BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations
The British Standards Institution (BSI) publishes standards and provides a range of books, self-assessment tools, conferences and training services. It also represents UK economic and social interests in European and international standards organisations.
BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations (the wiring regulations also known as the brown book) sets the standards for electrical installations in the UK. It is published by BSI and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Technical authority for this Standard is vested in the Joint IET/BSI Technical Committee JPEL/64. This Joint Technical Committee, which is responsible for the work previously undertaken by the IEE Wiring Regulations Committee and the BSI Technical Committee PEL/64, meets the constitutional and operational requirements of both parent bodies. JPEL/64 has the responsibility for the content of this British Standard under the joint authority of the IET and the BSI Standards Board.
Following a full review, the 18th edition (BS 7671:2018) replaced the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008 as amended.
It is available at: https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671/
Amendment 3 to BS 7671:2018 was published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in agreement with BSI on 31st July 2024 and is intended to be implemented immediately.
This Amendment provides for the inclusion of two new definitions and one new Regulation relating to the use of bidirectional and unidirectional devices.
Amendment 3 can be downloaded at: https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671/updates-to-18th-edition/
NB On August 6 2024, ECA announced a consultation for Ammendment 4 to the regulations. The greatly anticipated amendment will incorporate changes to harmonised standards at European level which the UK has to adopt within a certain time period.
Find out more: Requirements for electrical installations amendment 4 consultation.
See also:
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
- Corrigendum to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
- Amendment 2 18th Edition Wiring Regulations BS 7671 come into full effect.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
- Amendment 2 18th Edition Wiring Regulations BS 7671 come into full effect.
- Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
- Approved document P.
- Corrigendum to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical component.
- Electrical contractor.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Grommet.
- IET announces release of 18th Edition Amendment 2.
- Institution of Engineering and Technology.
- International Organisation for Standardisation.
- Requirements for electrical installations amendment 4 consultation.
- SELECT Scotland's Electrical Trade Association.
- The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.

















