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Electrical Safety in Dwellings and including

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guidance on the Scottish Building Regulations

electricians guide

ELECTRICIANS
GUIDE TO THE
BUILDING
REGULATIONS

Published by The Institution of Engineering and Technology, London, United Kingdom


The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales
(no. 211014) and Scotland (no. SC038698).
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is the new institution
formed by the joining together of two great institutions: the IEE (Institution
of Electrical Engineers) and the IIE (The Institution of Incorporated
Engineers). The new Institution is the inheritor of the IEE brand and all its
products and services, such as this one, which we hope you find useful.

2005, 2008, 2014 The Institution of Engineering and Technology


First published 2005 (0 86341 463 X)
Reprinted (with minor amendments) 2006
Second edition 2008 (978-0-86341-862-4)
Reprinted (with minor amendments) 2009
Reprinted 2010, 2011, 2012
Third edition 2013
This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention. All
rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism
or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may be
reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, only with the prior permission in
writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of
licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those
terms should be sent to the publishers at The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael
Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.
Copies of this publication may be obtained from:
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
PO Box 96, Stevenage, SG1 2SD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1438 767328
Email: sales@theiet.org
www.theiet.org/wiringbooks
While the author, publisher and contributors believe that the information and guidance given in this
work are correct, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use of them.
The author, publisher and contributors do not assume any liability to anyone for any loss or damage
caused by any error or omission in the work, whether such an error or omission is the result of
negligence or any other cause. Where reference is made to legislation it is not to be considered as legal
advice. Any and all such liability is disclaimed.
ISBN 978-1-84919-556-0
eISBN 978-1-84919-290-3
Typeset in the UK by Carnegie Book Production, Lancaster
Printed in the UK by Polestar Wheaton

Contents

Cooperating organisations

vii

Preface

ix

Chapter 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10

Legislation

Health and safety


The Building Regulations
Approved Document P: Electrical safety Dwellings
Notification to Building Control, etc.
Notifiable work
Non-notifiable work
Provision of information
Scottish Building Regulations
Welsh Building Regulations
Building Regulations in Northern Ireland

Chapter 2

Design, selection and erection of electrical installations

1
5
8
10
13
15
15
15
16
16
17

2.1 Design
2.2 Selection of materials
2.3 Installation

17
19
20

Chapter 3

27

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5

Mains position

Location and accessibility


Supply systems
Earthing and protective equipotential bonding
Labelling
Installing residual current devices (RCDs)

27
29
32
36
39

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

iii

Chapter 4

Circuit specifications

43

4.1 Standard circuits


4.2 Final circuits using 13 A socket-outlets (to BS 1363-2) and fused
connection units (to BS 1363-4)
4.3 Permanently connected equipment: requirements for switching
4.4 Cooker circuits in household or similar premises
4.5 Water and space heating
4.6 Lighting circuits

49
51
51
52
53

Chapter 5

55

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9

Chapter 6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

55
56
58
63
65
66
67
69
69
71
71
78
80
93

Safe working

95

Safety policy and risk assessment


Pre-work survey
Pre-work tests
Isolation
Defects in electrical installations

95
96
97
98
98

Chapter 8
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4

Inspection and testing

Introduction
Inspection
Testing
Operation of residual current devices (RCDs) and residual current
breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBOs)

Chapter 7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5

Kitchens, special installations, special locations, etc.

Introduction
Kitchens
Locations containing a bath or shower
Swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.
Hot air saunas
Floor and ceiling heating systems
Outdoor lighting and power, sheds and garages
Solar photovoltaic systems and small-scale embedded generators
Builders supplies

43

Maintenance

101

The need for maintenance


Domestic installations
Purpose of periodic inspection (condition reporting)
Electrical Installation Condition Report

101
102
102
102

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

iv

Chapter 9
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9

Three-phase supplies

113

Electricity distribution
Dwellings
Characteristics of three-phase supplies
Fault levels
Design
Alternating voltage and current
Power
Single-phase a.c. equipment
Three-phase a.c. equipment

