The new chapter covers stationary secondary batteries, responding to the rapid growth of energy鈥憇torage technologies and their increasing deployment both with and without solar PV systems.
It sets out requirements relating to system design, power conversion equipment, bidirectional or hybrid inverters and the suitability of protective devices for two鈥憌ay energy flow, an essential consideration as battery systems are increasingly used for vehicle鈥憈o鈥慼ome and vehicle鈥憈o鈥慻rid applications.听Other safety鈥慶ritical matters covered include appropriate battery location, ventilation, and fire鈥憆isk mitigation.
Other additions include a new section on Power over Ethernet, where low voltage power is supplied to equipment like LED lighting and small appliances, and a new section on earthing for ICT equipment. The section on medical locations has been revised, with more guidance on avoiding dangerous losses of power.
Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET, said: "The IET is [committed] to ensuring the IET Wiring Regulations evolve in line with the technologies shaping modern and future electrical work. The inclusion of new requirements for stationary secondary batteries is a clear example of this progress, as advancing storage technologies increasingly support the integration of renewable energy in our daily lives. It is essential that the sector remains aligned with these developments to maintain safe and resilient electrical installations across the UK."
The Electrical Contractors Association, ECA, has launched its own guidance to the document.听Mike Smith, director of technical and safety, health and听environment at ECA, said: 鈥淎mendment 4 will help ensure the electrotechnical industry continues to work to the highest standards鈥攄elivering safe, compliant installations while keeping pace with today鈥檚 technologies, from EV charging and solar PV to wider low carbon systems.
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鈥淭he resources and events we鈥檙e providing will help Members understand what鈥檚 changing and apply it confidently鈥攖urning compliance into a real advantage for their businesses.鈥