BS 7671 Amendment 4: What Actually Changes, and Who It Affects
There's a new amendment to the UK Wiring Regulations, and if you've seen it mentioned online, you might be wondering whether it affects your home. The honest answer for most homeowners is: probably not much. Amendment 4 is a genuinely important update, but it's aimed at specific, narrower areas rather than domestic electrics generally.
What's Actually Changing
Amendment 4 introduces updated requirements covering battery storage systems, Power over Ethernet (PoE) installations, earthing arrangements for ICT (information and communications technology) equipment, and electrical installations in medical locations.
Who This Genuinely Affects
If you're not installing solar panels, a battery storage system, or anything security, fire, or data-related, this amendment likely won't touch your home at all. Where it does matter:
Battery storage and green energy installers. Anyone fitting home battery storage or solar-plus-battery systems needs to be up to speed with the new requirements, this is a genuine retraining point for installers in that space.
Security, fire, and data trades. Power over Ethernet circuits, increasingly used for CCTV, access control, and networked fire alarm systems, fall under updated earthing and installation requirements.
Commercial medical premises. The updated medical locations requirements matter most for dentists, clinics, care homes, and similar premises, not typical domestic or office environments.
What This Means for You
If none of the above applies to your home, there's genuinely nothing to worry about here. If you are considering battery storage, solar, or a plug-in solar system, or you run a dental practice, clinic, or care home, it's worth checking your installer is up to date with the current amendment before work begins.
MS Electrical Solutions maintains current BS 7671 certification as part of our NAPIT accreditation, covering both domestic and non-domestic electrical work across Horley, Crawley, Reigate, Redhill and the surrounding Surrey and West Sussex area, including commercial premises such as clinics and care facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BS 7671 Amendment 4 affect my home? For most homeowners, no. The amendment mainly covers battery storage systems, Power over Ethernet installations, and medical locations, not general domestic wiring.
Who does the amendment actually affect? Installers working with home battery storage or solar-plus-battery systems, security and fire/data trades using Power over Ethernet circuits, and commercial medical premises like dental practices, clinics and care homes.
Do I need to do anything if I'm getting solar or battery storage installed? Worth confirming your installer is working to the current amended standard, particularly relevant given the new rules around plug-in solar systems becoming legal from 27 August 2026.
Is MS Electrical Solutions up to date with this amendment? Yes, current BS 7671 certification is maintained as part of our NAPIT accreditation for both domestic and non-domestic work.
