The IET introduces updated wiring standard for the industry

Today, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, formerly The IEE) has launched The IET Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition, BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No.1, 2011. The amended IET Wiring Regulations set out the national standard for which all new electrical installations are to comply.

The amended Wiring Regulations have been jointly published by the IET and the British Standards Institution (BSI) and feature important changes to the 17th Edition which was published in 2008.

One of the major changes in the amended Wiring Regulations is in Appendix 6 which introduces the new Electrical Installation Condition Report to replace the Periodic Inspection Report. This new reporting procedure has an easy to understand coding system and has been split into two areas: the first relating to domestic or similar installations up to 100 A and the second for larger installations, greater than 100 A.

In addition, the amended IET Wiring Regulations introduce a number of new sections relating to electromagnetic disturbances, devices for protection against overvoltage, medical locations and operating and maintenance gangways.

Geoff Cronshaw, Chief Electrical Engineer at the IET said:

“The amended Wiring Regulations, BS 7671:2008(2011) is based on CENELEC HDs and IEC standards, i.e. those of Europe and of the international community. The standardisation process is perpetual and standards are continually evolving requiring national standards bodies to incorporate the technical changes."

“It is therefore essential that all designers and electrical installers familiarise themselves with the amended IET Wiring Regulations to ensure that the work they do is compliant and, most importantly, is carried out in a safe and appropriate manner.”

The amended IET Wiring Regulations can be purchased from www.theiet.org/amend1. To find out more about the new requirements for electrical installations, you can also speak to an expert at the IET on 01438 765599 or email technical@theiet.org.

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For further information contact:

Andy Shaw – andy.shaw@kindredagency.com or call 0207 010 0806

Notes to editors:

The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology, formerly The IEE) began as the Society of Telegraph Engineers and of Electricians and issued the first set of Rules and Regulations in 1882.

The IET and BSI (British Standards Institution) publish the IET Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition, BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No. 1, 2011, on 1 July 2011.

All electrical installations will need to comply with BS 7671:2008(2011) from 1 January 2012.

More information is available at www.theiet.org/electrical

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