BS 7671 Amendment: What electricians need to know before 15th October

The electrical industry is preparing for an important change this month, as the transition period for Amendment 4:2026 of the IET Wiring Regulations comes to an end.

Published earlier this year, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 – commonly referred to as the new Orange Book – introduces a number of important updates designed to reflect the changing electrical landscape, particularly the rapid growth of battery storage, smart technology and increasingly connected electrical installations.

Until now, electrical contractors have been able to work to either the previous Brown Book or the new Amendment 4 requirements during the transition period.

However, that transition ends on 15 October 2026.

What changes under Amendment 4?

One of the biggest additions is a new chapter covering stationary secondary batteries.

With solar PV and battery energy storage becoming increasingly common in homes and commercial buildings, the regulations now provide more detailed requirements covering the design and installation of these systems.

This includes considerations around battery location, ventilation, fire risk and protective devices, as well as systems involving bidirectional and hybrid inverters.

This is particularly relevant as technologies such as vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid continue to develop.

New requirements for Power over Ethernet

Amendment 4 also introduces a new section covering Power over Ethernet (PoE).

PoE allows both electrical power and data to be transmitted through Ethernet cabling and is increasingly being used for equipment including LED lighting, security systems, access control and other connected devices.

As smart buildings become more commonplace, understanding how these systems fit within BS 7671 will become increasingly important for electrical contractors.

Electrical installations are becoming more complex

The changes are another indication of how quickly the role of the electrician is evolving.

Electrical installations are no longer simply about traditional power and lighting. Contractors are increasingly working with EV chargers, solar PV, battery storage, smart controls and connected building systems.

This follows the introduction of updated competence requirements from 1 October 2026 for areas including EV charging, solar PV and Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS).

For electrical contractors, keeping qualifications, technical knowledge and reference materials up to date is becoming increasingly important.

What should electricians do now?

Contractors who haven't already done so should familiarise themselves with Amendment 4 and make sure they have access to the latest edition of BS 7671.

The previous BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 Brown Book remains valid during the transition period, but this ends on 15 October 2026.

From that point, Amendment 4:2026 becomes the current standard.

Supporting electricians across Greater Manchester

At Lancashire Electrical Distributors (LED), we work closely with electricians and electrical contractors across Greater Manchester and the North West, supplying the products needed for everything from everyday electrical installations to EV charging, lighting, social housing, commercial projects and low-carbon technologies.

With branches in Stockport and Oldham, our experienced teams can help with product selection, technical enquiries and sourcing the right products for your next project.

We also offer same-day delivery on stock items to help keep jobs moving.

Visit LED Stockport or LED Oldham, or get in touch with the team for your next electrical enquiry.