New Amendment 2 Is On Its Way This Month

With the new the Amendment to the 18th Edition BS:7671 due to be published this month, here are some of the  subjects we can expect to see alterations to.

 

Chapter 42 Protection Against Thermal Effects:

 

The Regulation has been redrafted to include a requirement (not a recommendation) that arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) be installed at final circuits supplying sockets and fixed equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A,but allows AFDDs to be omitted (for example, in lighting circuits in dwellings), where unexpected disconnection of the circuit could cause danger.

 

Chapter 44 Protection Against Voltage Disturbances and Electromagnetic Disturbances

 

Regulation 443.4 for determining if protection against transient overvoltages is needed has been redrafted.

 

Regulation 443.4.1 now requires protection against transient overvoltages to be provided where the consequence caused by the overvoltage could result in:

(i) serious injury to, or loss of, human life; or
(ii) significant financial or data loss.

 

This will mean that the use of SPD devices will become more widespread, especially on sensitve IT Equipment and High Risk To Life Installations

 

Chapter 82 –  Prosumer`s Low-Voltage Electrical Installations

 

BS 7671’s new Chapter covers energy efficiency measures, smart grid interconnections, the management of electricity consumption, the management of renewable sources of electricity, and energy storage.

 

LV electrical installations are covered under Chapter 82, which specifies the design, erection, and verification requirements for all types of LV electrical installations. Among these are the production and storage of local energy to ensure compatibility with existing and future methods for delivering electricity to current-use equipment or the public grid using local sources. Such electrical installations are designated as PEIS.

 

For further information on the 18th Edtion BS7671: amendments 2 click this link.