be used immediately upon release.
- Withdrawal of Previous Edition: 6 months later - the older BS7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 edition will be withdrawn.
- Training & Competence: Many training bodies are already preparing courses,webinars and technical updates to help professionals transition smoothly. You can book with Universal Skills via our website or contact us by phone (Details at the end of this blog)
Why This Update Matters?
Amendment 4 isn’t just a small tweak, it’s a fullyconsolidated revision of the 18th Edition that brings new technical sectionsinto the heart of the standard and makes BS 7671 cleaner and more usableoverall.
Key themes of the update include:
- Integration of new electrical technologies
- Safety and performance enhancements
- Improved clarity for complex modern systems
The Major Technical Changes
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes inAmendment 4:2026:
1. Stationary Secondary Batteries (New Chapter)
A dedicated new chapter addresses stationary secondarybatteries — especially those used for energy storage and supply in electrical installations.
That means:
- Batteries used in home storage systems, renewables and backup solutions now have specific safety, ventilation and fire segregation requirements.
- Installers must comply with BS 7671 rather than relying solely on manufacturer instructions.
This is a big deal as energy storage systems become more common – don’t forget, from 1st October 2026, you will also requirethe EESS qualification to work on these systems along with Solar & EV
2. Functional Earthing & Equipotential Bonding for ICTSystems
Several new requirements cover functional earthing andfunctional equipotential bonding for information and communication technology(ICT) equipment including:
- Data-centre installations
- Office and commercial ICT infrastructure
- Dedicated earthing/reference grids separate from protective earthing
This change enhances performance, safety and reliability forcritical ICT environments.
3. Power over Ethernet (PoE) - New Section
Power over Ethernet - used widely for:
- VoIP phones
- Lighting and building automation
- Wireless access points now has its own section in BS 7671. This means derating, protection and earthing requirements must be met, just like with other circuits.
This reflects how PoE is no longer an “IT-only” system butpart of mainstream electrical planning.
4. Revision of Medical Locations (Section 710)
The standards for medical locations — such as hospitals andclinics — have been significantly revised. Improvements include:
- Clarified requirements
- Better testing protocols
- A new schedule for recording the resistance of supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductors
These changes aim to improve safety and documentation forcomplex medical electrical environments.
What Happens During the Transition?
There will be a transition period once Amendment 4 ispublished:
- From 15th April 2026, you can use Amendment 4 immediately.
- During the six-month overlap, both the old and new editions are valid for specifying and installing work as long as compliance is clearly shown.
- After the withdrawal of the previous edition, Amendment 4 becomes the primary reference for all electrical work.
Most training providers and certification bodies recommendthat professionals familiarise themselves before the mandatory period ends toavoid any compliance issues.
What It Means for You
Electricians & Installers
Need to update training and documentation — especially for battery systems, PoEand ICT earthing schemes.
Inspectors & Testers
New testing requirements (especially in medical locations) mean updates to EICRreporting and inspection routines are likely.
Designers & Consultants
More attention needed on ICT earthing and battery storage rules in designphases.
Students & Trainees
Prepare for updated exams and materials once the “Orange Book” is published inApril.
Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition is more than a refresh —it’s the UK electrical industry moving forward with safety, technologyand clarity at its core. With new chapters, revised sections and modernisedguidance, the new Book will define safe electrical practice in the UK for yearsto come.
If you’re working in electrical installation or inspection,now’s the time to get ahead, update your training, and embrace the change.
Training options available with Universal Skills:
2 Day Course
4 Day Course
½ day CPD course
Exam only
½ day CPD & Exam can be booked together
www.universalskillsgroup.co.uk
0333 323 2723
sales@universalskillsgroup.co.uk
