13 Changes in BS7671 Amendment 2 - Plus ONE that didn't make it

Thud the new version of the 18th edition IET wiring regulations drops on the doormat. BS7671 Amendment 2 is the latest update to the UK wiring regulations. Joe Robinson thumbs through over 624 pages so you don't have to.
Is this just a tidying up exercise or are major changes hidden in the text?
Here's what we've found so far in the new BS7671 brown version.
=== Chapters in the video not the wiring regulations ===
00:00 Headline changes
00:55 AFDD's recommended
01:30 Prosumer installations
01:50 Functional earth goes PINK
02:10 Consumer unit labelling
02:40 Insulation resistance testing methods
03:20 Easier testing of RCDs
04:00 Type AC RCDs are out (almost)
04:20 Surge Protection risk assessment has gone.
05:10 Protected escape routes
05:45 Fewer tick boxes
06:05 Sockets in bathrooms
06:50 More pages on solar
07:20 Foundation earthing isn't is but this is...
08:00 Earth rods for TNCS - Recommended
08:20 What exactly does "Recommended" mean?
=========================================
================================
📍SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL eFIXX helps electricians, electrical contractors, building services engineers, and electrical apprentices. By watching our videos, you'll discover new products, explore new applications and find answers to your technical questions. So if you've been on the tools for years or just starting your electrical journey, we'll help you stay up to date with the latest regulations and developments in the electrical industry. hub.efixx.co.uk/youtube-subscr... ================================
📺 NEW TO THE EFIXX CHANNEL Watch our essential videos playlist hub.efixx.co.uk/essentials​
📺 CATCH UP ON THE LATEST VIDEOS
hub.efixx.co.uk/latest​
📺 ELECTRICIANS' TOOL REVIEW
hub.efixx.co.uk/tools​
========================================
GET INVOLVED - You power us!
We create fresh electrical content every day. What we produce is influenced by the thousands of subscribers who send us messages, leave comments and share our videos. We are always looking for new ways to collaborate and celebrate best practices.
👉 www.efixx.co.uk/get-involved
=====================================
eFIXX - EDDY CURRENT MERCH
Now available from an online retailer that doesn't do next day delivery. www.eddycurrent.store/
========================================
🔴 eFIXX LIVE Join us for our youtube live stream twice a month - features product sneak peeks, challenges, giveaways and live electrical banter. NEXT STREAM HERE 👉hub.efixx.co.uk/next-live-stream​ Catch up on previous episodes 👉hub.efixx.co.uk/livestream​
================================
🆕 FREE CPD Learn about new applications, regulations and best practice with our FREE CPD modules. - New modules released every month covering everything from surge protection to lighting hub.efixx.co.uk/CPD​
================================
📝 APPRENTICE HUB If you're an electrical apprentice, retraining as an electrician or looking to refresh your knowledge, then please check out our apprentice hub. It contains thousands of multiple-choice questions to help prepare for electrical installation exams. hub.efixx.co.uk/apprentice​
================================
📩 eFIXX NEWSLETTER Sign up to find out about our live events, competitions and product giveaways. www.efixx.co.uk/sign-up​
================================
FOLLOW US on your favourite social networks for behind the scenes action, breaking news and competitions.
🟠 INSTAGRAM hub.efixx.co.uk/Instagram​
🔵 LINKEDIN hub.efixx.co.uk/linkedin​
🟣 FACEBOOK hub.efixx.co.uk/facebook​
🟡TWITTER hub.efixx.co.uk/twitter​
==================================
❌ This content on this channel is for electrical professionals.❌ ==================================
📹 Presented by
Gary Hayers - Editor eFIXX
Joe Robinson - Technical Editor eFIXX
Gordon Routledge CEng MIET - Technology Editor eFIXX ===================================
#efixx #electricians #bs7671

[@efixx]

What do you think of the changes? - Do you have any questions?

[@timhoward7037]

Generally common sense this time - especially regarding how useless type AC RCD's are, simplifying/clarifying RCD testing , and consumer unit labels. Anything that makes the model forms easier for customers to understand is good too. It's really just the the protected escape routes issue that is going to be fun. Thanks again for the video.

[@efixx]

That's pretty much our take on it as well actually, the escape routes will make design a little trickier for sure. 😊

[@pauldurkin9557]

I can see designers and architects looking at how a ceiling void above a protected escape route can be reclassified. A service duct separated from the ceiling void perhaps?

[@tarassu]

I think that we should start making 4 meter wide bathrooms, just to be safe when the toaster falls into the bath while A type RCD has just failed between the moment of impact and last time RCD was tested (every 30.4 days as clearly required). Actually outlets should be allowed if they are protected by RCD. If not, BS should also require cars to travel no faster than 3,5 meters per second.

[@sugardaddyxxx]

Very good, enjoyed the nee information, books 📚 have been on pre order. So when will the next exam be out, I already have my 18th, well the exam just cover the changes or is it the whole book again?

