The 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations and On-Site Guide changes come in to effect as of 1st January 2019. Installations designed after 31st December 2018 will have to comply with BS 7671:2018. For a quick summary of the main changes, click here to be brought to the IET website. Below are some excerpts from that summary.

Chapter 52 Selection and erection of wiring systems

Regulation 521.11.201 which give requirements for the methods of support of wiring systems in escape routes, has been replaced by a new Regulation 521.10.202. This is a significant change.

 Regulation 521.10.202 requires cables to be adequately supported against their premature collapse in the event of a fire. This applies throughout the installation and not just in escape routes.

Regulation 522.8.10 concerning buried cables has been modified to include an exception for SELV cables.

Regulation 527.1.3 has also been modified, and a note added stating that cables also need to satisfy the requirements of the CPR in respect of their reaction to fire.

 Section 753 Floor and ceiling heating systems

This section has been completely revised.

The scope of Section 753 has been extended to apply to embedded electric heating systems for surface heating.

The requirements also apply to electric heating systems for de-icing or frost prevention or similar applications, and cover both indoor and outdoor systems.

Heating systems for industrial and commercial applications complying with IEC 60519, IEC 62395 and IEC 60079 are not covered.