The forthcoming publication of Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 marks another significant step in the ongoing modernisation of the UK’s electrical installation standards.
Set for release on 15 April 2026, this amendment reflects the realities of an industry undergoing rapid technological transformation. Energy storage, digital infrastructure, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Power over Ethernet (PoE) driven smart buildings are reshaping the expectations placed on electrical systems. ICT refers to the networked digital technologies – data cabling, communication systems, servers and connected devices – that now underpin almost every building. PoE, meanwhile, is the method of delivering both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, enabling a new generation of intelligent, network-powered devices.
For installers, designers and specifiers, the amendment is not simply a list of new requirements. It is a signal of where the industry is heading – and why the regulatory framework must evolve to keep pace. Understanding the intent behind these changes is essential for anyone working on modern electrical installations.
One of the most notable additions is the introduction of a new chapter dedicated to stationary secondary batteries. The rise of energy storage systems has been one of the most significant developments in the built environment over the past decade. What was once a specialist technology is now becoming a common feature in homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Batteries are increasingly used to support renewable generation, provide backup power or enable more sophisticated energy management strategies. The new chapter acknowledges this shift by offering clearer guidance on installation practices, protection requirements and integration with existing electrical infrastructure. It reflects a recognition that energy storage is no longer peripheral – it is becoming central to the way electrical systems are designed and operated.
Another important development is the introduction of Section 545, which addresses functional earthing and equipotential bonding for ICT equipment and communication systems. As buildings become more connected, the electrical installation plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of digital systems. Poor earthing or bonding can lead to interference, data loss or equipment malfunction. The new section provides a more structured approach to managing these risks, helping installers create environments where ICT systems can operate predictably and safely. This is particularly relevant as the boundary between electrical and digital infrastructure continues to blur.
Power over Ethernet is an example of that convergence. Once used primarily for low-power devices, PoE has rapidly expanded into a foundational technology for smart buildings. Cameras, access points, sensors and even lighting systems are increasingly powered and controlled through the same cable. With higher power levels and denser cable bundles, the thermal and safety considerations become more complex. Amendment 4 introduces guidance to help installers design PoE systems that are both safe and efficient, ensuring that the technology can continue to scale without compromising performance or safety. This is a recognition of PoE’s growing importance and a necessary step in supporting its continued adoption.
Perhaps the most substantial update comes in the form of a major revision to Section 710, which covers medical locations. Electrical safety in healthcare environments is uniquely critical. Patients may be connected to life support equipment that must operate without interruption, and even minor disturbances can have serious consequences. The revised section strengthens requirements around earthing, bonding and supply continuity, ensuring that installations in hospitals, clinics and care facilities meet the highest possible standards of resilience. This update reflects the increasing complexity of medical technology and the need for electrical systems that can support it reliably. Support equipment that must operate without interruption, and even minor disturbances can have serious consequences. The revised section strengthens requirements around earthing, bonding and supply continuity, ensuring that installations in hospitals, clinics and care facilities meet the highest possible standards of resilience. This update reflects the increasing complexity of medical technology and the need for electrical systems that can support it reliably.
Taken together, these changes illustrate a broader trend: electrical installations are becoming more integrated, more technologically sophisticated and more critical to the functioning of modern buildings.
For those working with wiring accessories, consumer units, circuit protection and distribution equipment, the amendment reinforces the importance of understanding how emerging technologies interact with traditional electrical infrastructure. Installers will need to consider not just the immediate requirements of a circuit, but the broader context in which it operates: the presence of ICT systems, the use of PoE, the integration of energy storage or the demands of a healthcare environment. The amendment encourages a more holistic approach to design and installation, one that anticipates the needs of increasingly complex systems.
As the industry prepares for the transition period following the amendment’s publication, the focus should be on familiarisation and forward planning. The six-month window before the previous edition is withdrawn provides time for installers and specifiers to understand the new requirements and consider how they apply to upcoming projects.
Amendment 4 acknowledges the technologies that are reshaping the built environment and provides a framework to ensure they can be integrated safely and effectively. For the electrical industry, it is both a challenge and an invitation – to stay informed, to adapt and to continue delivering installations that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.