[@MyProjectBoxChannel]

When ever I get hold of a electronic copy of the regs, or the On-Site Guide, I will try to share it with as many people for free online, as possible. I believe that regulations involving safety should be free for everyone, and not an extortionate money spinner. Normally a torrent link is the best way to do this. That way if the link gets taken down, somebody else can continue it. These books are way too expensive and should be free! It's criminal that so much money is made in the name of safety.

[@Dranok1]

Seriously? You live a totally pandered life full of "First World Problems" if you truly think this way and are not just bucking against the committees who like to change things all the time. Our Reg's are a joy and a virtual gift in comparison to the rest of Europe and ANSI/NEMA. Have you read Section 1 or the appendix recently? Do you have any idea how many Standards, HDs and other Approved published documents are brought together in our one tome that, bless them, the IET Only charges £70 for if you're not a member? Every one of those from the ISO would cost you £120-£250. Yes I acknowledge the BSI have always been pricey, but less so than the ISO. I agree and have always felt that the ISO should be funded by the member states who should subsidize publication (free PDF download) of any document they intend to be taken up and implemented internationally by every company or individual who is required to adhere to or be affected by them, in the same way that BSI should be funded by HMG and their publications similarly subsidized if they are not purely informative or recommendation. But the IET have always kept that price down to an easily affordable level for all required to adhere to the document for their day-to-day work. Heck, you can get an annual gold subscription to their entire digital library of electrical Reg's, GN's and supporting publications for in the vicinity of one day-rate pay for an industrial sparky, a price that in Europe will gain you one and a half sections of the underlying standard, 60364. There are far more objectionable things in our industry to complain about -- the JIB taking over and managing to make themselves the defacto uncontested industry governance, trying to bully out all those who didn't start their life in the industry and gain a recognized apprenticeship, and many other things -- a mere £55 (£80 inc. the OSG) every 2 or 3 years is not one of those "career-changing" problems.

[@MyProjectBoxChannel]

@@Dranok1 your rant about the JIB is completely valid, that organization is nothing less than criminal, it's purely driven by profit. The IET can charge whatever they feel like for their books. I don't care. But I don't believe they have the right to enforce copyright. Just like I don't believe big pharma have the right to enforce patent rights on life-saving medicines(and no cheaper generic alternatives can be produced). And nobody else can manufacture them. What harm can I do if the regs were free for all. It will just encourage more people to do things the right way and the safe way. If they were free to copy and distribute, more people would abide by them. Even seasoned European Sparkys. I don't believe in exclusive clubs with secret handshakes.

[@Cornz38]

Then please post a link.

[@KDC_Electrical]

I agree 100%

[@farmersteve129]

So, pretty much a case of the IET keeping their gravy train going.

[@esfae8250]

Great sum up. Just what I needed without trailing through the whole book.

[@efixx]

That's what we were aiming for, plenty more detailed information to come. 😊

[@sstorholm]

With our awful earth resistance here in Finland we have been bonding the foundation for years, along with around 20 meters of bare copper around the house. The way to do the foundation bonding is to bring the rebar out of the concrete inside an internal wall, and attach the bonding conductor there, no need to attend the pouring of the slab. Mind you, we’re all on TN-C-S here for the most part.

[@efixx]

Brilliant, good to know thanks. 😊

[@Ragnar8504]

I think the Germans started connecting the foundation rebar to the main equipotential bonding bus bar some time in the 1960s, usually by bringing a piece of flat 30x3 mm flat galvanised stock out of one wall. More recently, most earthing systems have switched to stainless.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

I can tell you now in the UK that wouldn't happen, the thick ground workers we have would probably fetch the re-bar up in the center of the lounge floor, and that's if they remembered it in the first place.

[@IAmThe_RA]

​@@acelectricalsecurity🤣🤣

[@ASour1170]

A wonderful mix of humour, and well laid out information. Well done again lads.

[@efixx]

Thank you so much, that's really kind. 👍

[@andrewstafford-jones4291]

20th edition IET wiring regulations = permanent education at university 4 days/ week with 1 day/week installation testing - Actual installations done by others. Regulations to be checked daily on line and no work to be carried out unless entire installation upgraded to new standard existing on that day. Design of Electrical systems to be outsourced to a special panel of approved designers with 24 week lead time and scale of charges equal to the total value of the contract. Any tampering/modification/change of Electrical system's to be punished by mandatory 10 year jail sentence. End result that electricity is to be ended as its too expensive for 99% of the population of the UK. All new homes have just 1 light and a single power socket all behind locked tamperproof cages. Rest of the world relaxes 90% of all regulations.

[@OldLordSpeedy]

Ha ha ha ... yeah you are really funny. But what is with power-making companies? Are this regulation are the same - mean in 30 years Irland, Isle of Man and the independent country of Scotland send power over EU-regulary power lines? 😁🙄🤔

[@efixx]

Hm, that is quite the dystopian future you've imagined there, we'll check back in a decade or so and see how it fared.

