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Stay switched on to electrical safety: You need to be up to date with the IET Wiring Regulations
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Stay switched on to electrical safety: You need to be up to date with the IET Wiring Regulations

Calling all those involved with electrical installations, all your electrical installations must comply with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 from 28 September 2022. Developed in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), this 2nd Amendment marks an essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations. It forms the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK are to comply. First adopted as a standard by BSI in 1992, BS 7671 is primarily a safety standard that provides a framework for the electrical industry in the UK and many other countries that have adopted its requirements. BS 7671 applies to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, also additions and alterations to existing installations. It provides a single reference point for almost all domestic and similar electrical installations. The previous version of this standard, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is being withdrawn on 27 September 2022. As this standard is the most widely accepted way to demonstrate compliance with the applicable legislation, if you are an electrical professional, you need to ensure that you are now working to the new changes introduced inBS 7671:2018+A2:2022. Safety and sustainability: What are the new changes to BS 7671? Whether you are already a user of BS 7671 or looking to adopt this standard, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes several new updates that are considered essential for anyone engaged in electrical installation activities. The main changes fall into three categories: changes to general safety, changes to fire safety, and changes to sustainability. General Safety All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm and so it is vital for those involved in their design and installation to be up to date with current industry knowledge on designing safe installations. These changes reflect the latest industry safety best practices. Protection Against Transient Overvoltages BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 deals with the protection of electrical installations against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin transmitted by the supply distribution system, and against switching overvoltages generated by the equipment within the installation. A risk assessment now must be performed to determine if protection against transient overvoltages is required. Changes to Identification, Labels, and Notices The ways how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation has been updated inBS 7671:2018+A2:2022 to reflect current industry best practices. Fire Safety Protection against fire resulting from the electrical installation and the use of the electrical installation has been necessary ever since electricity was first introduced into buildings. These changes represent a major step in order to increase safety by reducing fire risks. A New Requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes requirements for the protection of persons, livestock, and property against fire caused by electrical equipment, against burns, and against overheating, together with precautions where particular risks of fire exist. It is now a necessity (rather than a recommendation as it was in previous editions) to protect final circuits supplying socket-outlets and fixed current-using equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A by Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs). Updated Requirements for the Fire Safety Design for Buildings BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces requirements for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented where specific conditions of external influence exist, such as protected escape routes and locations with risk of fire. Sustainability For most electrical professionals, the world of work will have changed considerably over the last few years. Sustainability is now at the forefront of everyone’s mind. There are several reasons for this: the global climate crisis, Net Zero 2050 targets written into law, new energy efficiency legislation, not to mention rapid advances in technology. This change to the Wiring Regulations is an exciting step into the future of managing renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives. A New Chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations (PEI) which covers energy efficiency measures, the interface with the flexible grid, the management of electricity consumption through an electrical energy management system (EEMS), the management of renewable sources of electricity, and energy storage. The concept of the PEI has been developed to answer the end-user's needs. For example, where a PEI has a storage capability, the user could take advantage of low demand to store energy when its price may be lower. With active energy management, the end-user should be able to permanently monitor and control his or her own electricity consumption and production. To learn more about how standards are supporting the development of the flexible grid, visit our Flexible Grid Topic Page. Sparking change: What do the experts say? BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible forBS 7671, taking on board requirements from international and European standards, as well as input from organizations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety (2018). Dan Palmer, Associate Director of Committees at BSI said: “BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety. The changes introduced in this new amendment will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies, as well as ensuring they have current knowledge about designing safe installations.” Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry. Amendment 2 is an essential update to provide for the safety of electrical installations in the UK and it is now imperative that the industry is ready to work to this amendment before BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is withdrawn.” Do not get left behind. Ensure you are up to date, safe and compliant with the latest requirements of BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations, by buying BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 today. You can also download the 2024 amendment to the IET Wiring Regulations - BS 7671:2018/A3:2024 - free of charge here. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions In your safety-critical industry, ensure you are meeting the industry standards. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to improve the safe design, manufacture, and maintenance of electrical installations and equipment. The flexibility and visibility it provides of the expert guidance enable you to ensure that your activities are consistently compliant with the relevant regulations. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to over 800 documents in our GBM81 Wiring Regulations Collection module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.Read more
Shining a light on safety with BS EN IEC 60598-1
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Shining a light on safety with BS EN IEC 60598-1

Lighting has come a long way since the lightbulb was invented some 150 years ago. Whether you specialize in general, automotive, back, sign, or medical lighting, the industry continues to change and grow exponentially, placing manufacturers under constant pressure to ensure the safety of their products. To stay competitive, organizations should adopt new strategies to help them stand out from the competition and deliver products that are highly efficient and safe to use. BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024 Luminaires - General requirements and tests details essential requirements for the safety and performance of most types of electric lighting. It helps manufacturers ensure that their lighting units are safe and saleable in a competitive market. The latest international requirements for safe luminaires The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) ensures that electrical equipment, including lighting, within certain voltage limits, provides a high level of protection for European citizens, and benefits fully from the single market. It has been applicable since 20 April 2016. BS EN IEC 60598-1 is the definitive international standard on the essential electrical safety and performance requirements for all types of electrical luminaires. It has now been amended so it can be cited in the Official Journal of the European Union and can provide a means of conforming to the safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. The 2024 version of the standard reflects a complete editorial review to align with the most recent IEC directives and editing rules and improve the user experience. It includes the addition of an Annex V comparing its structure to the preceding Edition 9.0. This Annex provides an important interim ‘translation tool’ allowing Edition 10.0 to be used immediately with the existing Part 2’s of IEC 60598 and IEC 60570. This edition also introduces the following significant technical changes: changes to marking requirements; revisions to conductor mechanical stress; revisions to include control gear; revisions of the subclause on earthing; changes to Annex Q on earth continuity test; introduction of suspension by magnets; changes to requirements for luminaires using batteries; changes to requirements for insulation of SELV circuits; revised requirements for photobiological safety. To learn more about how standards can help your manufacturing organization, visit our Manufacturing and Processing Goods Topic Page. What are the benefits of BS EN IEC 60598-1? Adopting BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024 can provide many benefits for its users. These include: In association with specific BS EN IEC 60598-2 standards, it can help manufacturers and designers to produce safe luminaires efficiently. It provides manufacturers, testers, and assessors with a voluntary means of demonstrating conforming to the safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU and UKCA marking legislation. It can help reassure buyers and end-users of the performance and safety of luminaires. It reflects all recent lighting innovations, helping manufacturers and designers stay up to date with the latest lighting technologies. Ensure your lighting electrical units are complying with safety and performance regulations by adopting BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024 today.
Get plugged in to the changes to the BS 1363 standard series
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Get plugged in to the changes to the BS 1363 standard series

