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Pocketa · Kitchen Market Watch

Market updateRegulation and standards

BS 7671 Amendment 4 is published: what to record for kitchen electrical work

By Taz

The IET has published BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. It says the previous Brown Book arrangement, including Amendment 3:2024, remains valid until 15 October 2026 and that installers may work to either edition during the transition.

For homeowners, the useful action is not to interpret the technical changes. It is to make sure the electrician’s agreed scope, timing and certification basis are recorded, particularly where a project crosses the transition date.

At a glance

What changed

Amendment 4:2026 has been published.

Why it matters

Two editions can be in valid use during the transition period ending 15 October 2026.

Worth revisiting

Ask the electrician which edition the work is being designed and certified to, and keep that answer with the quote and completion documents.

What happened

BS 7671 is the national standard for electrical installations in the UK. The IET’s edition checker says Amendment 4 has now been published, while the Brown Book with the applicable amendment remains valid until 15 October.

The existence of a transition period does not mean a homeowner should choose technical requirements or instruct an electrician which clauses to apply. It means the project record should be clear enough to avoid assumptions between quotation, installation and certification.

Why it matters for UK kitchen projects

Kitchen renovations can add or move circuits, sockets, lighting, extraction and fixed appliances. The electrical scope may be discussed early but carried out later, after cabinet and appliance decisions have changed.

If a quote was prepared before the new edition appeared and work is scheduled near or after the transition, it is reasonable to ask the electrician whether anything in the agreed design, materials, timing or price needs updating.

What homeowners may need to revisit

Keep the electrician’s quote, scope and any revised notes. Record the appliance models and power requirements supplied to the electrician, while leaving technical design and compliance decisions to the qualified person.

At completion, retain the relevant certificates and test documentation. If different people handle first fix, second fix or later changes, make sure the latest scope and responsibility are visible to everyone involved.

Sources

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