The IET publishes the wiring regulations (BS7671) How many electricians out there are aware that the 17th edition is having its first amendment finalised in July 2011 with the amendment coming into force in January 2012.
In fact the IET requirements for electrical installations 17th edition incorporating amendment 1 2011 is now avaliable to pre-order.

So what is the 17th edition amendment all about?

There was a consultation period held last year where there was opportunity for anyone to comment on the proposed amendments. The consultation period ended on 6th September 2010, and the amendments have now been finalised.

What are the main amendments to BS7671?

There are a number of individuals responsible for writing the electrical regulations to ensure they are integrated fairly taking a wide range of opinions into account. Ultimately the regulations are in place to protect and enhance the safety of our customers, and as professional electricians and electrical engineers, we should be looking to update our knowledge to make sure we stay at the top of our game.

The main amendments to the original BS7671 2008 17th edition wiring regulations document are:

• New section 444 – Measures against electromagnetic disturbances
• New section 534 – Devices for protection against over voltage. Selection of surge protection devices (SPD)
• New section 710 – Medical locations
• New section 729 – Operating or maintenance gangways
• Appendix 6 – New model forms for certification and reporting – this covers the new Electrical Installation condition Report (EICR) which supersedes the Periodic Inspection Report (PIR)
• The amendments also cover minor works changes which relate to exceptions regarding RCD protection

You can download the amendments for your existing 17th edition wiring regulations “Big Red Book” and insert the pages against the relevent updates or of course you can purchase the soon to be ”Big Green Book”

Can I take a 17th edition amendment 1 course?

There is nothing you need to actually do, however you should be able to demonstrate that you are aware of what the 17th editon amendment 1 contains and follow them. Updating yourself with this knowledge does not need to cost you anything financially as you can read the document which is avaliable to download from the IET website HERE

If reading is not your thing, there are several seminars taking place around the UK which will explain what the amendment 1 contains and what it means to you. You might wish to contact your electrical registration body as no doubt they will be holding these seminars.

To help you understand how the amendment 1 effects you, the IET have compiled several videos about the amendment from IET.TV

I hope this blog has been helpful, if you would like to add anything I may have missed, please feel free to post a comment.