What is BS 7671 ?

British Standard BS 7671 “Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations.”, better known as The “Regs” (wiring regulations), is the national standard in the United Kingdom for electrical installation and the safety of electrical wiring in domestic, commercial, industrial, and other buildings.

In general, BS 7671 applies to circuits supplied at nominal voltages up to and including 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC. The standard therefore covers the 230 volt 50 Hz AC mains supply used in the UK for houses, offices, and commerce.

The first edition was published in 1882 as the “Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Fire Risks arising from Electric Lighting.” Click here to look at the history of the wiring regulations in the UK,