This technical guidance concerning the application of the requirements of BS 7671 (as amended) Requirements for electrical installations has been discussed and agreed by the Wiring Regulations Advisory Group (WRAG), comprising technical representatives from the following bodies, hosted by Electrical Safety First:
The answers provided by the forum in this part of the website assume that the designer and installer intend to comply fully with the requirements of BS 7671: 2018 (as amended). All new and rewired installations designed after 31st December 2018 are, without exception, required to comply fully with the requirements of the amended standard. Where exceptionally, after that date, designers and/or installers decide to adopt alternative approaches for alterations and additions to existing installations, they must be recorded as departures from the current standard in the box provided for the purpose on electrical installation certificates based on the model form given in the BS 7671: 2018 (as amended). Where such an alternative approach is taken, the designer and/or installer (as appropriate) must be prepared to justify the decision, and the resulting degree of safety of the installation must not be less than that obtained by compliance with the amended standard.
The IET runs the JPEL/64 committee, (the national Wiring Regulations committee), with representatives from a wide range of industry organisations. The committee takes on board information from international committees and UK specific requirements, to ensure consistency and improve safety throughout the UK electrical industry.
This regulated RQF qualification in the requirements of electrical installations has been designed to allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. This qualification (or similar) maybe required for operatives wishing to join some Electrical Registration Bodies, Competent Person Schemes or the Microgeneration Scheme.
The objective of this qualification is for learners to demonstrate they know the scope, object and fundamental principles of BS7671, along with the definitions used within BS7671, how to assess the general characteristics of electrical installations and the requirements of protection for safety of electrical installations.
Points (i) and (ii) allow for more traditional power supplies; however, any socket-outlets or their controls for these purposes must be clearly labelled. Regulation 702.512.2 states equipment must be IPX8 rated and specifically designed for use in a swimming pool, in accordance with Regulation 702.55.1. Switchgear, control gear and junction boxes, or socket-outlets of any nature cannot be installed in Zone 0. Only wiring systems for equipment intended for Zone 0 should be located in Zone 0. All extraneous-conductive-parts must be connected by supplementary bonding to the protective conductors of equipment with exposed-conductive-parts situated in all three Zones, as called for by Regulation 702.415.2. So, when considering your electrical designs, Zone 0 has very restrictive requirements.
Where standards or regulations are mentioned, you must comply with the most current edition at the time of the installation. In cases of apparent inconsistency, the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A1:2020) take precedence for electrical installation requirements.
It is worth noting at this point that full compliance with BS 7671 does not necessarily confer full compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations; as BS 7671 does not provide a competency framework, nor does it meet the requirements for managing electrical safety.
The Health and Safety Executive issued several guidance documents concerning the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, including HSR25- Guidance on the regulations. Even though this is a detailed guidance document, it does not contain any detailed technical guidance on what constitutes a properly designed electrical system; this is where BS 7671 becomes invaluable.
BS 7671 should not be considered a direct replacement for the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and it includes requirements that apply to different legislation, such as the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Where BS 7671 comes into its own is that it is a recognised electrical standard, aligned to both European and International standards, that is regularly updated in line with changes in technology and industry best practice. Whilst BS 7671 cannot be referred to in prosecution; it may be referred to as a credible document in defence.
If work is carried out for gain, then the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and hence the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, applies to those carrying out the work. Since 2005, electrical services have been included within the Building Regulations, With Part P requiring electrical installations to be designed, installed, inspected, and tested by competent persons and firmly directing persons to the requirements of BS 7671. Approved Document P, offering advice on compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations, is heavily influenced by BS 7671 and its associated Guidance Notes.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification although anyone working in social housing responsible for electrical safety management, including those who may not have an electrical background or technical qualification, can apply.
Depending upon the type of establishment, the recommended frequency of inspection and testing can currently range from annually to every 5 years. However, all electrical installations are required to meet the requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations BS 7671 for the UK and equivalent standards throughout the rest of the world.
There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification. However, centres must ensure that candidates have the potential and opportunity to successfully gain the qualification. It is expected that candidates will have basic knowledge of electrical science.
Significant changes are now incorporated within a new Part 8 of BS7671:2022 providing learners with a new Chapter 82 that addresses - Prosumers Low Voltage electrical installations, removal of the risk assessment method for omitting additional RCD protection on socket outlets and new foundation earthing requirements.
The following publications are to be purchased by all customers wishing to take part on the 18th Edition Course. These books are ONLY for sale to customers who have booked a course with us. Books will not be posted out and will be available on the first day of your course. Â80 Add to cart Entry RequirementsThere are no entry requirements for this course however we would recommend that those new to the industry with no installation experience consider taking our Key stage electrical course first.
38c6e68cf9