BS 7671 Electrical Regulations Explained
BS 7671 is the UK standard for electrical installations. Commonly known as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, it defines how electrical work must be designed, installed, inspected and tested to ensure safety.
What is BS 7671?
BS 7671 is the British Standard that sets out the requirements for electrical installations in the UK. It is published by the IET and BSI and applies to domestic, commercial and industrial electrical work.
While BS 7671 itself is not law, it is widely accepted as the means of complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Building Regulations in England and Wales.
Who must comply with BS 7671?
BS 7671 applies to anyone involved in electrical installation work, including:
- Qualified electricians and electrical contractors
- Inspection and testing engineers
- Landlords and property managers
- Commercial duty holders
Electrical certificates defined under BS 7671
BS 7671 defines when electrical work must be certified and which certificate should be issued depending on the type of work carried out.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) – for periodic inspection and assessment of existing installations
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) – for new electrical installations and major alterations
- Minor Works Certificate – for additions or alterations to existing circuits
Inspection, testing and verification
BS 7671 requires that all electrical work is inspected and tested to confirm it is safe for continued use. This includes verification of:
- Protective measures against electric shock
- Continuity of protective conductors
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD operation
BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 2
The current edition of the wiring regulations is BS 7671:2018, incorporating Amendment 2. This amendment introduced changes relating to surge protection, AFDDs, and energy efficiency considerations.
Using software to comply with BS 7671
Many electricians now use digital tools to ensure consistency and accuracy when producing certificates under BS 7671.
Electrical certificates software allows electricians to generate compliant certificates, store records securely, and produce professional documentation that aligns with BS 7671 requirements.