IEE 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
The 17th Edition is coming into effect in July 2008 and will be officially released on the 1st January 2008. This will be a direct replacement for the 16th Edition. If you are currently studying the 16th, then don't panic as you won't have to do the whole course again, just a bridging course. If you haven't yet completed the 16th, it may be worth waiting a few months until the 17th is launched so you can do the whole course. Anybody currently studying a technical certificate like the 2330 will continue to study to the 16th Edition until September 2008.
The previous 16th Edition course was known as the City and Guilds 2381, the new codes for the 17th Edition are the 2382-10 for the full course and the 2382-20 for the update course if you already hold a 16th Edition qualification. As before, the course is targeted at electricians, related contractors and electrical engineers.
There are several big changes being made to the new version of BS7671, as well as the qualifications implications. The main changes are:
- New definitions in Part 2
- Protection receives new definitions, direct contact becomes basic protection, indirect contact becomes fault protection and a new category of additional protection relating to the protection of vulnerable circuits now requiring RCD protection.
- Part 5 now includes busbar trunking and powertrack systems
- Minimum insulation resistance values have been increased
- RCD protected socket outlets can now be installed outside 3m from a bath or shower
- Zone 3 has now gone
- Supplementary protection has also been removed
- Special locations has been expanded to include 6 further areas, marinas, exhibitions, photovoltaic installations, mobile units, amusement parks, floor and ceiling heating systems
There are many more changes, those listed are probably the most significant to the practising electrician.
Further information can be sourced via the IET (formerly the IEE) alternatively visit the NICEIC website at http://www.17thedition.info