BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026): The Complete Guide for UK Electricians

BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026): The Complete Guide for UK Electricians

BS 7671 Amendment 4 publishes on 15 April 2026 and introduces significant changes to the UK wiring regulations covering battery storage, ICT earthing, Power over Ethernet, and medical locations. Every practising electrician in the UK will need to update their knowledge before the previous version is withdrawn in October 2026.

Key Facts

• Publication date: 15 April 2026
• Amendment 3 withdrawal: 15 October 2026
• Affects: Every electrician holding or applying for an 18th Edition certificate
• Update course: One day at LTS — £439 total price
• Full 18th Edition course: Three days at LTS — £439 total price (includes Amendment 4 content)
• Gold Card impact: Certificate must reflect Amendment 4 after October 2026

What Is Amendment 4?

Amendment 4 is formally designated BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 and is published as the new "Orange Book" — consolidating all previous amendments (A1, A2, A3) into a single document. Rather than publishing an entirely new 19th Edition, the IET and BSI release amendments that modify the existing standard. This means your current 18th Edition qualification remains the foundation — Amendment 4 builds upon it.

This is the most substantial amendment since the 18th Edition was first published in 2018, reflecting the rapid changes in how electrical installations are designed and used across the UK.

What Changes in Amendment 4?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Amendment 4 introduces a new Chapter 57 dedicated to stationary secondary battery installations. This covers domestic battery storage systems (increasingly paired with solar PV), commercial energy storage, and grid-connected battery arrays. The new requirements address ventilation, fire protection, disconnection arrangements, and overcurrent protection specific to battery installations.

Domestic battery installations must comply with PAS 63100 (fire protection for BESS), while non-domestic installations require a fire risk assessment.

ICT and Data Network Earthing (New Section 545)

A new Section 545 addresses the earthing requirements for information and communications technology (ICT) installations, distinguishing between functional earthing (needed for system performance) and protective earthing (needed for safety). As buildings become more connected — with smart home systems, structured cabling, and network infrastructure — the regulations now provide clearer guidance on how these systems interact with the main electrical installation earthing.

Power over Ethernet (New Section 716)

A new Section 716 sets out specific requirements for Power over Ethernet installations, which deliver both data and extra-low voltage DC power through network cables. PoE is widely used for IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and LED lighting systems. The amendment addresses cable ratings, heat dissipation in cable bundles, and circuit protection for PoE systems.

Medical Locations (Revised Section 710)

Section 710 has been substantially expanded and redrafted. Power supply regulations for Group 2 medical locations have been revised to avoid loss of power due to a single fault. The update includes extended requirements for medical insulation monitoring devices, supplementary equipotential bonding, and a new Annex B710 model form for recording bonding connection resistances.

Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)

Amendment 4 expands the guidance on where AFDDs should be installed. These devices detect dangerous arc faults that can cause electrical fires and are becoming increasingly important in modern installation practice.

Energy Efficiency

Aligned with national net-zero objectives, the amendment includes provisions encouraging energy-efficient installation design, covering topics such as power factor correction and efficient circuit layouts.

What Is the Timeline?

During the six-month transition period, installations designed under Amendment 3 can still be completed and certified, and learners can sit either the current 2382-22 or new 2382-26 exam. From 16 October 2026, only the 2382-26 exam will be available and all new installation design must comply with Amendment 4.

Exam Changes: 2382-22 Becomes 2382-26

City & Guilds is replacing the current 2382-22 qualification with the new 2382-26 to cover Amendment 4 content. During the transition period (April–October 2026), both exams are available. From 16 October 2026, only the 2382-26 will be offered.

EAL is also launching a replacement Level 3 Award aligned to Amendment 4 in April 2026, with the current EAL qualification closing for registration on 31 July 2026.

How Does This Affect Your Qualifications?

If You Already Hold the 18th Edition

You need to complete an Amendment 4 update course before October 2026. This is a focused one-day course that covers all the changes without requiring you to resit the full 18th Edition exam. At LTS, the 18th Edition course is priced at £439 total price and will include Amendment 4 content from April 2026.

If You Are Studying the 18th Edition Now

From April 2026 onwards, all LTS 18th Edition courses will incorporate Amendment 4 content as standard. You will learn the most current version of the regulations from the outset, so there is no need to take a separate update course.

If You Are Working Towards Your Gold Card

The Gold Card requires a current 18th Edition certificate. After October 2026, this means your certificate must reflect Amendment 4 knowledge. If you complete your Gold Card package at LTS (£8,849 total price), the 18th Edition component will include all Amendment 4 content.

Who Needs to Update?

Every electrician who designs, installs, inspects, or certifies electrical work in the UK needs to be aware of Amendment 4. Specifically:

• Practising electricians working on new installations or modifications
• Inspection and testing engineers issuing EICRs and certificates
• Electrical designers and consultants specifying systems
• Contractors registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or other competent person schemes — scheme providers are expected to require evidence of Amendment 4 knowledge
• Employers who need their workforce to comply with the latest standard

Should You Wait to Train?

No. If you are planning to start your 18th Edition qualification or your Gold Card journey, there is no benefit to waiting. Courses completed before April 2026 give you a recognised qualification you can use immediately. You can then take a short update course when Amendment 4 content becomes available.

Delaying your training delays your career progression. The electrical industry continues to face a skills shortage, and getting qualified sooner gives you more time to gain practical experience.

How to Prepare

• Book your update course — contact LTS to reserve your place on an Amendment 4 update session from April 2026
• Review the current regulations — ensure you are confident with Amendment 3 content before studying the changes
• Check your competent person scheme — confirm their deadline for demonstrating Amendment 4 knowledge
• Budget accordingly — the update course is a one-day investment that keeps your qualifications current

What Comes After Amendment 4?

There is ongoing discussion about whether a 19th Edition will eventually replace the 18th Edition entirely, or whether the amendment model will continue. For now, the IET has confirmed that Amendment 4 is an update to the existing 18th Edition, not a replacement. Your 18th Edition qualification remains the recognised standard — you simply need to keep it current through amendment updates.

For more background on the distinction between amendments and new editions, see our guide to the truth about the 19th Edition and Amendment 4.

Next Steps

If you are unsure whether you need to update or want to plan the most cost-effective route to compliance, book a free consultation with an LTS course advisor. We can assess your current qualifications and recommend the right course of action — whether that is a one-day update or a full qualification pathway.

LTS is a City & Guilds accredited training centre in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, close to M25 Junction 25. We have trained over 1,000 students and hold a 4.8/5 rating. Call us on 01992 413 503 or email info@learntradeskills.co.uk.