The IET has announced a new amendment to BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition). The national Wiring Regulations committee, JPEL/64, agreed the publication of Amendment 1, which will consist of a stand-alone update to Section 722: Electric Vehicle Charging Installations.
The amendment, which is due to publish in early 2020, will be free to view on the IET website, and only form part of a consolidated new Regulations following the next major amendment to BS 7671, expected in 2022.
The amendment follows advances in technology that were not available when BS 7671:2018 published, enabling a more practical solution for the installation of charging points. Functionality built directly into charging equipment uses existing technology, but employed in a new way, allowing charging points to be deployed more widely than ever before.
The updated Section 722 will make installing charging points quicker and easier, and will reduce the cost of installations for both installers and consumers.
The UK government is investing £400 million to accelerate the roll-out of charging infrastructure to help meet its target of at least 50% of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030*.
Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, is proud of the way that JPEL/64 has been able to respond to the changes in technology. He explains: “JPEL/64 has been able to address a new opportunity for electric vehicle charging equipment that provides a practical, cost-saving solution benefiting industry, consumers and government alike, to help the UK lead the way in the roll-out of infrastructure to support the electric vehicle revolution.
“This update to the IET Wiring Regulations puts the electrical industry at the forefront of driving technological innovation to ensure the installation of practical, safe charging points that are accessible to all.
“By producing Amendment 1 to BS 7671:2018 as a stand-alone, free-to-view document, this updated Section 722 will reach industry much quicker than a full, consolidated amendment would allow, enabling installers to take advantage of BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 as soon as possible.”
Keep an eye on theiet.org/updates to for information on the Draft for Public Comment and publication information.
Proposed timeline
- 04 September 2019: Amendment 1 approved by JPEL/64
- October 2019: The Draft for Public Comment for Amendment 1 will be available for 60 days to allow industry to respond to the proposed changes (see theiet.org/updates for details)
- January 2020: Amendment 1 will publish as a free-to-view document on the IET website and come immediately into effect, eschewing the usual 6-month adjustment period to ensure industry can immediately take advantage of the changes