The Truth About the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations and 18th Edition Amendment 4Â Â
Is the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations Coming in 2025? Let's Talk About It
Right, so rumours about a brand-new 19th Edition Wiring Regulations book have been doing the rounds on social media, WhatsApp groups, and even a few training-provider blogs. Some posts claim a 2025 release, others insist you should “hold off booking your 18th Edition exam because the new book is around the corner.”Â
Honestly? None of that chatter lines up with actual facts from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the British Standards Institution (BSI), the only two bodies authorised to publish the UK wiring regulations.Â
Below is a clear, source-driven update you can actually trust, plus practical advice for learners who still need to sit their 18th Edition course (C&G 2382-22) or who worry about amendments invalidating their qualification.Â
Where We Actually Are in the Update CycleÂ
No Publication Date for the 19th EditionÂ
The IET has not announced a draft, consultation, or timetable for a 19th Edition. Let me repeat that, there’s nothing official. If history is any guide, a brand-new edition lands roughly every ten years (17th Edition in 2008, 18th Edition in 2018). That rhythm alone suggests the full rewrite is several years away, not around the corner.Â
Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition Is NextÂ
What is actually in motion is Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition. A committee draft already exists, and the IET currently lists publication for 2026. Amendment 4 will fold in changes to dozens of harmonised European standards the UK is obliged to adopt within a set window. So yeah, changes are coming, just not a whole new edition.Â
What Amendment 4 Is Likely to CoverÂ
Look, the draft can still change before 2026, but the working group has flagged six headline topics:Â
Stationary secondary batteries – guidance on Li-ion rack safety, thermal-runaway mitigation, and isolation. (Basically, making sure battery storage doesn’t become a fire hazard.)Â
Low-voltage generating sets – clearer requirements for micro-grids and combined heat-and-power units.Â
Power over Ethernet (PoE) – cable selection, current limits, and separation from LV circuits. (Because PoE lighting and systems are everywhere now.)Â
Energy-efficiency measures – new informative annex aligning with EN 50600 data-centre standards.Â
Functional earthing for ICTÂ – updates to bonding and isolation for comms racks and 5G edge cabinets.Â
Functional equipotential bonding – emphasis on electronic loads that require dedicated reference conductors.Â
Each section reflects technologies already on site, battery storage, PoE lighting, edge computing, which simply outpaced the 2022 Amendment 2 (“brown book”) wording. To be fair, the regulations are just catching up with what’s already happening in the real world.Â
Why Waiting for 2026 (or Later) Hurts Your CareerÂ
We hear from learners who consider delaying their 18th Edition assessment “until the 19th comes out.” Honestly? That choice costs you in four ways:Â
Impact | What Happens If You Delay |
Lost earnings | Most commercial specs demand current 18th Edition knowledge. No ticket, no job. Simple as that. |
Scope creep | Amendment 4 is not a full edition, you’ll still sit 2382-22 now, then only need to read the updated clauses in 2026. |
Exam stability | C&G says the 2382-22 exam questions remain valid until a new edition lands — not every amendment. |
Employer perception | Site managers expect sparks to keep up via CPD. Waiting looks like reluctance, not strategy. |
The thing is, delaying doesn’t actually save you time or effort, it just puts your career on hold.Â
How Existing Electricians Stay CompliantÂ
If you’ve already got your 18th Edition, here’s what you need to do:Â
Keep the brown book handy, that’s Amendment 2 (ISBN 978-1-839530-16-9).Â
Download Amendment 3 (2024), a free PDF bolt-on that corrects minor typographical errors and clause references. (Yes, it’s annoying that they keep adding these, but it’s also free, so…)Â
Plan for Amendment 4, mark a 2026 refresh in your diary. Most training centres will offer a short update course or webinar rather than a full exam retake, which is honestly the sensible way to do it.Â
Remember: amendments do not automatically invalidate earlier 18th Edition certificates. Industry best practice is to read each amendment, update your on-site method statements, and only retake the exam when a new edition arrives. You’re not suddenly unqualified just because Amendment 4 drops.Â
Spotting Misinformation (Because There’s a Lot of It)Â
A single blog post recently claimed the 19th Edition would appear in 2025 “to align with new EU battery rules.” The claim lacked references and contradicted the IET’s own roadmap, which should’ve been a massive red flag.Â
Always cross-check with:Â
- theiet.org/bs-7671, official code and amendment announcementsÂ
- bsigroup.com, publication dates and ISBNsÂ
- Electrical Safety First newsletters, plain-language summaries once drafts go publicÂ
If a site can’t cite one of those sources, treat the date as speculation. Honestly, there’s so much rubbish floating around on social media that you need to be critical about where your information comes from.Â
Training Options If You Still Need the Regs TicketÂ
Elec Training Birmingham delivers the City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations course (2382-22) in three formats:Â
Format | Contact Time | Ideal For |
Fast-Track (2 days + exam) | 16 hours | Experienced sparks updating from 17th Edition |
Standard (3 days + exam) | 18 hours | Working installers needing flexibility |
Blended online (12 hrs e-learning + 1 day practical + exam) | Variable | Learners outside the Midlands |
All versions include:Â
- Up-to-date brown-book training materialsÂ
- Amendment 3 PDF and printed errata sheetÂ
- Mock exams with instant feedbackÂ
Book any 2025 course and you’ll receive a free Amendment 4 update webinar in 2026, so your knowledge stays current without extra fees. (Which is honestly a pretty good deal.)Â
Lets keep it Simple Â
Let’s recap what you actually need to know:Â
No 19th Edition in sight. Ignore unreferenced 2025 rumours. They’re nonsense.Â
Amendment 4 lands in 2026. It refines the 18th Edition, it doesn’t scrap it.Â
Stay employable now. Passing C&G 2382-22 today keeps you working. The amendment will be a quick CPD session later, not a career-disrupting event.Â
Use official channels. Trust information only from the IET, BSI, or accredited training centres. Seriously, ignore the WhatsApp group speculation.Â
Electrical compliance isn’t a one-off milestone, it’s a rolling commitment. Secure your 18th Edition certificate now, keep an eye on official amendment drafts, and you’ll never fall behind, no matter how many new battery chemistries or PoE standards hit the next brown book.Â
For all your electrical training, from beginner courses to NVQ Level 3 Electrical, you can trust Elec Training. We’ve been doing this long enough to know what actually matters and what’s just noise.Â
FAQsÂ
Is the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations book really being released in 2025?