[@effervescence5664]

@@efixx It is, unfortunately that's how the Gas industry went. Originally you qualified and that was it, then when the colleges ended up in trouble they said you'd only have to go back and retake it this once. That quickly turned into every 5 years and being tested on every single type of appliance possible broken into Domestic/Commercial/Catering categories. There is always innovation and improvements in technology and safety but going from a CPD to an exam format that costs thousands each time you sit them on top of GasSafe/NICEIC memberships etc is what really riles people up.

[@raychambers3646]

Back to plugging my iron into lamp holder !

[@timhoward7037]

Reflecting a bit more, identifying when a property is a HMO suddenly becomes more important, in some local authorities a 3 bed semi rented to 3 different parties is a HMO and this might not be obvious. Another thought is that presumably altering a circuit will require adhering to amendment 2. There's a LOT of type AC split load and dual RCD boards out there that it seems won't be suitable for circuit alterations, just like for like replacing of accessories?

[@kepeb1]

'Pro-sumer' products are understood to be Professionally featured consumer products. Product+consumer doesn't make any sense.

[@christopping8835]

I believe the IET have their own definition of 'prosumer' which is based on a conjunction of producer and consumer, where the installation both produces and consumes electrical energy... Very confusing for most of the population who instantly read pro as professional everywhere they see it! I notice the IET's prosumer is a single un-hyphenated word.

[@stevenskillern1477]

News at PEN and regulation corner are so well produced. Informative, amusing and to the point, exactly as intended so well done Joe and team. I really enjoyed this summary. Keep it up and look forward to more to come.

[@steve11211]

The IET model forms or EICR still show on the inspection alternative supply labels but also six month RCD test label, so I presume these will still be required?

[@paulelcock266]

Fantastic video Joe and the team. A great compressed way for the busy sparky to get information

[@JC-jv5xw]

And as recently as the 17th edition, the regs did not even acknowledge the fact that different types of RCDs existed - in spite of A types having been mandatory in some countries for decades. The committee were too busy renumbering sections, and adjusting font sizes on labels.

[@efixx]

Progress is not always rapid is it? 😊

[@raychambers3646]

As sparkes get older the writing needs to be bigger.

[@markrainford1219]

And counting out their money from the sale of yet another iteration.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

It's ok won't be long before type A RCDs are looked on as being crap once they have got to a cheap price, then we will have to put a more expensive one in

[@andrewcadby]

eFIXX, great video. Is the regulation regarding RCDs at 3:50 referring to RCDs for fault protection (ie meeting disconnection times) or for additional protection? Does 643.8 no longer exist?

[@___AD]

There is a difference between a 'Unprotected Escape Route' and a 'Protected Escape Route' as per 'Part B - Fire Safety'. "Protected routes are escape routes that are physically separated from other parts of the building by fire resisting construction to minimise the risk of the escape route becoming unusable due to fire and smoke spread within the building." aka Fire Stair wells. "Unprotected Escape routes are routes which a person has to traverse before reaching either the safety of a final exit or the comparative safety of a protected escape route." aka a corridor. Most corridors in schools, hotels, flats etc will still all be unprotected escape routes because of all the services running through them. This Reg shouldn't really effect designers as they should already be working to it. It's been brought in to stop installers who are adding additional circuits after the building is finished from using things like Fire Staircases as risers and then not fire sealing properly / at all and making it 'Unprotected' (like Grenfell)

[@effervescence5664]

It also stops retro fits for HMO's being just lashed to the surface cheaply and means to convert a property a full rewire will have to be done. Which is how it should have been originally anyway.

[@chrisnicholls2773]

Keep up the great work - clear, informative, in depth but done with a smile and a good dose of fun...

[@JD-gi9pl]

Nice summary Joe. The bit where the customer signs for the surge protection exclusion. Can we also get a signature that they promise to stop going in to teams meetings just as we're about to test our work. Maybe a new sticker for the board warning against it 😁

[@efixx]

😂

[@TheEulerID]

Now the obvious thing to do is combine ground sourced heat pumps with earthing arrangements, but I doubt that the various bodies involved will manage to co-ordinate anything.

[@davidwhitehead6150]

Brilliant presentation Joe, thanks..the usual clear, concise info with humour of course! I'd love to give some feedback but like others I made the mistake of pre-ordering my lovely new brown books from NICEIC..only to be told that we'll all have to wait days..weeks before receiving them. Sigh.. So have been resorting to the usual online webinars so far. As a domestic specialist I'm liking the simplification of the EIC and RCD tests, and hoping that this will also mean the end of pre-populated boards with under-rated Type AC RCDs being sold in certain electrical wholesalers! I tend to include SPDs in any CU upgrade quote I do without giving a customer the choice as they're so cheap now, so good to see they will be a requirement - just means I'll have to give the client the choice now!

[@andystaineselectrical4847]

Thanks, that's such a useful summation of the changes! will make it much easier to skim to the important bits when I bite the bullet and buy the book!!

