Understanding BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 4:2026 IET Wiring Regulations update

Amendment 4, officially titled BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, was published on 15 April 2026

This latest update keeps your business compliant and ready for modern electrical installations.

Your business can implement it immediately for all new electrical installations, modifications to existing installations, and periodic inspections and testing.

NICEIC is on hand to support your business in the transition to Amendment 4 with a whole host of exclusive free resources, CPD opportunities, and events throughout 2026.

The previous version, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 and the Corrigendum 2023, will be withdrawn on 15 October 2026. Amendment 4, commonly called the Orange Book, will then become the definitive British Standard, and primary reference for compliance in the UK.

‘Electrical installations are evolving, and BS 7671 sets the standard’
- The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)

As the UK’s national standard for electrical installations, BS 7671 has requirements for all low voltage electrical installations.

It’s not just about safety; it’s about competency and being up to date with current requirements.

From 15 October 2026, your business will need to demonstrate access to Amendment 4 to continue to comply with NICEIC scheme requirements.

View Amendment 4 training courses, publications and certificates
Amendment 4

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.


Let's Get Technical Plus

Introducing the Let’s Get Technical Plus workbook

To support your business with the transition to Amendment 4, we have created a digital workbook.

Let’s Get Technical Plus is a CPD-accredited resource dedicated to Amendment 4 – and it's exclusively available to NICEIC-certified businesses. It covers all the important technical changes, and provides opportunities to test and challenge your knowledge. 

Throughout the workbook, you will see a ‘CPD tracker’ mentioned. To support you with your CPD journey, we’ve calculated the time to complete each section or activity, which you can keep for your CPD records. You can also reflect on any additional CPD activity you undertake in relation to Amendment 4, keeping your CPD records in one place.

Access the ‘Let’s Get Technical Plus’ guide via the customer portal, visit the 'Downloads' section and choose the 'Technical guidance' area.

Visit the NICEIC customer portal


NICEIC is here to support your business

Starting 16 April, the NICEIC experts are hosting a series of events including special episodes of the Wire webinars, TechLive events in Surrey and Sheffield and live Technical Q&As across our social media channels. You can also join the team at ELEXshows and InstallerShow throughout 2026, and read the latest guidance in Connections magazine and the Circuit e-newsletter.

The Wire webinar: BS 7671: how its produced

NICEIC live webinar

On-demand

In this episode, we were joined by the IET to uncover the process behind the publication of the UK’s key electrical standard, BS 7671.

We explain how the standard is developed and maintained in alignment with European and global standards, and how it incorporates requirements for new technologies and developments in equipment and products.   

Watch on-demand

The Wire webinar: Amendment 4: part 1

NICEIC live webinar

On-demand

This first session covers the timeline for application of BS 7671 Amendment 4:2026, published on 15th April 2026. 

We provide a brief overview of the editorial changes before looking at the key technical changes and their impact on electrical installations for compliance with BS 7671. 

Changes to the scope of the standard together with details of the PNB earthing systems, included within BS 7671 for the first time, are also covered in this first session of four.

Watch on-demand

The Wire webinar: Amendment 4: part 2

NICEIC live webinar

On-demand

This second session looks at the key changes introduced by Amendment A4:2026 to Part 4 of BS 7671. 

There is also an in-depth review of the newly introduced Section 545 on Functional Earthing and Functional Bonding for ICT equipment and systems. 

We take a look at the introduced requirements and how they impact design and installation of electrical installations for compliance with the British Standard BS 7671.

Watch on-demand

The Wire webinar: Amendment 4: part 3

NICEIC live webinar

On-demand

This third session covers the key changes introduced by Amendment 4:2026 to Parts 5 and 6 of BS 7671.

The new Chapter 57 covering Stationary Secondary Batteries is covered together with a review of the alterations and additions to other areas of Part 5.

The changes to requirements for Testing and Inspection in Part 6, together with the associated completion of the Model Forms in Appendix 6 are also reviewed, including the changes to EICRs.

Watch on-demand

The Wire webinar: Amendment 4: part 4

NICEIC live webinar

On-demand

This final BS 7671 Amendment 4:2026 session reviews the changes to Special Locations, including the newly introduced Section 716 covering Power over Ethernet, an overview of the changes to Section 710 Medical Locations and the introduction of RDC Protective Devices to Electric Vehicle Charging Installations.

