What Amendment 4 means for Electricians & What you need to know.
Order the New IET Wiring Regs 18th Edition - Amendment 4 Books HERE!
The latest update to the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) is here. Amendment 4:2026 introduces a new set of changes that will impact how electrical installations are designed, installed and maintained across the industry.
For electricians, contractors and specifiers, understanding these updates is essential to ensure continued compliance and safe working practices.
At BED Electrical, we’re supporting our customers through these changes with a series of Amendment 4 CPD talks this May, delivered in partnership with Scolmore.
What Is Amendment 4?
Amendment 4 is the latest update to BS 7671, the UK standard for electrical installations. These amendments are introduced to reflect:
- Advances in technology
- Changes in installation methods
- Updated safety requirements
- Industry feedback and best practice
While the core principles of the Wiring Regulations remain the same, amendments like this ensure that electrical work continues to meet modern safety and performance expectations, particularly with the growth of energy storage systems, ICT infrastructure and smart building technologies, particularly with the growth of energy storage systems, ICT infrastructure and smart building technologies.
The amendment becomes available for implementation from 15 April 2026, with a six-month transition period before previous versions are withdrawn. From that point forward, new installation work will need to comply with the updated requirements.
Staying current with regulatory changes is an essential part of being a qualified electrician.
Key Changes Introduced by Amendment 4:
While the full regulations contain detailed technical updates, some of the most important changes installers should be aware of include:
New Requirements for Battery Energy Storage Systems
A brand-new chapter has been introduced covering stationary secondary batteries, reflecting the increasing use of battery storage within electrical installations.
This includes systems used for:
- Renewable energy integration
- Backup power supply
- Energy management solutions
The inclusion of dedicated requirements helps ensure these installations are designed and installed safely as their use becomes more common.
Functional Earthing and Bonding for ICT Equipment
Amendment 4 introduces a new section covering functional earthing and equipotential bonding for information and communication technology (ICT) systems.
This recognises the growing role of structured cabling, networking infrastructure and connected building systems within modern installations, ensuring they operate safely and reliably alongside traditional electrical systems.
New Guidance for Power over Ethernet (PoE)
A dedicated section covering Power over Ethernet (PoE) has also been introduced.
As PoE systems are increasingly used to supply devices such as:
- Lighting systems
- Security equipment
- Access control
- Smart building technologies
Clear installation guidance helps ensure correct design and compliance going forward.
Updates to Medical Location Requirements
Section 710, covering medical locations, has undergone a major revision to improve clarity and testing documentation requirements.
While primarily relevant to specialist environments, this change highlights the continued focus on safety-critical installation standards within regulated locations.
What Amendment 4 Means for Electricians and Contractors
For installers and contractors, Amendment 4 represents more than just a regulatory update. It reflects the direction the electrical industry is moving.
Practically speaking, this means:
- Greater involvement with energy storage technologies
- Increased integration of ICT infrastructure into installations
- More installations incorporating PoE systems
- Updated compliance expectations when working on new projects
- A transition period before older regulation versions are withdrawn
Existing installations do not need upgrading unless they are altered or extended, but new work will need to follow the updated requirements once the transition period ends.
Staying familiar with these updates early helps avoid delays, specification issues and compliance risks on future projects.
Join Our Amendment 4 CPD Talks This May
To support customers with the transition to the updated regulations, BED Electrical is hosting a series of conference-style Amendment 4 talks between 19th – 21st May, delivered in partnership with Scolmore.
These sessions will cover:
- Key regulatory updates introduced in Amendment 4
- What the changes mean in practice for installers
- How to prepare for upcoming compliance requirements
Attendance contributes towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and helps ensure you stay up to date with current industry standards.
Amendment 4 Regulation Books Available on the Day
Copies of the latest Amendment 4 Wiring Regulations books will be available to purchase at the events, giving attendees the opportunity to leave fully equipped with the newest guidance.
In the meantime, you can order the New IET Wiring Regs 18th Edition - Amendment 4 Books Online from our website HERE!
We recommend securing your place early to ensure you get your preferred time slot. Speak to your local branch to get more information and book your slot.