BS 7671:2018+A4 (Amendment 4)
Status
Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition) was published on 15 April 2026. It is currently in a transition period through October 2026, during which installations may comply with either the previous requirements or the amended requirements. From October 2026, the amended requirements apply in full.
What Changed
EV Charging (Section 722)
The amendment updates Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging Installations) with revised requirements for Mode 3 charging. Key changes include updated RCD requirements for EV charging circuits, with specific attention to DC-sensitive RCDs (Type B or equivalent) for certain charging modes. Protection against electric shock provisions have been revised to align with evolving international standards for EV charging infrastructure.
Solar PV
Updated guidance on DC-side protection, isolation arrangements, and earthing for solar PV installations. The changes reflect the rapid growth in residential and commercial solar installations and address practical issues that have emerged since the previous edition. DC-side isolation and string-level protection requirements have been clarified.
Residential Electrical Safety
The amendment aligns BS 7671 requirements with Awaab's Law, which extends safety requirements for social landlords to include electrical hazards from November 2026. This brings the Wiring Regulations into alignment with the legislative framework for residential safety in the social housing sector.
Surge Protection (SPDs)
Updated Surge Protective Device (SPD) requirements for certain installation types. The changes reflect the increased prevalence of sensitive electronic equipment in both domestic and commercial installations, and provide clearer guidance on when SPDs are required versus recommended.
Smart Devices and Home Automation
Updated requirements for connected devices and home automation systems integrated into electrical installations. This addresses the growing integration of smart home technology into fixed wiring installations and the implications for circuit protection, isolation, and safety.
Who It Affects
The changes are relevant across multiple sectors:
- EV installers - Section 722 changes directly affect EV charging circuit design and RCD selection
- Solar PV installers - DC-side protection and earthing changes affect new and existing installations
- Domestic electricians - Residential safety alignment with Awaab's Law affects social housing work
- Commercial installers - SPD and smart device requirements affect commercial installation design
Timeline
Source Links
This page reports what changed and when. It does not tell you what to do about it. Always consult the published BS 7671 standard and your scheme provider's guidance.
Last updated: 23 August 2026