Draft for Public Comment now issued.
The IET and BSI (British Standards Institution), who co-publish BS 7671, have now issued the Draft for Public Comment (DPC) for Amendment 2, giving the electrical industry the opportunity to read through the proposed changes and provide feedback ahead of publication. The DPC period runs from 21st September to 11th December 2020.
Reaction from the top of the industry has been prompt and positive with NAPIT announcing it will be hosting a live webinar on Monday 28th September (6pm), which will give members a week to digest the information within the DPC beforehand. The webinar will go through the proposed changes and allow members the opportunity to engage in Q&A with JPEL Committee representatives Frank Bertie, Paul Chaffers and Richard Townsend.
Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer, (JPEL/64 member and deputy chair of Sub Committee A) at NAPIT said: “This Amendment is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible for BS 7671. It’s important that our electrical members keep up to date with the ever-changing technologies and ways of working to ensure they’re working to the safest standards. I urge NAPIT members, likewise the rest of the industry, to read and comment where they feel appropriate on the new DPC.”
You can register your interest in the forthcoming NAPIT webinar by clicking here
Elsewhere, John O’Neill, NICEIC and ELECSA’s Director of Technical Excellence, commented: “Providing the first glimpse of the proposed changes to the regulations which are planned to be introduced in March 2022, this document is vitally important in shaping how our industry operates.
“Outlining some extensive changes, which, if implemented, could have significant ramifications for all electrical contractors, the DPC provides everyone within the electrotechnical industry with an opportunity to put forward their views, and I urge all to engage and comment.”
He continued: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure we form part of the process when it comes to important introductions such as this. As such, we will be working with NICEIC and ELECSA members in the coming weeks to explore the document in greater detail.
“While it is important to remember that ultimately the proposed changes have been brought forward to improve safety and provide alignment with both International and European standards, we must ensure implementation is both practical and achievable for contractors.”
A top-line summary of some of the proposed changes shown within the DPC are as follows:
- The introduction of a new Part 8 – Functional Requirements. This includes Chapter 82: Prosumer’s Low-Voltage Electrical Installations.
- Changes to the regulation surrounding AFDDs on circuits less than 32A
- Removal of the risk assessment method for omitting additional RCD protection on socket outlets
- Alterations to the model forms situated in appendix 6
- New cut-off date for complying with the 18th Edition
- Alterations surrounding SPD requirements
- New foundation earthing requirements
- New protected area requirements (protected escape routes)
To view the full DPC, click here
Once there you will be prompted to log in – if you do not have a BSi account, you will have the option to register for one for free. Please note this is a requirement for viewing the DPC and providing comment.
