The wiring regulations are a standard used across the United Kingdom for electrical wiring. It is also commonly referred to as the regs or wiring regs. This standard describes the requirement for installation of fixed cabling within a building or premise. It is solely meant to stick to safety and the correct practices. Testing of an existing electrical wiring is a part of it.
As far as the UK is concerned, the regs or wiring regulations are meant to ensure a safe and consistent approach to wiring and other electrical works. If we look back at history the first such regulations made their appearance in the year 1982 and since then the standard of wiring regulations has evolved across the timeline. Consequent editions have appeared as a result of evolution in technology as well as thinking on safe procedures along the timeline. It is relevant to mention that the UK wiring standards are exemplarily harmonised with wider regulations that are practices in Europe.
In addition to that the UK standard is also harmonised with the IEC 60446 standard. The UK and other countries have different regulations. Therefore, understanding specific standards and their applications is crucial.
BS (British Standard) 7671
BS 7671 is the current standard which is used in the UK and in serial order it is the 18th edition of wiring regulations since 1982. It has come into effect since January 01, 2019 and since then is the national standard explains a licensed electrician in London. Electrical safety standards are crucial for all types of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial. The BS NUM0 guide provides the essential safety standards for electrical installations.
The BS 7671 has everything covered ranging from circuits supplied at nominal voltages to 1000 volt AC and 1500 volt DC. You can also apply it to both ELV (stands for Extra Low Voltage ranges) and LV (Low Voltage) ranges across a wide variation of frequencies.
The current 18th edition of wiring regulations obviously came up and replaced the previous 17th edition. (Timeline of the 17th edition is from 2008 to 2018 although this information may not be very relevant here in the ongoing context) the current 18th edition obviously has a number of key additions compared to the just previous one. Some of these additions include the following –
- Use of arc fault detection devices
- Surge protection devices and
- Energy efficiency
The eighteenth edition underwent an amendment in February 2020 related to installations of charging electric vehicles (EV).
The Eighteenth Edition Electrical Training
These regulations bring in additional works that are to be carried out. These works are quite complex and hence specialised training courses are necessary to provide guidance. The training courses end with awarding certification. These training courses provide knowledge and a clearer understanding of regulations and their practical application in electrical work. This knowledge is gained through understanding wiring and installation practices. Such a certification demonstrates the individual who achieved it possesses a sound understanding of the regulations. In order to achieve the certification one has to clear an examination to undergo assessment.
Electrical Elements included in the Eighteenth Edition Training
There are various topics or elements that are included in the Eighteenth Edition Training to ensure both a rookie and an experienced electrician possess a clear understanding of the current British standards of wiring regulations. The IET Wiring Regulations include some of the key subjects like the following –
- Scope, Object and Basic Principles – This section duly covers the BS 7671 with particular stress on the aims and objectives of regulations. It also includes the necessity of maintaining and sticking to those regulations thoroughly.
- Definitions – It is important for electricians to have a complete and clear understanding of the terminologies that are used in practice. The IET book provides clarity for every word, phrase and acronym used in the trade.
- General characteristics assessment – This section involves a general overview of the characteristics and comparisons of electrical installations.
- Protection for safety – The most important section of the regulations is the safety precautions and it is covered in the IET book. This section unarguably provides electricians the much needed knowledge of technical requirements for the following –
- Prevention of improper installation and
- Protection from potential dangers like electrical shock, electrical fire and explosion
- Prevention of improper installation and
Common set of terminologies
In the practical world of electrical works certain terminologies are commonly used when wiring regulations are concerned. One must understand the meaning of the terms. They must also understand how these terms relate to electrical work. Some of most commonly used terms include the following –
- Building Regulations
This particular term is used to denote the requirements and criteria to ensure electrical safety. The UK requires compliance with building regulations for all electrical installation work on residential properties. This ensures safety and adherence to standards.
Building regulations never actually restrict who can perform or execute a proposed work. These regulations do not either define standards for safety of electrical appliances and devices. When electrical appliances are concerned the building regulations make sure the fixed connections are safe. These regulations do not cover the quality and the safety of an actual appliance. Those responsibilities actually lie of a resident or a homeowner.
Permit to work
As far as electrical wiring regulations are concerned a “permit to work” is only a formal confirmation that an electrical wiring has been isolated and is completely safe to work on. It is important to receive a “permit to work” before starting any work and particularly those involving high voltage and high risks. If you start a work without a “permit to work”, then you not only break the regulations and it is also quite unsafe. Depending on certain circumstances or situations this can even prove to be extremely dangerous.
- Competent Person Schemes
By and large this refers to Part P of the regulations. In order to possess the ability of certifying your own work it is necessary that you be a part of domestic installers’ competent person scheme. When the UK is concerned there are several organisations or bodies. Some of the most relevant names in this context include NICEIC, NAPIT, Elecsa and others. Now the question is how do you join a competent person scheme?
In order to join it is important that you the organisation that you possess the necessary understanding as well as experience, suggest qualified electricians working at the Electric Works London. These organizations prioritize safety and compliance. They aim to ensure safe work practices while adhering to relevant standards.