Since the 1940s, the BS 1363 standard series has provided essential requirements on the safety, construction, dimensional accuracy and more for the UK national electrical power plugs and socket outlet system. Each of the five documents that make up this series has undergone a revision to ensure that their requirements are fully aligned with the new ‘ring main’ electrical distribution system. The BS 1363 standard series ensures that the millions of plugs, sockets and adaptors manufactured by different organizations and used throughout the UK and overseas, fit together and function safely - even after many insertions. The series comprises of the following five standard documents: BS 1363-1:2023 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs BS 1363-2:2023 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets BS 1363-3:2023 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for adaptors BS 1363-4:2023 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for 13 A fused connection units switched and unswitched BS 1363-5:2023 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for fused conversion plugs Each part of the BS 1363 series has been fully revised introducing significant changes. These changes reflect the increasing range of accessories containing electronic components and assemblies, such as USB chargers, and the additional requirements for these items. In addition, there are revised requirements for switches and construction in response to changing manufacturing methods and materials. As a result, it is now advised that all plug and adapter manufacturers and existing users of the standards ensure they are working to these latest versions of the five specifications. Learn more about the key standards used within the electrical sector by visiting our Electrical & Electronic Topic Page. What changes have been made to the BS 1363 specifications? For existing users of the BS 1363 standard series, we have compiled ad handy guide of the exact changes that have been made within the documents. The changes made to all parts of the standard series (BS 1363 parts 1-5) include: Operating frequencies from 50Hz to 60Hz now in scope Current carrying parts made of brass shall have a minimum content of 58% copper Insulation and electric strength test now include provision for both indicators and incorporated electronic components to be disconnected Modification to requirements for actuating members of switches to include single push-button switches where the actuating member takes up a single rest position. New requirements for switch actuating force test for double-pole switches (where fitted) Other changes made specifically in BS 1363-1:2023 include: New non-rewireable plug requirement for creepage and clearance between fuse and clips and engagement face with fuse carrier or cover removed (a change that has also been made to BS 1363-5) Overload test for plugs now requires rewireable plugs to be fitted with 13A fuse-links and non-rewireable plugs fitted with highest rated fuse-links specified in Table 2 for the cable fitted. New Annex for recommendations for products that incorporate BS 1363-1 plug pins Other changes made specifically in BS 1363-2:2023 include: Socket-outlets incorporating Circuit Breakers for Equipment (CBE) are now included within the scope with requirements and tests New definition, requirements, and tests for individually protected socket-outlet (IPS) The socket-outlet switch shall not be used to switch incorporated electronic components other than an indicator lamp Modification of mounting box clearance requirements for flush mounted socket-outlets Re-useable fixings, tamperproof and security screws for non-rewireable portable socket-outlets shall not be used Switches conforming to BS EN IEC 61058:2018 or BS EN 60669-1:2018 incorporated in socket-outlets do not need to be tested for normal operation. Modification of Annex requirements for incorporated electronic components. Specifically, USB circuits intended for charging portable devices with the addition of abnormal condition and energy efficiency requirements. New Annex for recommendations for products that incorporate BS 1363-2 socket-outlets Other changes made specifically in BS 1363-3:2023 include: Change to the requirements governing current rating of adaptors What are the benefits of the BS 1363 standard series? The BS 1363 standard series is primarily for use by manufacturers of electrical accessories, cord sets, electrical equipment and by test organizations. The standards can also be used by manufacturers of other ‘plug-in’ items such as power supplies, battery chargers, and other small items of electronic equipment - to evaluate the connecting pins, dimensions, and compatibility with sockets. The use of these standards by manufacturers in the electrical sector is vitally important for several reasons: Safety – use of the BS 1363 standard series ensures that plugs and socket outlets are designed and manufactured to meet strict safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical fires and shocks Compatibility - BS 1363 series plugs and socket outlets are designed to be compatible with one another, making it easier for consumers to use a wide range of electrical devices and appliances Interoperability - the standardization of plug and socket design using the BS 1363 standard series also means that devices from different manufacturers can work together, ensuring that people can use appliances from a variety of brands in their homes International recognition – the BS 1363 standard series is recognized internationally as a benchmark for electrical safety, making it easier for UK-made electrical products to be sold and used overseas Consumer protection -adherence to the BS 1363 standard series provides consumers with confidence that the electrical products they purchase are safe and of high quality, protecting them from using faulty or dangerous products Adherence to these standards helps to promote a safer and more efficient electrical system, benefitting both consumers and industry alike. Ensure your plugs, socket-outlets and electrical equipment meet the latest specifications set out in the five documents of this important series. Add the BS 1363 standards to your collection today.
