The new 18th Edition is here — have you got your copy?

Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671:2018 was published yesterday, 15 April 2026

You can implement it immediately. The previous version, BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 + A3:2024, will be withdrawn six months from publication, at which point Amendment 4 becomes the definitive British Standard for all new low-voltage electrical installations, modifications to existing systems, and periodic inspection and testing.

To continue complying with scheme requirements, you will need access to the current version of the Wiring Regulations. G2 can order your new copy.

What’s changing?

This is one of the most substantial updates to the 18th Edition since publication. There are four significant changes every electrician needs to know about.

1. Stationary Secondary Batteries

A new chapter covers stationary secondary batteries used for the electrical storage and supply of electrical installations. As battery storage becomes an increasingly common specification on both domestic and commercial projects, this chapter brings clear, consistent regulation to an area that has needed it.

If you are already working on energy storage installations or expect to be specifying them, this chapter should be your first read.

2. Functional Earthing for ICT Systems

A new section addresses functional earthing and functional equipotential bonding for information and communication technology equipment and systems. Functional earthing is concerned with the correct operation of equipment, not personal safety, and getting it wrong can cause equipment failure, data loss, and interference across a system.

This section brings clearer guidance for electricians working in environments where ICT infrastructure forms part of the installation, which covers a significant proportion of commercial and residential work.

3. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

A new section on Power over Ethernet brings PoE clearly within the scope of BS 7671 for the first time. PoE allows electrical power to be transmitted alongside data over standard network cabling and is widely used for IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, smart lighting, and access control systems.

Until now, PoE installations sat in a regulatory grey area. That changes with this amendment.

4. Medical Locations — Section 710

This is the most substantial revision in Amendment 4. Section 710, covering Medical Locations, has been significantly updated and now includes a schedule of test results for recording the resistance of supplementary protective equipotential bonding conductors.

If you work in healthcare environments, this section requires close attention before you take on any new medical location work under the updated standard.

Order Your Copy Through G2

The updated BS 7671 Amendment 4 is available to order through G2 Electrical Wholesale now. Don’t wait until the old version is withdrawn to get up to speed. Order your copy early, read the changes that affect your work, and carry on with confidence.

Call the branch on 01543 273840 or come in and speak to the team. We can place your order and advise on anything in the new regulations you want to talk through.

G2 Electrical Wholesale is here to help you find the right product for your budget.

SUPPORT LOCAL. BUY LOCAL. TRUST LOCAL. Call 01543 273840.