Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 is expected in 2026. It is anticipated to address energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, smart home installations, and harmonised European standards. This guide covers everything we know so far and how to prepare.
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Amendment 4 (A4) will be the fourth amendment to BS 7671:2018, the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. Following the pattern of previous amendments — A1:2020, A2:2022, and A3:2024 — A4 is expected in 2026. The IET has not yet published the amendment, but industry consultation is under way.
While Amendment 4 was narrowly focused on a single Section 530 requirement (on bidirectional devices), Amendment 4 is anticipated to be broader in scope. The rapid evolution of electrical installation technology — energy storage systems, smart home infrastructure, electric vehicle charging, and the continuing harmonisation of European standards — creates significant pressure for the standard to be updated.
The IET has two options: publish Amendment 4 as an update to the existing 18th Edition, or publish a completely new 19th Edition. The choice depends on the scale of changes required. If the changes are substantial enough to warrant a restructuring of the standard, a new edition may be more appropriate. If the changes can be accommodated as additions and modifications to the existing structure, an amendment is more likely.
For working electricians, the practical impact is the same either way: study the current standard thoroughly, stay current with CPD, and be prepared to absorb the new requirements when they are published.
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Based on the pattern of previous amendments, here is the likely timeline for A4:
These dates are estimates based on the historical pattern. The IET may accelerate or delay the publication depending on the complexity of the changes and the outcome of the consultation process. Check the IET website for the latest announcements, or use Elec-Mate's training notifications to stay informed — the app will alert you when A4 is published and provide updated content immediately.
While the exact content of Amendment 4 has not been confirmed, the following areas are widely expected to be addressed based on industry consultation topics, IET publications, and the direction of European harmonisation:
It is important to emphasise that these are anticipated areas of change based on publicly available information and industry discussion. The actual content of A4 will only be confirmed when the IET publishes the amendment.
The growth of domestic battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the UK has outpaced the regulation framework. While Amendment 4 addressed the bidirectional device issue, there are many other aspects of BESS installation that need clearer guidance in BS 7671:
Electricians working in the solar PV and battery storage sector should familiarise themselves with the current best practice guidance from the IET (Code of Practice for Energy Storage Systems), MCS requirements, and manufacturer installation manuals. This knowledge will form the foundation for understanding the A4 requirements when they are published.
Elec-Mate's AI circuit designer handles BESS circuit design with correct DC and AC protection, cable sizing, and compliance.
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The UK government has set ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption, with the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales originally set for 2030 (now 2035). The electrical infrastructure to support EV charging needs to scale dramatically, and BS 7671 must keep pace with this technology.
Current EV charger installations are covered by BS 7671 Section 722, which was introduced in the 18th Edition. Amendment 4 is expected to update Section 722 to address:
The EV charging market is one of the fastest-growing areas for electrical contractors. Electricians who invest in understanding EV charging technology now will be well positioned to benefit from the A4 requirements when they come into force.
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Start free trialSmart home technology is no longer a niche market. Connected thermostats, lighting control systems, automated blinds, security systems, and home energy management platforms are becoming standard in new-build properties and increasingly common in retrofits. BS 7671 has traditionally focused on the fixed electrical installation — wiring, protective devices, and accessories. The challenge of smart home technology is that it blurs the boundary between the fixed installation and the IT/data network.
Amendment 4 is expected to provide guidance on:
For electricians, the smart home trend represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who develop expertise in connected installations will command higher rates and access a growing market of homeowners and developers who want integrated electrical and automation systems.
You do not need to wait for the publication of Amendment 4 to start preparing. The following actions will put you in the best position to absorb the new requirements quickly:
Elec-Mate includes 46+ training courses covering every area expected to change in Amendment 4.
Try it free for 7 daysWhen Amendment 4 is published, Elec-Mate will be among the first platforms to integrate the updated requirements. Here is what the platform provides today and what will be updated for A4:
The AI circuit designer, installation specialist, fault diagnosis agent, and tutor agent will all be updated with A4 regulation references. Design a solar PV circuit, diagnose a fault, or study for an exam — the AI uses the latest regulations.
Cable sizing, voltage drop, earth fault loop impedance, maximum demand, diversity factor, prospective fault current — all calculators will be updated if A4 changes any of the underlying calculation methods or reference values.
New training modules covering every A4 change will be added to the platform. The apprentice hub (flashcards, mock exams, EPA/AM2 simulators, site diary, OJT tracker, portfolio builder) will also be updated for A4 content.
EICR, EIC, and Minor Works certificates produced in Elec-Mate will reference the correct edition of BS 7671 including A4. The defect code AI will be updated with any new regulation numbers and observation classifications.
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