The IET Academy 18th Edition Certificate in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018. Working with City & Guilds.
Over a century has passed since the 1st Edition of the ‘Wiring Rules’ was published and, although fundamental principles are relatively similar, it is the electrical industry that has changed astronomically in this time. The range of materials and equipment used in the electrical industry, as well as installation methods, are much wider-reaching than ever before.
Why is it important to keep up to date with the current requirements?
Let’s look at it from another point of view. You are likely viewing this article on your smart phone or laptop. What model is it? If current, how long will it be until a newer better model is available? Probably not more than six months. This isn’t just happening with smart phones and laptops; the whole planet is advancing quicker than ever before. There are many emerging technologies being introduced into the electrical industry that require skilled persons, competent in such work, to install them whether it be the installation of a solar PV system, electric vehicle charging point, SPDs or AFDDs. To develop the minimum installation standards for current and emerging technologies experts and specialists are continuously working to produce requirements to be met during the installation of the wiring system so that they are safe to be used.
Undoubtedly, newer and better technology will supersede what is currently being installed. However, it is essential that minimum safety standards are produced and updated so that wiring systems and equipment can be installed by skilled persons that are competent and understand the requirements for electrical installations.
Training options and keeping up to date
The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) is amended or updated every 3-5 years, based on the current price of the book that works out to be between 4-8 pence per day or between £14 and £29 per year. A TV licence costs around five times as much. So in terms of value for money BS 7671 is a winner, if you don’t believe me have a look at the price of some other British Standards!
An electrician, in the UK, will be expected to carry out work in accordance with the current version of BS 7671. There are various qualifications available that an electrician can gain to demonstrate to potential employers and scheme providers when being interviewed or assessed, that they are aware of the current requirements. Training for these qualifications can be gained through colleges and training providers and now there is the IET Academy.
Working in the electrical industry today can be demanding and the thought of taking time off work to sit in a classroom is, for many, not worth thinking about. The IET Academy online training for BS 7671:2018 C&G 2382:18 examination saves taking time away from the job and provides interactive resources to help you to absorb information. The resources are available on your computer, tablet and even your smartphone which means that there is no need to take valuable time off work. The package also provides three full practice exams to work through, so that you can build up confidence, knowledge and understanding before sitting the exam. After completing the IET Academy 18th edition course, the examination can be taken at a local exam centre as usual. The course material provides information and guidance on how to book the exam.
BS 7671 18th Edition available from Monday 2 July
The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations published on the 2nd July and will come into full effect as of January 2019. BS 7671 is one of the few British Standards that has a transitional period. This means that from publication there will be roughly six months that either the current edition or the new edition can be used. This does not mean that installations can be installed using two different standards, for example, if a new installation is started using BS 7671 2008 +A3:2015 then the entire installation must be to that standard. The same is true if you are using the 18th Edition.
2019
As of January 2019 all electrical installations within the scope of BS 7671 should comply with the 18th Edition. If you are a member of a scheme operator you will most likely be required to produce a certificate to show that you have passed the 18th Edition examination. For those of you who have been in the industry for a while, there is the option of an update course and if you are new to or returning to the electrical industry there is a full course available.
For more details on the courses available please visit https://academy.theiet.org/training-courses and don’t forget the new electrical website packed full of useful information and links https://electrical.theiet.org/