Part of the SERT Blog Series: BS 7671 – The Road to Amendment 4 & Beyond
Why the 18th Edition Matters
The BS 7671: 18th Edition is the current standard for electrical installations in the UK. It supersedes the 17th Edition and provides updated guidance on safety, inspection, testing and compliance. For Hampshire electricians, staying current ensures eligibility for work across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, including EV charging, solar PV and battery storage projects.
Key changes introduced in the 18th Edition include:
- Enhanced earthing and bonding requirements
- Updated circuit design and protection rules
- Expanded guidance on inspection and testing procedures
- Clarification for special installations, including smart energy and low-voltage systems
- New considerations for renewable energy and energy storage integration
Compliance Benefits for Hampshire Electricians
Upgrading to the 18th Edition provides immediate professional and commercial advantages:
- Contract Eligibility: Housing associations, facilities management companies, and commercial clients require 18th Edition certification for contractors and electricians.
- Insurance and Liability: Maintaining compliance ensures your work is covered under professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
- Health and Safety: Updated regulations reduce the risk of accidents, fire, or electrical faults on site.
- Career Progression: Prepares electricians for supervisory, QS, or inspection roles while keeping them technically competent.
Hampshire electricians working in Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, and the surrounding areas benefit from the ability to take on higher-value projects immediately after certification.
How 18th Edition Training Prepares You for Amendment 4
While Amendment 4 is expected in 2026, the foundation for compliance starts with the 18th Edition. Training ensures you understand:
- Inspection and testing methodologies that remain relevant for Amendment 4
- Earthing, bonding, and protective measures in modern electrical systems
- Integration of smart energy, EV charging, and low-voltage DC systems
- Certification and documentation standards required by UK law
This approach avoids gaps in compliance and positions electricians to take the Amendment 4 update quickly and efficiently when it is released.
Optional Technical Upskills
SERT also provides complementary modules that align with growing demand in the South-East and Hampshire markets:
- EV Charging Installations: Domestic and commercial setups compliant with Wiring Regulations
- Solar PV & Battery Storage: Safe integration into existing low-voltage networks
- Inspection and Testing: Specialist courses to improve competency and audit readiness
These upskills give electricians the technical edge in renewable and smart energy projects, ensuring readiness for higher-value contracts.
Key Takeaways
- BS 7671 18th Edition is the standard for safe, compliant electrical installations in the UK.
- Upgrading now provides immediate access to work, contracts, and high-value projects across Hampshire.
- It lays the groundwork for Amendment 4 in 2026, avoiding future compliance gaps.
- Optional technical upskills enhance your marketability in EV, solar and inspection work.
Stay Compliant and Future-Ready
Ensure your electrical work meets current UK Wiring Regulations and positions you for Amendment 4 in 2026.
Enrol in SERT’s BS 7671 18th Edition training today, available online, evenings or at our Whiteley training centre, designed for electricians across Hampshire and the South-East.
Secure Your 18th Edition Qualification Today
Stay fully compliant with UK Wiring Regulations and prepare for Amendment 4 in 2026. Join SERT’s BS 7671 18th Edition training now, available at our Whiteley training centre, designed specifically for electricians across Hampshire and the South-East.