The 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2008) was published in January 2008, and will come into effect from the 1st July 2008.

From then on all commercial, domestic and industrial wiring installations must be designed, constructed, inspected, tested and certificated to meet the requirements of BS 7671: 2008.

Some electrical contractors may ask why we need another Edition of the Wiring Regulations.

This is a fair question, considering the amount of reprints and amendments over the years.  You might think that, to date, there have only been three editions of the Wiring Regulations since the 14th Edition was published in 1966.

However, consider this: Although the 14th Edition was issued in 1966, it was reprinted in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1976. The 15th Edition was issued in 1981 but reprinted in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988. Finally, the 16th Edition was issued in 1991, but reprinted in 1992, 1994, 1997 and 2004 too!

A combination of new technologies, products and continuing harmonization mean that the Wiring Regulations have to incorporate changes such as these; and we can expect no let up in this progress as time goes by.

The following information outlines some of the more significant changes expected, based on the draft issued for public comment. It may be worth having a copy of the 16th Edition handy when reading this, so you can see clearly aspects of the proposed changes.

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To find out more about the services provided by NICEIC, please follow the link for Technical Approvals.

Do your research if you’re planning on getting electrical work carried out in your home. Homeowners can find out if an electrician is a member of NICEIC by checking on www.niceicgroup.com or calling 0870 013 0382.

Installers who use the logo and pose as NICEIC regulated electricians are frequently exposed and prosecuted.

NICEIC is the UK’s leading electrical regulatory body and its registered installers are assessed every year by Area Engineers to ensure they meet specific technical standards.

“Complaints made against businesses who falsely claim membership of organisations such as NICEIC which operate strictly controlled Schemes concerned with public safety will always be thoroughly investigated by the Trading Standards Service of Hampshire County Council in keeping with the corporate priorities of the Authority,” commented Ray Matthews, Principal Trading Standard Officer for Hampshire County Council.

All Electrical Installation works, completed by us, are covered by a written guarantee that the installation complies with all relevant regulations.  For new installations be careful not to employ an unqualified electrician, and then apply for certification.  Regulations clearly state that new installation certificates can only be issued if the work has been carried out in accordance with the regulations i.e. in other words testing is not sufficient, it is also necessary to inspect the work that has been carried out - which can prove very costly, as wiring may be enclosed, hidden away or involve removing skirtings, floorboards etc.

We also issue the relevant NICEIC Certification on all electrical works completed by ourselves where necessary.

NICEIC Approved Contractor - Industrial   Commercial   Domestic