Due to the hazardous nature of electrical systems and the potential risks involved, electrical installations are a very tightly regulated industry sector. The 18th Edition is the primary regulatory document, which details safe electrical installations and essentially governs the erection and installation of electrical systems.
The formal name of the 18th Edition is the British Standard BS 7671 “Requirements for electrical installations – IET Wiring Regulations”. It is more commonly known within the industry as the ‘wiring regulations’ or ‘wiring regs’. The document is issued by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and was first issued in 1882. The most recent version, issued in 2018, was the 18th Edition of the regulations.
Using the 18th Edition regs in practice
Generally speaking, the regulations apply to electrical wiring systems in commercial, industrial and domestic buildings, and the objective of the regulations is to maintain these systems as safe for the general public who may come into contact with the installation, and safe for electricians working on the systems in the future, while also standardising electrical installation practices across the UK. Meanwhile, new versions of the regulations are periodically issued to keep installations up to date with improving technology, and in line with other legislation. The most recent edition included new technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging stations, for example.
The regulations cover the design, specification, installation, inspection, testing and verification of electrical installations, in both domestic and commercial buildings. The 18th Edition is split into seven different sections:
- 1 – Scope, Object and Fundamental Principles
- 2 – Definitions
- 3 – Assessment of General Characteristics
- 4 – Protection for Safety
- 5 – Selection and Erection of Equipment
- 6 – Inspection and Testing
- 7 – Special Installations or Locations
Do electricians need 18th Edition training?
All electrical installation work carried out in the UK must adhere to the specifications of the 18th Edition standard. And most employers in the UK would expect an electrician to be trained and qualified to a standard where they can demonstrate their understanding of the 18th Edition regulations. Therefore it is recommended that electricians seeking professional installation work gain a recognised qualification for 18th Edition training. Many courses only last around three days and culminate in a two-hour written exam.
So electricians are strongly advised to secure an 18th Edition qualification as it will make it considerably easier to find employment. Many electricians also maintain and refresh their knowledge by undertaking periodical refresher courses. This helps to improve their practical skills, learn new techniques and review the standard of their knowledge.
The importance of the 18th Edition regulations
The 18th Edition regulations are the benchmark for electrical safety in the UK and are the standard by which installations and the individual skills and knowledge of electricians are measured. When designing and managing an installation process it is essential that the 18th Edition is strictly adhered to in order that:
- The installation meets legal compliance
- The installation is sufficiently safe
- The installation is future-proofed and can accommodate the very latest technologies in the electrical sector.
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.