Field guide
Amendment 4 without the rumour mill.
A short signpost to the official 2026 transition information. Leccy does not reproduce the standard and this page is not technical advice.
The two dates
- 15 April 2026: BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 was published and could be used.
- 15 October 2026: the previous A2:2022+A3:2024 edition is withdrawn.
The IET says installers may work to either edition during the six-month transition. From 15 October 2026, Amendment 4 becomes the current edition.
What changed at a high level
Official summaries highlight stationary secondary batteries, functional earthing and bonding for ICT, Power over Ethernet, medical locations and updates affecting inspection, testing and model forms. The standard itself and competent-person guidance remain the authority.
Social rented homes
Separate 2025 regulations extended electrical safety duties to the social rented sector in England. Transitional tenancies granted before 1 December 2025 require initial inspection and testing by 1 November 2026, subject to the detailed regulations and government guidance.
Use the primary sources
- IET edition checker and transition explanation
- IET and BSI publication announcement
- NICEIC Amendment 4 information
- Government rented-sector guidance
Check the current official material and your scheme requirements for the work in front of you. Leccy does not determine compliance.