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 and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.


















