Can I ask what are the rules of when the 18th must be applied over the 17th edition. I note in the front of the Regs it mentions the date 31st December 2018. However I’m looking at a scheme where the consultant performance specification was written in 2017 which has been revised a number of times in 2019 and 2020 and now a detailed design is required ready for install. The performance specification mentions the 17th edition all the way through it so what are the rules on this? Surely just because this has been sat on a shelf for a period of time the 17th edition must now be replaced with the 18th edition? I’m presuming there is a time window for this and I don’t know if to complete the design and install it as per the 17th if I would be breaking it.
Chris Pearson: Introduction to BS 7671:2018 (page4)
... Installations designed after 31st December 2018 are to comply with BS 7671:2018.
So if the actual design process has not yet started, it needs to be to 18th Edn.
If anything there may be a matter of contract, but presumably both parties will be content to update.
Except in the case of installations falling within the scope of Section 722.
In that case, Amendment 1:2020 says:
"Electrical installations falling within the scope of Section 722, the erection of which is commenced after 31st July 2020, are to comply with BS 7671:2018 incorporating Amendment 1:2020."
Technically a performance design has been undertaken back in 2017 and now all that's needed is to progress the design by adding more detail. But technically should this be inline with the 17th.
As it is we will ensure its 18th edition compliant but it's an interesting question. If a consultant has undertaken a performance level of design back in 2017 which has then sat on a shelf for a few years then when the design is progressed under a D&B contract should the design meet 18th regulation or the 17th which is stated throughout the contract information.
There might also be some legal considerations - e.g. if the scheme is for private rented dwellings (e.g. block of flats) then the The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are likely to require compliance with BS 7671:2018 before they can be rented out.
Technically a performance design has been undertaken back in 2017 and now all that's needed is to progress the design by adding more detail. But technically should this be inline with the 17th.
As it is we will ensure its 18th edition compliant but it's an interesting question. If a consultant has undertaken a performance level of design back in 2017 which has then sat on a shelf for a few years then when the design is progressed under a D&B contract should the design meet 18th regulation or the 17th which is stated throughout the contract information.
That all depends on the contract, which may over-ride the specification.
The contract, or general specification, may require that standards used are those which are current when the contract is agreed. If the consultant's specification does not align with the contract, and/or the general specification, then this needs to be addressed to prevent a potential "claims and settlement pickle" at the end of the contract.
In standard forms of construction contract there are procedures to be followed for variations to be agreed (or not agreed as appropriate) when standards, legislation, etc. changes.
