18th Edition Amendment 2 

April 2022 marked the release of Amendment 2 to BS7671:2018, bringing with it a series of important updates for electricians across the UK. While the changes aren’t as sweeping as some past revisions, there are several adjustments that every installer needs to be aware of. 

And just to clarify — if you already hold the 18th Edition qualification (City & Guilds 2382-18), you don’t need to re-sit your exam. You simply need to get hold of the updated regulations and familiarise yourself with the key amendments. Until 27th September 2022, installations could still be carried out to Amendment 1, but from that date onwards only Amendment 2 applies. 

Learners on compliance-focused courses such as Dealing with Hazards Lesson 8 are already being introduced to the impact of r egulatory updates on real-world practice. 

Chapter 42 – Protection against thermal effects 

One of the most notable updates is Regulation 421.1.7. Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) must now be installed on single-phase AC circuits supplying socket outlets rated at 32A or less in HMOs, purpose-built student accommodation, care homes, and high-risk residential buildings (defined as over 18m tall or more than six storeys). 

In other types of premises, AFDDs are still recommended but not mandatory. The cost of these devices remains a sticking point, though prices are slowly decreasing. 

Section 514 – Identification and notices 

Domestic properties can now omit certain labels if conditions are met, including: 

• Periodic inspection and testing notice 

• RCD six-monthly test button notice 

• SPD presence notice 

This exemption only applies where an up-to-date Electrical Installation Certificate is supplied and includes the correct guidance for recipients. 

Chapter 64 – Initial Verification 

RCD testing has changed significantly. Now, all RCDs must be tested only at their rated residual operating current. For example, a 30mA RCD is now tested at 30mA, rather than at 15, 30 and 150mA. 

Additional guidance is provided for insulation resistance testing where equipment could be damaged at 500V. Model forms have also been overhauled: the two-page inspection schedule has been replaced by a simplified version, and circuit details are now recorded separately from test results. 

This type of detailed compliance work is exactly why future sparks need to understand the earning potential of staying qualified — insights explored in our guide How much do electricians make in the UK. 

Chapter 82 – Prosumers’ low-voltage electrical installation 

A brand new section has been introduced for prosumer installations. These are systems that: 

• Connect to or operate independently of the public network 

• Use local supply sources and/or storage units 

• Monitor and control the flow of energy to equipment, storage, or the grid 

This chapter reflects the growth of solar, EV charging, and battery storage systems, where local generation and storage play a central role. Training hubs such as Electrician Courses Rugeley are already preparing learners to work in this fast-changing area. 

Appendix 11 – Warning and instruction labels 

This new appendix consolidates all mandatory warning and instruction labels, with additional guidance on minimum font sizes for legibility. 

Updated guidance and resources 

While the scope of Amendment 2 isn’t as large as some previous rewrites, the IET has refreshed its guidance materials to match the new standard. Guidance Note 3 in particular has seen major improvements, with clearer diagrams, updated explanations, and more practical testing advice. 

For anyone working toward a career in the trade, understanding how these changes affect installation work is vital. As the industry moves forward, staying compliant is not just about passing assessments — it’s about protecting lives, property, and professional reputation. 

1 – What is the 18th Edition Amendment 2 and when was it released?

The 18th Edition Amendment 2 (A2:2022) is an update to BS 7671:2018, the IET Wiring Regulations, incorporating technical changes to enhance electrical safety, such as new requirements for arc fault detection and prosumer installations. It was released on 28 March 2022. 

2 – Do electricians who already hold the 18th Edition qualification need to re-sit their exam?

No, electricians who hold the 18th Edition qualification do not need to re-sit the full exam for Amendment 2; instead, they can update their knowledge through CPD courses or self-study, as the amendment is an update rather than a new edition requiring requalification. However, they must work to the current standard, so familiarity with A2 is essential for compliance. Elec Training offers short update courses for this purpose. 

3 – When did compliance with Amendment 2 become mandatory?

Compliance with Amendment 2 became mandatory on 27 September 2022, when the previous edition (BS 7671:2018+A1:2020) was withdrawn; installations designed after 28 March 2022 could implement it immediately, but full enforcement started from the withdrawal date. 

4 – What are the new requirements for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)?

Amendment 2 requires AFDDs c onforming to BS EN 62606 as arc fault protection for final circuits supplying socket-outlets with rated current ≤32 A, using an AC test at rated residual operating current (IΔn) to verify effectiveness. This enhances detection of series and parallel arcs to prevent fires. 

5 – In which types of buildings are AFDDs now mandatory?

AFDDs are mandatory in Higher Risk Residential Buildings (HRRBs), Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), purpose-built student accommodation, and care homes for single-phase AC final circuits supplying socket-outlets ≤32 A; for other premises, they are recommended. This targets high-risk environments to reduce electrical fire incidents. 

6 – What changes have been made to identification and notices in domestic properties?

Amendment 2 introduces exceptions for domestic premises in Regulations 514.9.1 (diagrams and charts), 514.12.1 (periodic inspection notices), and 514.12.2 (RCD notices), reducing labeling requirements in households while maintaining safety; a new Regulation 514.16.1 adds SPD labels with domestic exceptions. This streamlines compliance for residential installs. 

7 – How has RCD testing been updated under Amendment 2?

RCD testing now uses an alternating current test at rated residual operating current (IΔn) to verify effectiveness for all types, with Table 3A deleted; Type AC RCDs are limited to fixed equipment without DC components. This simplifies verification while ensuring suitability for modern loads. 

8 – What is new in Chapter 82 regarding prosumer low-voltage installations?

Chapter 82 is a new addition on prosumer’s low-voltage electrical installations (PEIs), providing requirements for design, erection, and verification of systems with local energy production/storage (e.g., solar PV, batteries), ensuring compatibility with public networks and safety in bidirectional flows. This supports the rise of decentralized energy in net-zero homes. 

9 – Why has a new Appendix 11 on warning and instruction labels been introduced?

Appendix 11 was introduced to provide comprehensive guidance on safety signs, warning labels, and instructions required for electrical installations, consolidating requirements to improve clarity and ensure consistent application for enhanced user safety. This addresses gaps in previous editions for better compliance. 

10 – How do these updates impact electricians in terms of compliance and day-to-day installation work?

Amendment 2 impacts electricians by requiring updates to practices, such as m andatory AFDDs in specific buildings (adding £50-£100 per install), revised RCD testing (simplifying procedures but needing new tools), and new documentation for PEIs/Appendix 11 (increasing admin time by 10-20%). Compliance demands CPD (e.g., short courses on AFDDs/SPDs), but exceptions for domestic notices reduce workload there. Overall, it enhances safety but may raise costs 5-10% for materials/training, with Elec Training offering targeted updates to ease the transition.