[@jaychapaneri8878]

Joe, I've watched a few videos on Amendment 2, but I must say, yours is absolutely brilliant, informative but also very funny - thank you!

[@efixx]

Oh wow, thank you so much, that's just what we were aiming for. 😊

[@sidwainhouse]

TBH I'm glad I stopped contracting last year, too much trying to explain to customers why they have to spend more money that previous years and why something that was fine on an EICR 12 months ago now needs rectifying at their cost. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for safety, but having to pay out for more publications and their associated GNs just really grips me. I now work for the local town council as a caretaker, swapping lamps and the occasional light fitting, cracked socket outlets can be a real struggle... 🤣🤣

[@christopping8835]

I thought there was a get-out clause in NOTE 2 under 651.2 that installations complying with older versions of the reg's may not necessarily be unsafe? Please tell me it's still there in amendment 2!

[@alunroberts1439]

What if we install steal tray work in the ceiling spaces in corridors. With steel strapping in to brick work.

[@tomorichard]

What is the idea of omitting x5 rcd testing? Seems good practice to confirm they are providing additional protection??? Ie

[@efixx]

Good practice if you want to for sure, but you don't need to. Proving devices work is for the manufacturers to do. 😊

[@garethrendle3766]

@@efixx If that logic were true then why do we carry out RCD testing at all then? Also there are many variables onsite that may mean than an RCD will not operate as it did in the factory.

[@seandempsey7351]

That’s why back in the late eighties when I did 236 we didn’t test RCDs , one the weren’t that common and two it was taken for granted that they would trip as intended at the specified time based on the loop impedance value . We simply put our trust in the manufacturers.

[@stewpot001]

So when do these amendments come into play?? Is it straight away or is there time for existing projects to be completed?

[@michaeldunham3385]

From what I heard the reduced tick box only applies to Initial Verification and not an EICR, there's still 3 pages of that to fill out

[@acelectricalsecurity]

Let's face it, it could be done with one trick box, this installation complies with BS7671, and then leave a comments box underneath, but something like that would be too easy.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

With the bulk of electrical appliances now being low current, and not one that could sustain an arc over any great distance, are AFDDs going to do anything valuable? To make them sensitive they will probably end up causing nuisance trips by the short, safe, arcs and sparks of switches and control equipment.

[@christastic100]

Great Useful vlog efixx . thank goodness that bizarre SPD risk assessment overthink nonsense has gone ( should never ever have been in BS7671 because it was unworkable) nothing mentioned about the board schedules going from the consumer unit position? Finally I’m glad we don’t all need a foundation course about the earthed fix of the foundations 😆

[@dasy2k1]

When are the new inductively powered wireless ceiling lights (with battery backup) going to be released to install on the ceiling of escape routes that aren't allowed to have any wires running to them?

[@brianwood5220]

Highly important stuff explained in a really entertaining way. Thanks Joe.

[@efixx]

Thanks Brian, that's really kind of you. 😊

[@leeguerin8299]

On an EICR will type AC RCD's be C3,C2,C1? great work btw

[@gino2465]

Would like some detailed videos on the changes. Is there anything on touch voltages.bit confused to why 50v was deemed the max yet in the ev section it was increased to 70v .maybe I read it wrong

[@efixx]

I think I answer that question in our free training package available here: www.efixx.co.uk/Know%20How/ev-charger-installation

[@mcattermole]

In regards to the AFDDs does this mean HMOs and the others listed that must have them fitted will fail on the EICRs for not having them installed even if the installation use to comply to the regs when it was installed? So basically do landlords have to fit them to all there properties that they already own for example or is it you just have to fit them to new installs?

[@zed.kelectrical8741]

Joe.. Thank you ! A rapid fire 'tour de force'..! I want to ask though, do I understand correctly that a Surge Protection Device will now be a 'recommendation' (on an EICR) rather than mandatory ? And will it be a 'requirement' for both new-build and new Consumer Unit installs..? Thanks 👍

[@davideyres955]

EICRs are supposed to check the condition of the installation against the design required at the time of the installation. They do not require modern standards to be retro fitted. They can make improvement recommended and can classify things as dangerous and needing immediate attention. What he said is that if it’s a new install or putting an updated consumer unit then you no longer need to do an assessment on the probability of a lighting strike and they type of supply (ie overhead power lines incoming to the property) and work out the numbers accordingly. Basically you recommend it and if the home owner says nah then they have to sign a waiver.

[@zed.kelectrical8741]

@@davideyres955 Thank you, very much appreciated. And having watched the presentation a second time, I recognise that you are indeed spot on.. Cheers.. 👍

[@craigharvey17]

Great video, thankyou Efixx 👍. Would be good to have a more in depth video on Afdd usage requirements. Happy days with the labels and Rcd testing, do you have examples of what the "customer pack" you mentioned should include? Also, does that mean all type ac rcds will stop being sold now? I seriously doubt it, screwfix would go out of business 😂

[@acelectricalsecurity]

I think they realised that few people actually installed the required labels any way, so thought we may as well ditch them, handover pack, of they are lucky they will get a certificate. As for RCDs being tested, as a guy from lewden said, why are we testing them in the first place, and he does have a point

[@trickyd-wc7bq]

I haven’t got my new regs book yet but does it really mention Ceiling voids in reg 422.2?

