One of the most common questions we hear from both working electricians and people considering the trade is about the transition from the 18th Edition to the 19th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. There is a lot of speculation online, so let us set the record straight.
Where We Are Now
The current standard is BS 7671:2018 — commonly known as the 18th Edition. It has been updated three times since its initial publication:
- Amendment 1 (2020): EV charging provisions
- Amendment 2 (2022): Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
- Amendment 3 (2024): Bidirectional protective devices for renewable energy systems
The current qualification you need is the City & Guilds 2382-22, which covers all three amendments.
When Is the 19th Edition Coming?
Looking at the historical pattern of IET regulation cycles, each edition typically lasts around 10 years:
- 15th Edition: 1981
- 16th Edition: 1991
- 17th Edition: 2008
- 18th Edition: 2018
Based on this pattern, the 19th Edition is anticipated around 2028. However, the IET has not confirmed an official date. Before a full new edition arrives, there may also be an Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition, potentially in late 2026 or 2027.
What Will the 19th Edition Likely Include?
While nothing is confirmed, industry expectations include:
- Expanded AFDD requirements — potentially mandatory in more domestic circuits
- Updated EV charging regulations — reflecting bidirectional (V2G) technology
- Battery energy storage systems — comprehensive provisions for home and commercial installations
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) — new guidance for low-voltage data and power systems
- Enhanced energy efficiency requirements — aligned with net-zero building standards
- Prosumer installations — updated rules for homes generating and exporting electricity
Should You Wait?
This is the most important question, and the answer is clear: do not wait.
Here is why:
- The 18th Edition is current and will remain valid for years. Even after the 19th Edition is published, there will be a transition period.
- Updating is straightforward. When the 17th Edition changed to the 18th, a short update course was all that was needed. The same will apply for the 19th Edition transition.
- Lost earning time. Every year you delay training is a year of lost earnings. Qualified electricians earn £35,000-£50,000+ annually.
- Amendment 4 may come first. If an Amendment 4 is published before the 19th Edition, your current 18th Edition certificate simply needs an update — not a complete replacement.
What the Transition Will Look Like
Based on the 17th to 18th Edition changeover:
- The IET publishes the new edition
- A transition period of 12-18 months begins
- During this period, both editions are accepted for new installations
- After the transition period, only the new edition applies
- Training providers offer update courses (typically 1-3 days) for qualified electricians
- Newly qualified electricians will automatically train on the new edition
What You Should Do Now
If you are already qualified, ensure your 18th Edition certificate includes Amendment 3. If it does not, complete an update course.
If you are considering training, start now. Your 18th Edition qualification will serve you well for years, and transitioning to the 19th Edition when it arrives will be a simple update process.