The ECA survey findings show major opposition to draft 18th Edition of BS 7671, with only 6% of firms expressing ‘absolutely support’ for the proposed update. Nearly three in 10 respondents (28%) said that the planned changes were ‘unfavourable’ or were ‘strongly opposed’ to them. Six in 10 firms (61%) said they ‘somewhat supported’ the proposals.
Almost half of firms (46%) said they believed the 18th Edition would ‘increase business burdens’, while over seven in 10 respondents (71%) said it would ‘make the design and install process more complex’.
Some 533 electrotechnical businesses responded to the ECA industry survey during June and July 2017, including M&E engineers and contractors, consultants, facilities managers and clients.
ECA head of technical Steve Martin said: “These ECA survey findings should be seen as a wakeup call to those determined to push ahead with all the proposed changes to the Wiring Regulations. It’s vital that the voices of electrotechnical businesses and electricians are heard during this process.
“The ECA has a place on the Wiring Regulations committee and we will use this opportunity to ensure any design solutions are practical for installers and contractors. In the meantime, we urge businesses to offer feedback directly to BSI about the proposed changes.”
The proposed changes to the Wiring Regulations are currently out for public consultation until 23 August via the British Standards Institute (BSI). he final 18th Edition will be published in June 2018, before coming into force in January 2019.
Feedback about the proposals can be provided to BSI, at https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/9017-00574.
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