What is the BS7671 aka the 18th Edition?

Introduction

This is just a simple blog about the BS7671 IET Wiring regulations (18^th Edition) to help those new to the Electrical Industry in the UK and it contains answers to some queries that we get as a training provider (Electrical Courses Ltd). It is not intended to be a guide to the regulations and does not intend to interpret them. The aim is merely to give a basic awareness of the BS7671 requirements of Electrical Installations.

The history of the BS7671

The main use of electricity was originally for street lighting replacing gas systems and the first edition was published in 1882 but was known as the “Rules and Regulations for the prevention of Fire Risks arising from the Electric Lighting”.  It then progressed into the home and other types of installations. There have been another 17 editions to date and the title of the regulations has changed a few times. It was formerly known as the IEE Wiring regulations from 1903 to 2008 and then later became the IET Wiring regulation when the 17^th Edition was produced. The Wiring regulations was adopted by the BSI in 1992 and became a British Standard known as the BS7671

What is the 18^th Edition wiring regulations?

The BS 7671: 2018 (2022) IET Wiring regulations, also known currently as the 18th edition Wiring Regulations, is the definitive standard for the electrical industry in respect of safe use and operation of electrical equipment and systems.  They set the requirements and operating criteria for the UK and correspond to Harmonized standards. So in layman’s terms any trainees, electricians or other trades working in the UK on or around general Electrical installations of voltages that does not exceed 1000V AC or 1500V DC are expected to adhere to these wiring regulations.

How is the 18^th Edition regulations structured?

The 18^th edition wiring regulations are divided into 8 Parts and 17 appendices and these cover various important topics on how an electrical installation should be designed, installed and inspected and tested. Here are the parts an appendices in order, which can be seen on page 3 of the 18^th Edition Wiring regulations:

Part 1 – Scope, object and fundamental principles

Part 2 – Definitions

Part 3  – Assessment of general characteristics

Part 4 – Protection for safety

Part 5 – Selection and erection of equipment

Part 6 – Inspection and testing

Part 7 – Special installations or locations

Part 8 – Functional requirements

Appendix 1 – British Standards to which reference is made in BS7671

Appendix 2 – Statutory regulations and associated memoranda

Appendix 3 – Time/current characteristics of overcurrent protective devices

Appendix 4 – Current-carrying capacity and voltage drop for cables

Appendix 5 – Classification of external influences

Appendix 6 – Model forms for certification and reporting

Appendix 7 – Previously Harmonized cable core colours but this was Deleted by BS7671:2022

Appendix 8 – Current-carrying capacity and voltage drop for busbar trunking and powertrack systems

Appendix 9 – Definitions – multiple source, d.c. and other systems

Appendix 10 – Protection of conductors in parallel against overcurrent

Appendix 11 – Warning and user instruction labels

Appendix 12 – Previously Voltage drop in consumers’ installations now moved Appendix 4

Appendix 13 – Escape Routes and Fire Protection

Appendix 14 – Determination of prospective fault current

Appendix 15 – Ring and radial final circuit arrangements, Regulation 433.1

Appendix 16 – Devices for protection against overvoltage

Appendix 17 – Energy Efficiency

What do the regulations numbers refer to?

The regulation numbers can aid in the identification of single or multiple regulations that may be required to check if something in an electrical installation is not BS compliant. So for example if an Electrician needs to find out if an installation or circuit requires an RCD for fault protection they can check regulation 411.5.3. Let’s break this number down:

1. The first number identifies which Part the regulation is in, so in this case the electrician would look at the contents page and find Part 4.
2. The first two numbers identify which Chapter the regulation is in, which would be Chapter 41. From here the electrician can find the page number on the contents of the wiring regulations.
3. Then the first three numbers is the section number which would be section 411 here and the electrician would look through chapter 41 to find it.
4. 411.5 Is the regulation group in this case and it will contain a number of regulations specific to the topic.
5. Finally 411.5.3 is the actual regulation and it contains some requirements and a formula to help the electrician understand if an RCD is needed for fault protection.

Is the BS7671 Wiring regulations the law?

It sounds strange but BS 7671 is a non-statutory, meaning it’s not legally binding but it may be used in a court of law in evidence to claim compliance with a statutory requirement. So if an electrician didn’t completely follow something within the regulations they may not break any laws but if something went wrong at a later date, the electrician could be prosecuted under the Electricity at Works Act and wouldn’t be able to show evidence of complying with British standards. For good practice for all electricians in the UK, it’s always best to follow the IET wiring regulations!

It is also worth mentioning that by following the IET Wiring Regulations when designing, installing or testing, could mean that you are also complying with an act of law such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

How often is the BS7671 Wiring regulations updated?

There is no fixed number but from my experience of the 16^th Edition and 17^th Edition, it seems that the IET will bring out a new edition approximately every 10 years and there will be 3 amendments per edition. So I would expect to see a new Edition of the Wiring regulations in 2028 but that’s just a rough guess.

Why are the regulations updated?

Due to the innovations in technology used throughout the world, the Electrical industry is constantly changing, and this means that there is always new equipment and systems that are required to be installed by electricians. This change will require old regulations to change or deleted and new regulations to be added, so that Electricians can safely install these new systems whilst keeping compliance with the British Standards.

One example of these changes included the wider use of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs). Whilst SPDs are not brand new to the industry, the was increasing evidence of more and more electrical installations being damaged by electrical surges such as lighting strikes. The BS7671 regulations now contains information on what type of installations SPDs are required and how they can be installed.

The updating and maintenance of the BS7671 is the responsibility of a committee of experts from the electrotechnical industry and it is published jointly by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Do you need to be an electrician to take the 18^th Edition course?

No not necessarily, whilst the qualification is primarily aimed at electricians and electrical trainees, it is also suitable for allied trades to undertake. There are times when other trades such as gas engineers, may need to connect up a boiler to an electrical supply, so in this case the gas engineer should have a good understanding of what is required by them to comply with the BS7671 IET Wiring regulations.

Does the 18^th Edition course qualify someone as an electrician?

No not by itself and alarmingly enough, I have seen this several times online, where recruitment companies have advertised online for electricians and their only requirement in the job description was that the candidate held the 18^th edition qualification. I believe this then led some people to think that it was the only qualification they required to become qualified. At the end of the day, the 18^th Edition Course generally lasts no more than 3 days and is studied generally in a classroom. It will contain no practical learning and everything is aimed at just learning about the structure of the regulations, key areas and how to find information within the regulations.

What does the 18^th Edition exam entail?

The 18th Edition exam which is also known as the City and Guilds 2382 exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions over a duration of 120 minutes and the pass mark is 60%. If you would like a practice run, you can always try our free 30 question exam simulator here at https://www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk/18th-edition-exam-simulator-60-mins/

How can I find out more information about the 18^th Edition course?

More information can be found on our website –> 18th Edition Electrical Course – City & Guilds 2382 BS7671 (electricalcoursesuk.co.uk)