Wholesaler Guide Luceco explores Amendment 4
With electrification continuing to reshape domestic and light commercial installations, the arrival of Amendment 4 to BS 7671 marks an important moment for the industry.
W
hile not every update will affect every contractor in the same way, the latest changes reflect a
much wider shiſt in the market, with installations increasingly needing to accommodate battery storage, EV charging, additional sources of supply and more complex protection requirements. This means Amendment 4 is not simply another regulatory update to note and move on from. It is a sign that the demands placed on modern installations are continuing to evolve, and that design, coordination and product selection need to evolve with them.
Modern installations need a more joined-up approach
One of the clearest themes running through Amendment 4 is that installations can no longer be viewed as simple, one-directional systems. As homes and smaller commercial premises increasingly incorporate solar PV, battery storage, EV charging and other connected technologies,
24 | electrical wholesalerJuly 2026
“The demands placed on domestic boards have changed significantly. As more installations include EV charging, solar and battery storage, contractors need to think more carefully about protection, coordination and whether a board is truly suitable for the wider system it is serving.”
consumer units and distribution boards are being asked to do more than ever before. Amendment 4 reinforces the importance of taking a more considered approach to board design, overload protection and assembly suitability, particularly where an installation includes more than one source of supply operating in parallel. It also makes clear that
diversity should not be used as a shortcut when assessing overload protection in these situations. Alongside that, there is greater emphasis on the role of bidirectional and unidirectional protective devices, as well as clearer guidance around RCD selectivity and combinations that should not be installed upstream of others.
Philip Grove, product manager for BG Circuit Protection, said: “The demands placed on domestic boards have changed significantly. As more installations include EV charging, solar and battery storage, contractors need to think more carefully about protection, coordination and whether a board is truly suitable for the wider system it is serving. Amendment 4 reinforces that point and reflects the reality of modern electrical work.”
This is not just a conversation about compliance. It is about practical board-level thinking, safe installation design and helping contractors to choose protection that remains appropriate as the installation grows and changes.
ewnews.co.uk
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