| The wiring regulations have been in existence | | | | 1994, yellow in 1997 blue in 2001 and brown in |
| since 1882. They were created to help with | | | | 2004. The 17th edition's cover is red. |
| safety in lighting circuits with specific attention to | | | | Reasons for the amendments are varied but in |
| the risk presented by fire. The title of the 1st | | | | the case of the most recent editions and |
| edition was in fact 'Rules and Regulations for the | | | | amendments it was the need to adopt a common |
| prevention of Fire Risks Arising from Electric | | | | standard for the European Union that have driven |
| Lighting' | | | | the changes. BS7671 will be updated as the |
| Since 1882 there have been 17 editions of the | | | | European document is either amended or revised. |
| wiring regulations. All these editions have been | | | | The European document is referred to as |
| released with the safety aspect of installations | | | | CENELEC Document. |
| been the main consideration. The actual full term | | | | The legal status of the wiring regulations is |
| used in the latest wiring regulations, the 17th | | | | referred to as non-statutory. This means that |
| edition, is "Safety of persons, livestock and | | | | BS7671 taken in isolation is not actually |
| property against dangers and damage which may | | | | enforceable by law. BS7671 is however reference |
| arise in the reasonable use of electrical | | | | in the Electricity at work regulations 1989 and also |
| installations" | | | | Part P of the building regulations. These are legally |
| The editions of the wiring regulations are updated | | | | enforceable regulations. The reference to BS7671 |
| when the 5th supplement or amendment is due. | | | | is to suggest that following the practices laid out in |
| These supplements are referred to as | | | | BS7671 the Wiring Regulations, would indicate that |
| amendments. For example the 16 th edition went | | | | good practice has been followed. |
| through 4 amendments before the 17th edition | | | | In the event of any legal challenge in regards to |
| was issued. These amendments were issued in | | | | the standard of work carried out within any |
| 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2004. At each amendment | | | | Electrical installation, references to the Wiring |
| the colour of the cover of the wiring regulations is | | | | Regulations could and would be used. BS7671 is |
| changed. For example the covers on the above | | | | therefore a reference to good practices. |
| amendments started as red in 1992, green in | | | | |