[@BerkeleyTowers]

I'm about to pour foundations for a major extension and associated floor slabs...... Would love to see an episode on what constitutes a foundation earthing arrangement and would consider doing that now for possible incorporation in the future....

[@stevensmith4449]

Don’t worry 😉 The regs are not retrospective Defo have SPD fitted Consider AFDD’s

[@BerkeleyTowers]

@@stevensmith4449 oh, I appreciate that...... and done all of the above.... just looking to the future and possible solar/battery generation& storage.... cheap as chips to do now as a self builder and fit and forget until needed.........

[@stevensmith4449]

@@BerkeleyTowers might be useful with the battery storage? Foundation bond might keep excessive Earth fault current going through your house if the building is fed from your house?

[@mikep-j894]

If you do want to , but realize it is an option not a requirement, tie in a bit of extra re-bar to the steel grid, and bend it up into a J so that it is accessible in a convenient corner. Hose clips are more than adequate. Or if you have a welder working on site tack some M8 or M10 stud so that it is vertical and pops up next to the internal wall. I tend to specify two places so that I can buzz continuity between them and verify nothing has come off during the cement pour stage. Mike.

[@CS-yg7bp]

For EVCPs is it mandatory to install surge protection devices or can the owner of the property still opt out?

[@katiefinnegan4649]

Absolute class. So well done.

[@nicholasmifsud8816]

Thank you for the information.

[@sockitz.splatez]

Great update Efixx team 👍

[@HealthService]

I have my am2 in 2 months , does this mean I’ll be working to the new book during the install and then the multiple choice questions at the end ?

[@efixx]

Check with your tutor but I'd be surprised if you were working to the new book. 😊

[@geraldelwood9660]

Should we interpret 422.2 to mean that we can no longer run cable just below the ceiling, through trunking, or otherwise, along or across the hall in a normal domestic building; since this is of course the main escape route from the building?

[@efixx]

We will explore - protected escape routes in a future video.

[@stevensmith4449]

So a x1 red test has got to pop in under 40ms??

[@williamlowther7051]

So do you recommend an earth rod on a PME supply if so would it be called a TTNC-S supply, crazy world, love the socket in bathroom reg, great work there,

[@adrianupnorth]

Thanks for the update guys. Looking forward to the in-depth detail to follow. And maybe some CPD's

[@efixx]

Stay tuned my friend! 😊

[@BabyBane100]

Wow !!! I’m so glad I’m retiring,and leaving all this bull behind !!!

[@stevensmith4449]

The fire corridor one is easy! Don’t install a ceiling! Compliance!

[@eddiereed5025]

Just love that exposed cable tray look floats my boat.

[@shaungrain4921]

Where in the regs does it say that the tick boxes on the check form is reduce to 14 or do we just tick the heading now

[@efixx]

It's embedded in the Electrical Installation Certificate. 👍

[@micssticksnpipes]

Situation- New circuit in say 17th ed split load board,Type AC RCD, no SPD (some minor works as well I suppose!). Does this now require a change of RCD (to type A) and SPD Fitting for new work to comply to 18thAmd2? For the money this will become a board change in a lot of cases right? Otherwise its New RCBO in the board and New seperate Box for SPD (as we all know it will not have 3 spare ways!).

[@sparksPRW]

Brilliant, well done guys. Funny and informative. Do I really need to spend another £100 plus on brown books??

[@efixx]

Probably, some CPSs require you to have them, look around for deals though.

[@seandempsey7351]

Joe have the conductor colour’s changed or will they? Also I glad I can continue to use my trusty old Robin KTS 1620 MFT as was are now only required to test all RCDs on the ac setting , but we new the from the video Gaz did a few months ago

[@JIBS.]

Efixx wonder if you can answer this please by any chance. Those who've already got their 18th edition say last year would we now have to do another exam for amendment 2? Cheers

[@efixx]

Great question, first thing to do is ask your CPS if you belong to one. When we asked the ECA they said if you've already got an 18th Edition update you won't need to do it again. 😊

[@JIBS.]

@@efixx Thank you

[@MrSJT]

Test hard wiring at 500v before connecting equipment 'sensitive to test' and then test at 250v. Is this regarding new installations only? Or does this apply to EICR's that may contain sensitive equipment that the test engineer is unaware of and risking damage costs?

[@scottsparky1]

not really any need to ir test an instalation that is already working. if its on an protected by an rcd there wont be any ir issues

[@MrSJT]

@@scottsparky1 0.9megohms on a circuit may not trip the RCD but would be a failure on an EICR IR test on a circuit. On an EICR we're there to check for potential dangers, and that would be one as the insulation is breaking down and have gone below acceptable reading.

