Insight · 5 min read

BS 7671 Amendment 2: What Changed for Commercial Electrical

BS 7671 Amendment 2 (the 18th Edition Amendment 2, published 2022) tightened several requirements for commercial electrical installations. Inspections post-2022 apply the new standard.

Published 2026-04-15Hampstead Renovations Commercial

Key Amendment 2 changes for commercial

  1. RCD protection extended

    Additional protection by RCD mandatory for most socket-outlets and lighting in commercial buildings. Exceptions narrowed.

  2. Surge protection devices (SPD)

    Strongly recommended (Type 2) in commercial buildings; mandatory where specific risk factors present.

  3. EV charging provisions

    Commercial buildings with car parks now have EV-ready infrastructure requirements (Part S).

  4. Fire safety

    Enhanced fire-safety requirements for escape routes, higher-risk occupations. Tighter cable-containment specifications.

  5. Protective conductor sizing

    Updated requirements — particularly relevant in three-phase commercial.

EICR implications

EICRs carried out post-2022 apply Amendment 2. Existing installations compliant under Amendment 1 may register C3 codes (improvement recommended) under Amendment 2.

What we do

NICEIC-certified Amendment 2-compliant electrical installation. EICR testing, emergency lighting BS 5266. See Lighting & Electrical.

FAQs

Do we need to retrofit our electrical to Amendment 2?

Not automatically. Amendment applies to new installations and alterations. Existing compliant installations continue — but EICR recommendations may trigger upgrades.

Need commercial expertise on this?

Measured survey and fixed-price quote within 10 working days.