In July 2017 the British Standards Institute (BSI) released the draft proposal of items it was considering for inclusion in the new standard.

The period for comment on the proposals has now closed. A committee of industry experts (JPEL64) will now consider the feedback and refine the proposals before drafting the new standard.

We will have to wait until 1st July 2018 to find out what that new standard will definitely include, but below are some of the proposals that are being considered:

~ Clarity over where relevant utility services entering a building need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding

~ Additional requirements for AC final circuits

~ Changes relating to devices for isolation and switching

~ Clarity in respect to regulations relating to wiring systems in escape routes

~ Potential amendments to the requirements relating to overvoltage and the selection and erection of Surge Protection Devices

~ Considerations on how an electrical installer can prevent the appearance of a dangerous touch voltage in the event of the loss of the main connection to earth

~ Part 6 to take account of the IEC 60364-6:2016 standard

~ Potential for section relating to electrical installations in caravan / camping parks and similar locations to align with IEC 60364-708

~ Changes imposed by IEC 60364-722 - Supplies for electric vehicles

~ A possible section reflecting the requirements of IEC 60364-7-730

~ Consideration of how design can impact on the electrical efficiency of electrical installations. The thoughts are that the optimum use of electrical energy can be assisted by appropriate design and installation practice, whereby an electrical installation can provide the required levels of safety as well as the lowest levels of electrical consumption

~ As in previous BS 7671 editions and amendments, any changes to Appendix 6 model forms of certification will be incorporated to reflect changes within body of regulations, definitions, and any additional requirements imposed by changes that reflect HD inclusions.

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