We also look at the key changes to the informative Appendices, and their impact on electrical installations. And we finish the session with an open Q&A giving the answers to frequently asked questions and taking “live” questions from the audience.

Watch on-demand

NICEIC TechLive Surrey

TechLive event hall
TechLive

Date: 11 June 2026
Time: 9:30 - 16:15

Join us at NICEIC TechLive Surrey, taking place at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge on Thursday 11 June 2026. We’ll be dedicating a full CPD-accredited session to Amendment 4, its implications for businesses, and how to stay compliant. 

Our TechLive events are a great space to speak to our experts face-to-face and get support, advice and guidance on navigating the latest electrotechnical developments.

Register

NICEIC TechLive Sheffield

TechLive event hall
TechLive

Date: 30 September 2026
Time: 9:30 - 16:15

Come along to NICEIC TechLive Sheffield, taking place at Magna in Rotherham, on Tuesday 30 September 2026. We’ll be hosting a comprehensive talk focused on Amendment 4, exploring its impact on businesses and the best ways to maintain compliance. 

Our TechLive events offer an excellent opportunity to engage directly with our experts and keep up to date with the latest developments in the electrotechnical sector.

Register

Catch us at ElexShow, InstallerSHOW and Stay Connected

Got a question about Amendment 4 and want guidance personalised to your business? Our experts will be at all six ElexShows taking place across the country in 2026, as well as Birmingham’s InstallerSHOW in June 2026 and Northern Ireland's Stay Connected in November 2026 – so if you’re coming along, grab one of us for a chat and some tailored support.

See all events

Publications, training and certificates

Amendment 4 publications

Amendment 4 publications

Head to the NICEIC online shop for your 18th Edition Amendment 4 Wiring Regulations book and accompanying guides. Grab your copy now to stay compliant.

Buy Amendment 4 publications
Training session

Save 10% on Amendment 4 training* 

Amendment 4 training and qualifications

Book your 18th Edition Amendment 4 training course today. Whether you’re looking to top up your knowledge or get qualified, the NICEIC online shop has something to suit your needs.

Book Amendment 4 training

*NICEIC-certified businesses get 10% off all training (access your discount code and terms in the customer portal).

Completing certificates

Amendment 4 certificates and reports

Access digital and paper certificates and reports, updated in line with Amendment 4, via the NICEIC online shop and the NICEIC Online Certification System (NOCS). Available now.

Buy certificates and reports

Your 18th Edition Amendment 4 FAQs

Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations was published on 15 April 2026. Your business can implement the amendment immediately, although the previous version – BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 + A3:2024 - will not be withdrawn until 15 October 2026.
BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 4:2026 is an essential update to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, the key British Standard governing electrical installations. Amendment 4 continues the thread of embracing new technologies to the Wiring Regulations, in addition to amending or extending some existing elements.
There have been three previous amendments to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations; this will be the fourth such amendment. It constitutes the most notable update to the Regulations since Amendment 2 was published in 2022.
There are several changes coming in Amendment 4, including:
  • a new chapter on stationary secondary batteries where the purpose is for electrical storage and supply of electrical installations.
  • 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.
Read about the changes in full at theiet.org

 

NICEIC electrotechnical scheme rules require NICEIC-certified businesses to have documentation appropriate to the range and scale of electrical work undertaken, including the current edition of BS 7671 and amendments to BS 7671.

Amendment 4 can be implemented now, although the previous version, BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 + A3:2024 - will remain current for six months until its withdrawal on 15 October 2026.

If your business chooses not to implement Amendment 4:2026 for work and projects during this transition period, you won’t need to demonstrate access to a copy of Amendment 4:2026 until 15 October 2026. From this date, however, your business will need to demonstrate access to a copy of Amendment 4:2026 to maintain your NICEIC certification.

Yes, if you’re looking for a refresher or to familiarise yourself with the updates brought in by Amendment 4, you can find and book 18th Edition training courses that aren’t formal qualifications on the NICEIC online shop. This would make ideal CPD and contribute towards the essential CPD required by your certification scheme.
You will be able to access a copy of the Let’s Get Technical Plus digital workbook through the NICEIC customer portal. You’ll see a link in the news panel when you log in; from here, you can download a copy to your device and start completing the workbook or you can access via the 'Download' section under 'Technical Guidance'. 
A copy of the BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 4:2026 IET Wiring Regulations costs £125.00 on the NICEIC online shop

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