[@seandempsey7351]

Wow Very interesting , more sodding reading for me to get my brain going 👍wonderful Fantastic video as always Joe 👍👍👍❤️so AC type RCDs can still be installed in some installations is my Nan doesn’t have any electronics such as games consoles or any thing like that she even has a 1970s twin tub washing/spinner , and her TV is at least 40 years old and yes it still works all be it with a free view settop box , So AC type RCD is still acceptable for her house

[@Graham_Langley]

There's an awful lot of split-load CUs with twin Type AC RCDs out there. Under what circumstances would these need to be changed to Type A and assuming they're available?

[@efixx]

We will explore this further

[@Graham_Langley]

@@efixx Thank you.

[@jonnyduncan7056]

They won't! Everything from September onwards, will have to be compliant with Ammend 2, but these new regs are not retro spect and everything that has been carried out pre Ammend 2 can't all of a sudden be wrong!!

[@Graham_Langley]

@@jonnyduncan7056 I was thinking about adding a new circuit to such a CU, which would have to be compliant.

[@mohammeddhafer9614]

Very informative, thank you

[@efixx]

Our pleasure! 😊

[@CurtainFlapper]

Does this mean a surge protector to be fitted on an EICR recommendation or when a consumer unit is replaced?

[@bramcoteelectrical1088]

Both

[@johnnywalsh6437]

Thanks. Another great down to earth video.

[@efixx]

Thanks, pun intended? 🤔😂

[@79kazio]

AFDD in HMO. Ii it just required for sockets outlets not exceed 32A or other circuits too (lights)?

[@luluboxingtv2880]

Glad rcd test has been been simplified

[@garethgordon9141]

Excellent; when will you be on the real news at PEN, your performance was simply electric 👍🏻

[@efixx]

Thanks so much, check out our livestream next Wednesday 8PM for the next News at PEN. 😊

[@calmeilles]

Protected Escape Routes - are already limited in that there must be no flammable materials and no electrical installations except, fire alarm systems, incidental lighting and sockets provided for the purposes of cleaning. Your general corridor with a suspended ceiling is very unlikely indeed to be a PER and so there's still no inhibition to slinging a cable through the ceiling void - other regulations being observed of course.

[@christopherhume8896]

I can see a lot of arguments between architects and building control over the definition of protected escape route. Surely this could be applied to every corridor in a hotel or office block.

[@calmeilles]

@@christopherhume8896 They shouldn't be arguing about it. The definition is statutory. It's in Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 2, Buildings other than dwellinghouses. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832631/Approved_Document_B__fire_safety__volume_1_-_2019_edition.pdf

[@seandempsey7351]

Hi Joe , are we good. I have a question for you, why do the IET continually say the when a new edition of BS7671 or an amendment to BS7671 comes out that we can no longer work to the earlier edition? As we the electricians all know that there are very little changes made as such 95% of the regs are the same as the previous edition. Ie with amendment 2 there are only a dozen or so changes but 95 % of BS 7671 is the same as it was which is the same as 16th and 17th edition surely we only work two the regs that relate to the type of work we do , ie if I don’t have anything to do with say EV and solar PV then I only need to comply with the rest of the regs and ignore the bits on EV Solar PV ? Basically all the book from the 15th edition up to the 18th are the same baring a few small changes.

[@efixx]

Hi Sean, yeah we're good. Might not always see eye to eye on stuff but that's just life eh? The way it works is a little more complicated than just working to the latest edition. When a new amendment or edition drops JPEL 64 withdraw their support for the previous iteration. However a project that was started under the previous edition will likely only need to comply with that edition. For bif projects that span more than one edition it boils down to whatever was agreed in the contract. So a job that was started under the 1st Amendment will most likely have to comply to that amendment and not the 2nd. Does that make sense?

[@seandempsey7351]

@@efixx yes a little. But like I said if say like me you don’t have any interest in say EV or say battery storage and I unlikely to ever stall such things the surly that amendment will not apply to you so you could continue with the parts of the book that does even the earlier book? I think just an opinion from a humble spark who’s opinion means nothing. Thank you for your kind reply and explanation. Oh and I am happy we are good I sure you know I don’t mean any disrespect to you or Gaz Or Gordon I have a lot of respect for you all. But some of the products you review we’ll that’s a different kettle of fish. I always love having a good Old debate with you that’s how we learn.👍👍❤️

[@efixx]

Yeah, if specific applicable regs haven't changed then I guess technically you're working to all the editions! 😂 No worries on the other stuff. Respectful debate is healthy. 😊

[@dansheppard2965]

Great presentation, Joe!

[@efixx]

Thanks Dan! 😊

[@cengiz246]

Your content is priceless guys. Your making the niceic look redundant.

[@scabthecat]

eFIXX is funnier than niceic.

