Amendment 4 to BS 7671, issued on 15 April 2026, added a new Section 716 for distributing extra-low voltage DC power over data cabling. It is the section that applies to Power over Ethernet lighting, cameras, access points and other PoE devices.
Free for 7 days · No charge until day 8 · Cancel anytime · Used by 2,100+ UK electricians
Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
The short answer
Yes. Section 716, added by Amendment 4:2026, applies to ELV DC power distributed over balanced data cables and accessories to BS EN 50173-1, including Power over Ethernet. The circuits must be SELV or PELV, the current in any conductor must not exceed 750 mA, and the cable must be Category 5 or above as listed in Regulation 716.521.101.
2,100+
UK electricians
“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”
01 · A4:2026 Change
Regulation 716.1 applies the section to the distribution of ELV DC power using balanced information technology cables and accessories designed mainly for data, as specified in BS EN 50173-1, with power feeding equipment to BS EN IEC 62368-3. It covers the design, erection and verification of data infrastructure that carries both data and power, and the use of existing data cabling to carry power.
The power delivery systems include, but are not limited to, Power over Ethernet as specified in ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3. Section 716 does not apply to cables and accessories for private branch exchange (PBX) telephone systems.
Section 716 is based on HD 60364-7-716:2023 and first appeared in BS 7671 with Amendment 4:2026. Before A4, PoE was often discussed under Section 715 (extra-low voltage lighting); it now has its own section.
Free download · PDF
Every key change in the 2026 amendment on one page. AFDDs, TN-C-S protection, new schedule columns, model forms. Pinned on your van dash.
02 · A4:2026 Change
Regulation 716.410.3.3 requires the protective measure extra-low voltage provided by SELV or PELV. Regulation 716.414.1.1 then allows one of two kinds of source:
The notes to Regulation 716.414.1.1 add that where PELV is used, measures may be needed to limit the sharing of LV fault currents (BS EN 50310 and BS IEC 61000-5-2), and that exposed-conductive-parts of DC power equipment such as PoE switches can be connected to the main earthing terminal by a protective conductor. The screen of the data cable provides functional earthing only; it is not suitable for limiting the sharing of LV fault currents.
03 · A4:2026 Change
Regulation 716.414.3.201 says a source of the second kind (a Regulation 414.3 source rather than PoE equipment to the product standards) shall not be used to power data cabling that passes through, or serves, the special locations of Sections 701 (bath and shower rooms), 702 (swimming pools and fountains), 703 (saunas), 706 (conducting locations with restricted movement) and 710 (medical locations).
The restriction applies to cabling that passes through one of these locations as well as cabling that serves equipment in it, so plan PoE routes around bathrooms and plant rooms with that in mind.
In the app
19 certificate types, 70+ calculators, RAMS, quoting, invoicing, AI agents, and 46+ training courses — from £6.99/mo.
04 · A4:2026 Change
05 · A4:2026 Change
Regulation 716.433.1.101 recognises current limitation to BS EN IEC 62368-3:2020 clause 5.3.1 as a suitable means of protection against overcurrent. In practice that is the current limiting built into compliant power sourcing equipment.
The low voltage circuit that supplies the PoE switch or injector is an ordinary LV circuit, designed, protected, tested and certified under the rest of BS 7671.
Verified reviews from the UK App Store.
Elec-Mate is my go to app for business and electrical work. It's feature rich without feeling cluttered. A true all in one app for quotes, certs, calculations, RAMS, EICRs, and more. I use it every day without fail, and it makes my workflow much smoother since I'm not jumping between apps anymore. The price-to-feature ratio is excellent. Any issues I've had, the developer responds within the hour and usually fixes them the same day. 100% recommend.
I've used the app and the web based version for a while now and it's well worth the investment. If you're an apprentice or experienced Spark give it a go, you won't be disappointed.
I've been using Elec-Mate for a while now, and honestly, it's one of the best apps I've ever downloaded. Every aspect of it feels thoughtfully designed, from the clean and intuitive interface to the powerful features that make everything so easy to manage. It's clear that a lot of care and attention went into building this app, and it shows in every detail.
Real feedback from electricians and apprentices
“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”
Daniel Palmer
Sole Trader · DP Electrical
“I've won two contracts this month because I could turn quotes around same-day with the AI cost engineer.”
Nathan Perry
Electrician · NP Electrical Services
“The study centre got me through my AM2. Mock exams and flashcards are brilliant.”
Jake Pizey
3rd Year Apprentice · Apprentice
7-day free trial
Elec-Mate issues BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 EICs and EICRs on your phone, with 70+ calculators for the circuits that feed your PoE equipment. 7-day free trial.
Start your free trialFrom £6.99/mo after the trial — no charge until day 8.
“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”
Or download the app