Lots of electricians and trainees have been asking: Is the 19th Edition of BS 7671 wiring regulations coming soon? What will Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition involve? And where can I train locally in Derby to stay ahead? The article The Truth About the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations and 18th Edition Amendment 4 lays it all out — while Elec Electrician Courses Derby gives you a clear local route to ensure your qualification stays current.
Elec Training aims to provide clarity and up-to-date training so you’re never left guessing. For full details, options, and schedules, see www.elec.training.
Where Things Actually Stand: No 19th Edition, Amendment 4 Coming
Despite rumours swirling online that a full 19th Edition was imminent, neither the IET nor BSI have announced any draft or confirmed date for full publication of the 19th Edition. What is happening is that Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition is currently in draft. It is expected to be published in 2026, following the usual timeline.
IET confirms that until Amendment 4 is released, electricians should use the “brown book” (BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 2, 2022) plus the Amendment 3 (2024) PDF bolt-on to stay compliant.
What Amendment 4 is Expected to Cover
According to current working drafts and consultations, Amendment 4 may introduce the following:
- Stationary secondary battery installations (e.g. Li-ion battery banks, thermal safety)
- Low-voltage generating sets / micro-grid systems
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) installations and standards
- Enhanced energy efficiency requirements
- Functional earthing and equipotential bonding for ICT systems and comms racks
These changes reflect evolving technology and environmental demands. They are additive — i.e. they update the existing 18th Edition framework rather than replace it, until a new full edition is confirmed.
Why Delaying 18th Edition Training Is Risky
Waiting for rumours of the 19th Edition could mean missed opportunities. Here’s what you risk by putting off your 18th Edition qualification:
- Job specs and contracts often require knowledge of the latest wiring regulations. Not having the current 18th Edition + amendments could limit your eligibility.
- When Amendment 4 arrives, many providers will likely offer CPD sessions or update workshops rather than full new exams — meaning it’s better to have the current qualification first and then add the updates.
- Staying up to date projects professionalism — employers expect electricians to work to current standards, not old ones.
What You Should Do Now to Stay Compliant
If you’re training, or you intend to start soon, here are concrete steps:
- Ensure you have BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 2 (2022) — that’s the “brown book.”
- Download and study Amendment 3 (2024) PDF bolt-on, which corrects and updates certain clauses.
- Plan for Amendment 4 — mark a 2026-date in your calendar and keep an eye on announcements from IET / BSI.
- Use reputable training providers who include amendment-update courses when they become available.
- Don’t assume your current qualification becomes invalid — earlier 18th Edition certs remain valid; it’s the updates you need to align with.
Local Training in Derby: Why It’s a Smart Move
If you’re based in or near Derby, Electrician Courses Derby offers several advantages:
- Local access means less travel, easier attendance at face-to-face classes, and greater opportunity for hands-on learning.
- Their training includes NVQ support, work placements, and relevant modules that align with current wiring regulation standards. Elec Training
- You’ll likely find update or amendment sessions more quickly accessible, since local centres tend to roll out changes soon after publication.
Keeping Your Skills, Compliance & Employability Current
Electricians who stay up to date with wiring regulations tend to have advantages:
- Greater trust from clients and employers, particularly in sectors sensitive to safety and regulation (new builds, commercial, tech installations).
- Stronger CVs: when you can say you worked under the latest standard, it shows relevance.
- Less risk of non-compliance: costs of mistakes (repair, re-certification, legal) can be high.
- Ability to adapt to emerging tech (battery storage, PoE, ICT systems) which are going to be increasingly common.