[@markb4071]

ProSumer - in my game ( IT/Comms) refers to the more PROfessional end of the conSUMER market that't not going to confuse anyone working in both fields at all - smh

[@JasperJanssen]

Huh. First time I realize that wasn’t what they meant by prosumer.

[@Thegardener87]

I've got blisters in my hands already, got to watch it again

[@shaun1293]

Damn… got excited about the bathroom sockets 😖

[@Mattja1]

Just yesterday I put a new board in as I didn't want anything to do with the existing board for the new shed supply I was putting in, TN-C-S earthing, and just outside there was a disconnected old earth rod that the client asked me about. I told him it would have been disconnected then they provided the TN-C-S, no need to connect it up again. Sods law makes a fool of me again!

[@thattoolguy9432]

Good news on type AC RCD's .. sigh of relief on the surge protection.. and huge groan on protected escape routes, as if it isn't tight enough as it is, i'm going to enjoy what the architects come up with there fancy drawing .. and does that mean everyone who has fitted a socket in a metal box with one fixed lug and hasn't fitted a fly lead should panic .. as that's a recommendation :) Well done Joe

[@PraxZimmerman]

European electrical regulations seem like a PitA coming from the US, but it's still super interesting seeing how they do it, and the interesting solutions to problems they come up with.

[@efixx]

What is a PitA please? 🤔

[@elminster8149]

@@efixx Pain in the A*se

[@efixx]

Oh I see. Thanks. 😂

[@chrispop99]

It's UK regulations that are very strict; in mainland Europe, even if regulations are in place they are less scrupulously observed.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

@@chrispop99 your misinformed there, very few in the UK actually follow the regulations, and they are seen as optional, because basically nobody gives a crap. And I don't know who they are actually intended for, as so many so called electricians don't follow them, maybe it's just a PR thing.

[@FunLoadGamer]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@muzikman2008]

Is this another £90.00 to splash out? on a book, and another BS7671 course to pay for? or is it a downloadable ammendment? great short updates fellas as always... insightful.

[@matthewdale956]

You just done it by watching the video 👍😂

[@paulelcock266]

The course isn’t compulsory this time.

[@yacinehachani9754]

Can’t understand why the socket 3m from the edge in bathroom and 30cm from the kitchen sink edge??

[@efixx]

In a bathroom you're more likely to be completely wet and possibly submerged bodily in water, it's a higher risk environment. 😊

[@_Miner]

@@efixx I'm the only one who sits in the sink to wash my tableware? oh!

[@benji41189]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Thanks for delivering that with good humor.

[@efixx]

👍

[@smark345]

Changing the functional earth colour to pink is a bit silly when pink can be a line conductor

[@effervescence5664]

AFDD's recomended was obvious considering the cost and as so many people pointed out when testing they only seem to sense on high load circuits Showers/Hobs/Cookers and EV points. Prosumer installations have needed addressing and their own section for awhile. So functional earths are going Pink but Audio cables are already pink - doing away with functional earths would have been preferred as most manufacturers are going that way anyway. Consumer unit labelling should have gone the same way as Gas installations with the pack being left with the customer ages ago. Was doing that anyway and Inspectors had no issue with it at all outside of commercial installations. IR is going to be a bit of a pain but regs aren't retrospective so carrying out EICR's will continue as normal, new installs is going to be a headache depending on what equipment is installed along with the organisation of sites to make sure it is even able to be carried out in the time frame. Type AC needed to go anyway and majority of people I know don't even put them forward as a possibility to be fitted. SPD's standard regardless because it was never worth doing the calculation if you could even obtain the required information compared to the cost of just added it - less than an hours charge. Protected escape routes - saying you can't use ceiling voids above protected escape routes is extremely problematic - surface runs fine, but in the fabric of the building where it will be either clipped or run through joists? Makes absolutely no sense at all. Tick boxes reduced. Cool. Sockets in Bathrooms - ignored and a risk assessment and signed documentation by customer is they so desire one and fitted onto a dedicated circuit. Solar is becoming more main stream so an extended section for those coming across it during EICR's again was an obvious choice. Foundation earthing/TT stakes, pain in the backside for terraced properties, listed buildings and flats but otherwise a sensible addition. English language is a pain.

[@chmoduk]

Trouble is the word "Shall" is future tense. So sometime in the future it will be a requirement.

[@ryanjones7921]

422.2 So no electric Heaters In the hallway and stairwell then

[@efixx]

That is a really good point Ryan, there's some additional guidance in Appendix 13 but it doesn't mention heating.

[@mikethemask1525]

Can you explain your take on why your pushing hard for a foundation earth? Good video though 👌 interesting changes

[@acelectricalsecurity]

Obviously the relevant parties would give the IET a big enough bag of money, unlike the manufacturer's of the AFDD's did. You might call it prefix I would call it ball ache myself. If you can't run electrical services in a corridor I take it those areas will be in darkness and there will be no sockets in there as well, good thinking on that one.