No, the 19th Edition of BS 7671 is not being released in 2025. Online rumors claiming a June 2025 release are unfounded and misleading, as the IET has not announced any plans for a new edition. Instead, Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition is scheduled for 2026, and the current 18th Edition (with Amendments 2 and 3) remains in effect.Â
What’s the difference between a new Edition and an Amendment to BS 7671?
A new Edition of BS 7671 represents a major overhaul, incorporating comprehensive updates, new sections, and alignment with evolving European standards, typically released every 6-10 years (e.g., 17th to 18th Edition in 2018). An Amendment, however, is a targeted update to the existing Edition, addressing specific changes like clarifications, new requirements (e.g., for surge protection or AFDDs), or minor revisions, without requiring a full rewrite. Amendments are more frequent and build on the current Edition, while new Editions reset the numbering and often involve broader industry consultation.Â
When is Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition expected to be published?
Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition of BS 7671 is expected to be published in 2026. The Draft for Public Comment (DPC) ran from August to November 2024, with finalization ongoing.Â
What topics are likely to be included in Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition?
Amendment 4 is expected to cover topics such as stationary secondary batteries, low voltage generating sets, Power over Ethernet (PoE), energy efficiency measures, functional earthing and protective earthing distinctions, ICT earthing systems, broadcast and network installations, and updates to prosumer electrical installations. These changes aim to address emerging technologies and safety enhancements.Â
Will my current 18th Edition qualification still be valid after Amendment 4?
Yes, your current 18th Edition qualification (e.g., C&G 2382-18 or 2382-22) will remain valid after Amendment 4, as amendments do not automatically invalidate prior certifications. However, you should update your knowledge through an amendment-specific course to ensure compliance with new requirements, as installations must align with the latest version from its effective date.Â
Do I need to retake the full City & Guilds 2382 exam when the amendment comes out?
No, you do not need to retake the full C&G 2382 exam for Amendment 4; instead, an update course and shorter exam (e.g., C&G 2382-22 update) focusing on the changes is typically sufficient if you’ve passed a previous version. This keeps you compliant without repeating the entire qualification.Â
How can electricians stay compliant between amendments without losing work?
Electricians can stay compliant by regularly reviewing IET updates, attending refresher courses, updating method statements and risk assessments to reflect amendments, and incorporating changes into ongoing projects without halting work. Joining professional bodies like NICEIC or using tools like Wiring Matters ensures timely awareness, allowing seamless integration of new rules.Â
Where can I find official updates about new Wiring Regulation changes?
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Official updates can be found on the IET’s Wiring Regulations website (electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671), including free amendments, corrigenda, and Wiring Matters magazine. BSI’s website and professional bodies like NICEIC also provide announcements and drafts for public comment.Â
How can learners tell if online rumours about the 19th Edition are fake?
Learners can spot fake rumors by verifying information through official IET or BSI sources, checking for holograms on genuine publications, and ignoring unreferenced claims or suspicious websites promoting early releases. Look for inconsistencies, like mismatched dates, and rely on trusted industry forums or announcements.Â
What training options does Elec Training offer for the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations course?
Elec Training offers a five-day C&G 2382-22 course covering the 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022), including classroom theory, practical examples, and an exam, suitable for electricians and those needing updates. Options include in-person sessions at their centers, with flexible scheduling for career changers.Â
About the Author
Charanjit Mannu is the Director at Elec Training, a City & Guilds approved vocational training provider based in UK.
With more than half a decade of experience in vocational education and green-energy skills development, Charanjit oversees course design, compliance, and learner engagement across the UK.
His commentary on electrical safety and workforce training has been featured in national outlets including Express, Manchester Evening News, WalesOnline, and Birmingham Mail.
Charanjit is passionate about helping new entrants and experienced electricians achieve recognised City & Guilds qualifications such as 2365, 2357 NVQ, and the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Learn more about his background and current initiatives at https://elec.training/author/charanjit-mannu/.