Electromagnetic compatibility standards: What you need to know
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Electromagnetic compatibility standards: What you need to know

With ever more sources of electromagnetic radiation being produced, equipment must be designed to operate in noisy electromagnetic environments. It's also important that equipment needs to be designed to have a level of immunity to electromagnetic emissions from other adjacent equipment. This is the essence of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Inadequate EMC can result in errors and incorrect operation of electronic devices; an increase in hazardous situations and consequently a higher health and safety risk. Standards can help organizations and manufacturers ensure that their products will operate safely and effectively in the real world. What is Electromagnetic Compatibility? A problem peculiar to all electronic technologies is electromagnetic (EM) interference. Electrical and electronic equipment may emit EM disturbances that can interfere with other equipment and devices and may result in incorrect or non-operation of even hazardous behavior of the equipment. Electronic technologies can also suffer from degraded functionality (including complete failure) when exposed to EM disturbances, with the same consequences. The discipline of controlling emissions of, and immunity to, EM disturbances is known as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Electronic technology is frequently used in safety-related applications. Inadequate EMC can result in errors and incorrect operation of electronic devices; an increase in hazardous situations and consequently a higher health and safety risk. The evaluation of EMC susceptibility and emission of signals requires specialist equipment and skills; however, it is vital that this aspect is considered during the design stage along with electrical safety and performance as correcting design errors at a late stage may be very costly. To read more about safety within the electronic industry, click here. What is the EMC Directive? The EMC Directive (Directive 2014/30/EU) came into force on 20 April 2016 and replaced the previous EMC Directive (Directive 2004/108/EC). The EMC Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/281) have since been replaced by the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/1091) which came into force on 8 December 2016. The Regulations regulate the electromagnetic compatibility of equipment. They aim to ensure the functioning of the internal market by requiring equipment to comply with an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility. The directive applies to most electrical and electronic equipment (whether apparatus or fixed installations) when placed on the market and/or taken into service. To comply with the requirements of the EMC Directive, all electrical and electronic equipment marketed in the UK (including imports) must be certified. How Can Your Organization Comply with the EMC Regulations? In most cases, conformance can be claimed by meeting an appropriate harmonized European standard, which gives a 'presumption of conformity to the directive. The regulations were implemented for the following reasons: To remove barriers to trade within the European Economic Area (EU countries and Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland). To ensure that the electromagnetic disturbance generated by the apparatus does not exceed a level allowing radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate as intended. To ensure that apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic disturbance to enable it to operate as intended. To comply with the regulations, all electrical and electronic apparatus marketed in the UK (including imports), that satisfy the requirements of the EMC Directive must be certified. Most Popular Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards Within the industry, some of the most popular EMC standards are: BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019 A public low-voltage mains distribution network exists if more than one independent consumer can draw power from it. It’s important to protect such networks from harmonic currents as these can cause overheating of electrical distribution system wiring, transformer overheating, and shortened transformer service life. Therefore, standardBS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019 covers a large variety of electrical and electronic equipment having an input current up to and including 16A per phase and intended for use by both the general public and professionals. The standard specifies limits for harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by equipment tested under specified conditions. The tests according to this document are type tests. BS EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019 The generic electrotechnical standard,BS EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019, is about adequately protecting radio reception in industrial areas. It will also help users comply with the latest emission requirements for their equipment. It specifies the electromagnetic compatibility emission requirements for electrical and electronic equipment designed for industrial environments at both indoor and outdoor locations. Users will comply with the latest emission requirements for their equipment and thus protect radio services adequately. BS EN 61000-3-3:2013 The international electrotechnical standard, BS EN 61000-3-3:2013, gives guidance on the acceptable levels of voltage variation and voltage flicker caused by rapid power supply voltage fluctuations. This results in light luminance fluctuation. By limiting the voltage variations, flicker can be limited. The standard also offers manufacturers an effective way to demonstrate conformity with the EMC and Radio Equipment Directives, which is necessary for the certification of their products. BS EN IEC 55014-2:2021 As manufacturers of household appliances and electric tools know, BS EN IEC 55014-2:2021 is used to ensure that their products don’t cause interference to radio reception. This is possible because the standard specifies requirements that apply to the emission of radio-frequency disturbances in the frequency range 9 kHz to 400 GHz. It covers limits of disturbances, test equipment and methods of measurement, operating conditions, interpretation of CISPR limits, and measurement uncertainty. The standard also applies to a very wide range of electric appliances, tools, and similar apparatus, whether powered by AC or DC (including a battery). In your compliance-critical industry, ensure you are meeting the industry standards. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to ensure the effective testing of electromagnetic compatibility. The flexibility and visibility it provides of the best practices guidance enable you to get the most from your electromagnetic compatibility standards. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to over 1,000 documents in our GBM10 Testing module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Add these standards to your collection today to ensure compliance with the EMC Directive.

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