On this page you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you cannot find the question you need an answer to, please contact us.

• Publications

  • When is 18th Edition published?

    The 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations will be published in July 2018.

  • When can I buy a copy of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations?

    The book will be available for delivery from July 2018.
    You will be able to pre-order a copy of the book from the NICEIC and ELECSA webshop before that date. 

  • Do I need to have a copy of the new book by July 2018?

    All electrical contractors registered with NICEIC and ELECSA or wishing to join will need to hold a copy of the new publication by January 2019 at the very latest, as a condition of initial or continuing registration.

  • Will other Technical Publications be updated to reflect the new standard?

    NICEIC and ELECSA will be updating its Site Guide and its Inspection and Testing Certification book to reflect the new standard. These will be available from July 2018. The IET’s On Site Guide and Guidance Note 3 will follow shortly afterwards.

• Training

  • Will I need additional training or new qualifications?

    Qualified Supervisors will be expected to demonstrate a good working knowledge and practical application of the new standard. To aid this process NICEIC and ELECSA will be offering different training options and events outlining some of the key changes within the regulations. This will help contractors understand everything they need to know.

  • Which 18th Edition course should I choose?

    Full course
    Our full course has been designed for people working within the electrotechnical industry and looking to achieve the latest edition of the BS7671 and having not completed their 17th edition Amendment 3: 2015 qualification or new those who are new to the industry.   This course is available online or in a classroom for 3 days.  The full course provides indepth training on the changes and includes the 2 hour examination. 
    
    Update course
    Our update course has been designed for those people working within the electrotechnical industry who have recently completed their 17th edition Amendment 3: 2015 qualification i.e. City & Guilds 2382-15 or an equivalent.  This course is available online or in a classroom for 1 day.  The update provides an overview of the changes and includes the 2 hour examination. 
    

  • What happens to any training I have already booked?

    The 18th edition exam will not be available until July 2018. All exams taken before this date period will be to 17th Edition Amendment 3, although reference to the changes will be available through all courses run by NICEIC and ELECSA.
    
    If you book a 17th Edition course before July 2018, you will be able to get up to speed with the new changes by undertaking an 18th Edition Update Course afterwards. 

• Certificates

  • What will it mean for certificates?

    NICEIC and ELECSA will be updating and amending the most regularly used certificates and forms of reporting (EICRs, Minor works, EIC’s) with a view to them being available as soon as reasonably practical after the publication of the new standard - both online and in paper format.

  • What should I do with old certificates?

    Contractors with supplies of 17th Edition Amendment 3 certificates and forms of reporting will still be able to use these on installations designed to that edition of BS 7671. 
    
    Installations designed after January 2019 must use the new certificates unless you are issuing an Electrical Installation certificate or Minor Works for a project designed to a previous edition. 
    
    NICEIC and ELECSA contractors are advised to maintain their stocks of forms accordingly.

• Electrical Work and Assessments

  • What does the 18th Edition mean for the electrical work I am carrying out?

    There is no requirement for electrical contractors to comply with the new regulations immediately. Following the July publication, contractors will have a six month transition period to become familiar with the changes. However, electrical installations designed and installed after January 2019 will need to comply with the new regulations.

  • What should I do between July 2018 and January 2019?

    Contractors should start to gain a good understanding of the changes, both in theory and practice. They can start to comply with the new regulations as soon as they feel comfortable and prepared. 
    
    Contractors should either comply with the existing standard (17th Edition Amendment 3) – or with the new standard (18th Edition) – but they should not combine elements of both.  

• Other

  • Will the Wiring Regulations be affected by Brexit?

    Post-Brexit, there will be no change in the UK’s involvement in international standards such as IEC or CENELEC. The UK intends to remain a full member of CEN and CENELEC, enabling UK experts to continue to influence standards used voluntarily across Europe.

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