ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 55 The much‑loved Dash of the Derg charity cycle returns on Friday, 4 September 2026, starting and finishing at Flanagan’s on the Lake, Co. Tipperary. Organised by the Irish Electrical Cycling Club (IECC), this fantastic event brings together cyclists from across Ireland’s electrical industry to raise funds in support of the Irish Electrical Benevolent Association (IEBA). I nLdE Du sVt Ar yNNC eE w s UK unveils major update to its wiring rules as Amendment 4 reshapes BS 7671 The UK electrical sector has entered a new phase with the publication of Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671, the national benchmark for electrical installation safety. Jointly released by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institution, the update reflects rapid technological change across the industry and introduces significant new requirements that Irish contractors and consultants will be watching closely. The amendment applies across all areas of electrical work in the UK, including new low-voltage installations, modifications to existing systems, and periodic inspection and testing. A sixmonth transition period is now in effect, after which the previous version will be formally withdrawn. Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a new chapter dedicated to stationary secondary batteries. As energy storage systems become increasingly common, particularly alongside solar PV and emerging vehicle-to-grid applications—the regulations now provide detailed guidance on system design, inverter selection, and protection for bidirectional energy flow. Safety is a central theme, with clear direction on installation location, ventilation, and fire risk mitigation. Another key development is the addition of Section 716, addressing Power over Ethernet (PoE). With Ethernet cabling now widely used to power lighting and low-energy devices, the amendment sets out stricter requirements for cable selection, power supplies, and voltage limits. Installers must also ensure compliance with BS ISO/IEC 11801-1, particularly regarding current-carrying capacity. Healthcare installations have also seen a major overhaul. Section 710 has been extensively revised, introducing clearer classification of medical locations and enhanced resilience requirements. Critical areas such as operating theatres must now incorporate medical IT systems, dual power supplies, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) positioned close to essential equipment—measures designed to minimise risk to patients during electrical faults. Further updates include expanded guidance on functional earthing and bonding for ICT systems, reflecting the growing convergence of electrical and data infrastructure. For Irish electrical professionals, while ET 101 remains the governing standard, developments in BS 7671 often signal the direction of travel for future revisions. The continued alignment with international frameworks such as IEC and CENELEC standards highlights a broader trend towards harmonisation across Europe. With the pace of electrification accelerating, driven by renewables, storage, and digital infrastructure—Amendment 4 highlights the need for contractors to stay informed. As the UK adapts its wiring rules to meet modern demands, the ripple effects are likely to be felt well beyond its borders.
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