[@DoctorElectricYouTube]

wow, what a shake up, good video Joe

[@Chris-hy6jy]

A whole industry built around regulations and testing. Got to keep these pen pushers in a job apparently 😫

[@JC-jv5xw]

And their sponsors, the manufacturers.

[@electrician247]

Awesome! Great work 👊💪

[@efixx]

Thanks Mark, much appreciated. 😊

[@efixx]

Thanks Mark, much appreciated. 😊

[@gregmcallister4862]

Brilliant content,I didn’t zone out once 👏🏼

[@TeamSimpsonRacing]

I presume the earth spike will be for new builds only? It won't be required if you're doing a replacement CU on a TN system?

[@Marcel_Germann]

New regs are only for new installations or if you replace a certain amount of the old installation. Otherwise they must state that a retrofit of old installations is mandatory. Personally I would recommend a retrofit, you can‘t enforce it on the customer, but it‘s improving the safety in case of a PEN fault and is reducing the earth-loop impedance. The more installations with an electrode are in that area, the lower the impedance will get because they‘re all in parallel and all summoned up resistances in parallel are always smaller than the smallest single resistance of that group. And also keeps the potential of the PEN close to real earth potential. That reduces stray currents. Here in Germany foundation earth electrodes or soil embedded earth electrodes are mandatory for new construction since 1980. Doesn‘t matter if you have a TT or TN-system, must be installed on both. The common earthing systems are either TT or TN-C-S. In some old installations there‘s also TN-C in final circuits.

[@efixx]

I really thought foundation earthing would be in on this amendment Marcel, it'll be interesting to see if it makes it into the 19th, we'll see how we go with the earth electrodes for now.

[@efixx]

That is a really good question, it's interesting that the reg doesn't mention new builds as the foundation earthing did in the draft for public comment. My take on it would be that if you're rewiring a property or replacing a consumer unit you would pop it in. You probably wouldn't leave out RCD protection for a property when replacing a consumer unit just because it's not a new build. Just my opinion of course. 😊

[@___AD]

@@efixx It got lobbied out on 'practicality' reasons. Often when the foundations are being done the electrical designs aren't finished or even which electrical contractor decided upon. So the location or size of the Earthing and who's going to install / check it's okay could be a hinderance. So they keep it out.

[@muzikman2008]

@@efixx Especially with the advent of EV's on peoples driveways and shock risk as you showed in a past video. Seems a logical thing to include.

[@davidwinch57]

I can see the bg range of consumer units with AC RCDs at Screwfix coming down in price

[@christopping8835]

I think screwfix have enough DIY'ers who'll pay for those, then we can go in and make them pay again for a compliant board when we put things right!

[@odinnln5694]

Ammendments are simply correcting mistakes that should have been right the first time. More thought and less rushing to print is required.

[@efixx]

Hm, not sure I'd agree with that one, some changes may reflect corrections of past mistakes but Amendments to the wiring regs usually reflect changing technology in the electrical industry.

[@NBundyElectrical]

Nice one joe 🙌

[@efixx]

Thanks Nick. 😊

[@stevensmith4449]

Have they worked out how to test and prove an AFDD yet?

[@JC-jv5xw]

That has a 32 bit CPU in it! It always seemed like a glaring omission that no tests are done on MCBs which are the primary protection.

[@pistolpete5189]

That’s great news about bathroom sockets 🤦‍♂️

[@efixx]

😂 Major change!

[@matthewdale956]

@@efixx it’s not the length it’s what you do with it 😉

[@cliffedwards9472]

It’s also great we now understand most things not like the days gone by, where you were too scared to ask, & if you did ask you never got an answer, like they wanted to keep all to their selves, I’m much better than you…great video 😎

[@glynjones8187]

Well the lads doing there 5357 at the moment will be happy they don't have to carry out all the RCD tests manually anymore.

[@efixx]

😂 Finish in half the time. 💪

[@stevensmith4449]

They do until September

[@timhoward7037]

Thank you.

[@efixx]

You're welcome!

[@Elecsec]

Absolutely fantastic SumUp laughed my socks off 😆

[@PlymouthSparky]

Thanks Joe 😀

[@andy5351]

Always love my fix of efix 👍🥴👍

[@efixx]

Great comment, thanks so much. 😊

[@guywhoknows]

What I find funny was the 2006-9 debates and set up of Solar and safety, by Clueless and guesses. Then had a look recently to find contradictions and major flaws. Now it seems I've got some reading, but I've been told there are more changes for June this year too.

[@efixx]

It's definitely ramping up again isn't it?

[@guywhoknows]

@@efixx behind the public front there are a number of wants and issues. Solar power being major. It dumps loads of power to the grid and can cause surges (hence other regs) but then it drops at night. The problem they want to get over is storage due to the space and cost. So they're driving toward battery ownership. From what I've seen companies are selling the wrong batteries so that will need to be addressed and will have to come into training. People want Solar but there is the cost and due to its nature try to DIY and where stupid is available it will follow. It's all good making changes but will the wider public know? Probably not.

[@stevensmith4449]

Pink Tartan next!