18th Edition, a useful summary

Although proposed changes have been open for public comment for some time, the latest edition has been prepared for publication in July 2018 and comes into effect for all electrical installations from January 2019.

Some significant changes to the regulations have been made to bring them into line with changes in technology and the use of electrical equipment during the existence of the 17th edition for the last 10 years. These are, for example, reinforcing and extending the message of using RCDs within domestic installations to now include protection to be applied to the general lighting circuits, as well as a new section recognising the revolution of electric vehicles in detailing the protective measures for their charging points.

There are other significant and minor changes throughout the publication and the IET, in recognition that many engineers will need to update their current level of knowledge provide a useful link to their online and offline IET Academy (training information). This is very useful for engineers that wish to get ahead of the inevitable rush for the CGLI qualifications which will include references to the new publication from January 2019.

It almost goes without saying but it is also worth noting that all installations will need to be designed to the latest edition of the standard as from this date which means that designers and consultants will need to be "brought up to speed" with the changes to ensure these changes are incorporated in future buildings and services. For more training information please visit www.mcpeurope.com.