Every few years the IEE update the wiring regulations .The latest is the 17th edition which updates on the 16th edition, due January 2008. For more information on the different editions, 1st to the 17th edition see here history of the wiring regulations
Summary on the proposed significant changes to the 16th edition. All of this is up for change so don't take it to be set in stone. The 17th edition is due to come into affect form July 2008 so any circuit designed after that should comply to the 17th version of BS 7671 and not the 16th.
A draft copy of a 17th edition C&G 2382 course is available from here.
These are only a general observation of the changes and are not complete nothing to major apart from perhaps
Regulation 132.13 (drawings for all installations)
Chapter 41 RCD (required for sockets for general use as well as mobile equipment )
Section 701 (Bathrooms Each circuit to require a 30mA RCD)
More changes
Chapter 1 Regulation 131.6 Requirements added to protect against voltage disturbances, electromagnetic forces are the focus.
Comment mostly affecting the equipment connected that it connected to the installation so CE mark on it should and I repeat should mean the equipments meets guidelines
Regulation 132.13 Documentation for every installation as per chapter 51 and part 6.
Think this may mean old installations require the documentation as well as new, only time will tell
Chapter 35 Draws attention to other statutory requirement such as building regulations and others affecting amongst others fire escapes, extraction, emergency lighting.
Could mean a nervous few months as installations will be considered with regulations other than outlined in BS 7671, should have always, but now it seems fresh impedance will put on this.
Chapter 36 Requires consideration of the life of each to be took into consideration.
Not to sure what this means apart from the obvious.
Chapter 41 Direct contact now refers to basic protection and indirect contact is called fault protection
RCD required for sockets for general use as well as mobile equipment
Looks like RCD required on all the sockets in a dwelling not just the downstairs
New tables based on nominal voltage of 230 volts rather than 240 volts
new tables on RCD BS EN 61008 and BS EN 61009
Chapter 54 Allows the use of metallic pipe as an earth electrode provided precautions against removal are in place
Could be useful
Chapter 56 Inspection and testing and periodic inspections changed for safety service such as emergency lighting
Part 6 insulation resistance measurements changed for SELV and PELV circuits
Part 7
Section 701 Bathrooms, Each circuit to require a 30mA RCD
1.Changes in zone definitions for swimming pools and other basis and sauna ZONES A B C are changed for zones 0, 1 ,2,3 respectively.
New special location added
709 Marinas
711 Exhibitions
712 Solar power systems
717 Mobile units
740 temporary installations for fair ground rides, circuses
753 Floor and ceiling heating systems
These are only a general observation of the changes and are not complete nothing to major apart from perhaps
Regulation 132.13 (drawings for all installations)
Chapter 41 RCD (required for sockets for general use as well as mobile equipment )
Section 701 (Bathrooms Each circuit to require a 30mA RCD)
17th edition is due to come into affect form June 1st 2008 so any circuit designed after that should comply to the 17th version of BS 7671