The 18th edition of the consumer unit was released in July 2018. This new edition includes a number of changes, which we will outline in this article. If you are a business owner who works with or provides services to consumers, it is important to be aware of these changes and ensure that your business is compliant. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about the 18th edition consumer unit.
The 18th edition of the consumer unit includes a number of changes, which we will outline in this article. The most significant change is the inclusion of a new requirement for arc fault detection and protection (AFDD). This new requirement means that all new consumer units must have AFDD fitted as standard. This is a safety measure that is designed to protect against electric shocks and fires caused by electrical arcs.
In addition to the new AFDD requirement, there are also a number of other changes that have been made in the 18th edition. These include changes to the way in which circuit breakers are rated, as well as changes to the way in which earthing and bonding arrangements are made.
If you are a business owner or manager, it is important that you are aware of these changes and how they may affect your premises. If you have any questions about the 18th edition consumer unit or any other aspect of electrical safety, please do not hesitate to contact a qualified electrician for advice.
Why is it important?
The 18th edition of the wiring regulations is the most recent version of the rules that govern the design, installation and inspection & testing of electrical installations in the UK. The previous version — 17th edition — was published in 2008, so the 18th edition represents a significant update.
What’s changed?
There are a number of changes that have been made in the 18th edition, some of which are listed below:
- A new requirement for automatic fire detection and alarm (AFDD) systems to be installed in certain types of premises
- Changes to the way in which circuit breakers are rated
- Changes to the way in which earthing and bonding arrangements are made.
As always, if you have any questions about the 18th edition consumer unit please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below or reach out to a qualified electrician. And be sure to stay tuned for more informative blog posts on everything 18th edition related!
Thanks for reading.