BS 7671 has always been about capacity, safety and control of electrical installations. Could energy efficiency negate that?

The Harmonised Document, IEC 60364-8-1 Low Voltage electrical installations - Part 8-1: Energy Efficiency, respects the emphasis of safety and operational control in the first instance. It also, however, requires energy efficient electrical installation designs.

Using IEC 60364-8-1 as a point of reference, the Designer's Guide to Energy Efficient Electrical Installations:

• Prepares users for meeting the new challenges and opportunities presented by energy efficiency
• Explains the areas likely to be incorporated into BS 7671 and how this will affect electrical installations in the UK
• Keeps designers ahead of the game when designing future installations
• Looks at energy efficiency in a holistic fashion and examines the potential issues caused by just focusing on one or two specific areas
• Explains the responsibilities of designers and clients in ensuring an energy efficient electrical design

Important note: This guide makes reference to IEC 60364-8-1:2014 and BS 7671:2008+A3:2015. Both these publications have been superseded by IEC 60364-8-1:2019 and BS 7671:2018+A1:2020. While reference to these standards is now out of date, the key energy efficiency design principles for electrical installations covered in the guide still hold true. The guide also highlights a process of ongoing assessments and improvements to energy efficiency in electrical installations. The metrics have changed but the original assessment process and principles are still relevant.

Designers are also reminded to ensure that they keep up to date with building legislation requirements.

The Guide may be updated in due course to reflect the most current version of these standards.