18th Edition Amendment: What's Changed?

As of the 28th March, amendment 2 of the 18th Edition has come into immediate effect. The new changes introduce requirements for AFDDs, updated requirements for fire safety building designs and a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations.

Outlining the below changes (as released by the IET):

·?A new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in some AC final circuits for installations in some higher risk residential buildings;

·?The requirement for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented where specific conditions of external influence exist, such as protected escape routes and locations with risk of fire;

·?Method for determining the requirement to provide overvoltage protection;

· Changes to identification, labels and notices, such as for consumer units, affecting how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation;

·?A chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations, in a new part, Part 8.

Fire Safety

Alongside new AFDD requirements in buildings with complex evacuation systems, such as higher risk residential buildings, Homes in Multiple Occupations (HMOs), purpose build student accommodation and care homes, there have been several other changes to improve fire safety.

Protected escape routes have been defined as those designed by a suitably skilled fire engineer or architect to last longer than a standard corridor. These should be stated in the fire safety design of the building.

Cable support is now required to prevent premature collapse during a fire. Metallic and heat resistant fixings should be used to uphold this standard.

RCD protection

Type AC RCDs cannot be used for DC currents where currents could be affected. This signals a clear shift towards Type A circuit protection which has been happening in the electrical industry for some time.

Risk assessments must declare if RCD is not required as we see the number of scenarios reduced. They can only be used in locations without ordinary persons, children, or those with disabilities, with new testing requirements.

Risk Assessment for SPDs

There is now an absolute requirement for SPDs in scenarios that are likely to cause injury or loss of life, failure of safety service and where there is significant risk of financial or data loss. In all other cases, the owner must declare if SPDs are not required.

Environmental Impacts

The Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations is a positive step in the direction of renewable sources of energy in the future. There are new requirements for Preliminary Environmental Impact Studies to achieve safe operation and sustainable use of energy when integrated into smart grids.

But why are these changes so significant?

The new amendments highlight the growing need for electrical professionals to keep up to date with innovative technologies and information to ensure a safe installation. It is even more important to maintain and upkeep a golden thread of information so that those responsible will be able to easily access reliable, up to date information with the utmost accuracy.

CertOn, the paperless management system, is a key example of innovative technology that is high in demand. Installers and end users can simply scan the QR code and access the properties important documentation.

How Europa Can Help

We have a wide selection of products compliant with the new amendments.

Our range of High Integrity Sentinel Consumer Units come complete with handy datasheet and install instructions. Fully supported with accessory and labelling kit included. With each purchase, you can get a discount with CertOn.

We have a range of 1 module Europa AFDDs (6-40A) with incorporated RCBOs available soon, providing protection against serial and parallel arc fault currents (L-N) not detected by MCBs, RCCBs and RCBOs. Available in both B and C Curves, measuring at 18mm wide for easy fitting into Sentinel Consumer Units using a standard busbar.

Type A RCBOs are also available on their own with a compact design for more wiring space in consumer units, alongside our recently released range of Type A RCD Sockets are easy to install with a robust construction and handy test facility, compliant with new test regulations.

Our technical team are on hand to deal with your enquiries.

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