113
113
114
116
116
117
118
119
119

Chapter 10 Other Building Regulations

121

10.1 Structure (Approved Document A)


10.2 Fire safety (Approved Document B)
10.3 Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
(Approved Document C)
10.4 Resistance to the passage of sound (Approved Document E)
10.5 Ventilation (Approved Document F: 2010 edition)
10.6 Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings (Approved Documents
L1A and L1B: 2010 editions)
10.7 Access to and use of buildings (Approved Document M)

122
125

Chapter 11 Identification of conductors

145

11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7

145
147
149
150
151
151
152

Introduction
Addition or alteration to an existing installation
Switch wires
Intermediate and two-way switch wires
Line conductors in a new installation
Changes to cable core colour identification
Addition or alteration to a d.c. installation

131
132
134
138
142

Chapter 12 Scottish Building Regulations

153

12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7

153
154
154
155
158
159
162

Introduction
Legislation
Scottish guidance documents
Procedures
Electrical installations
Guidance on electrical work not requiring a warrant
Comparison between Scottish and English guidance documents

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

Chapter 13 Welsh Building Regulations

163

13.1
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.5

163
164
166
169
172

Introduction
Approved Document P: Electrical safety Dwellings
Notification to Building Control
Non-notifiable minor work
Provision of information

Appendix A The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification

173

Appendix B Electrical self-certification schemes

203

Appendix C Approved Document B: Fire safety extracts

207

Appendix D Safety instructions

215

Index

231

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

vi

Cooperating
organisations
The Institution acknowledges the invaluable contribution made by the following
organisations in the preparation of this Guide.
Association of Manufacturers of
Domestic Electrical Appliances
S.A. MacConnacher BSc CEng MIEE MInstR
BEAMA Ltd
P.D. Galbraith IEng MIIE MCMI MIEE
BEAMA Installations Ltd
Eur Ing M.H. Mullins BA CEng FIEE FIIE
P. Sayer IEng MIIE GCGI
British Cables Association
C.K. Reed IEng MIIE
City & Guilds of London Institute
H.R. Lovegrove IEng FIIE
Department for Communities and Local
Government
K. Bromley MIEE
Electrical Contractors Association
G. Digilio IEng FIEE ACIBSE MSLL
Electrical Safety Council
ERA Technology Ltd
M.W. Coates BEng

Institution of Engineering and


Technology
M. Coles BEng(Hons) MIEE
P.E. Donnachie BSc CEng FIET
Lighting Association
L.C. Barling
National Association of Professional
Inspectors &Testers
F. Bertie MIET
National Inspection Council for
Electrical Installation Contracting
Scottish Government Building Standards
Division
SELECT
D Forrester IEng MIET MInstM
Society of Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers serving Local Government
C.J. Tanswell CEng MIEE MCIBSE
Author
P.R.L. Cook CEng FIEE

Excellence, Achievement & Learning


K. Sparrow
The GAMBICA Association Ltd

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

vii

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

viii

Preface

This book gives guidance on the Building Regulations for England, Scotland and Wales. It
includes guidance not only on the requirements for electrical installations (Part P) but also
for other parts of the Building Regulations (Parts A, B, C, E, F, L and M) that persons carrying
out electrical installations are expected to comply with.
This book has been updated in line with BS 7671:2008(2011) and the changes to Approved
Document P that took place in April 2013. Further information pertaining to the third-party
certification will be available from the IET website at www.theiet.org/building-regs
after the implementation of competency schemes by the Department for Communities
and Local Government (DCLG). Check back to this web page to download the updates
free of charge.
This book is designed as a course book for a range of EAL qualifications, including:
ff the EAL Level 3 Certificate In Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of
Electrical Installations in Dwellings (QCF) and
ff the EAL Level 3 Award In Approving Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings in
Compliance with Building Regulations
which have been developed to meet the new Qualified Supervisors technical competence
requirements.
Domestic circuit schedules that comply with BS 7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical
Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition) are described. They are not necessarily
the most cost-effective for any particular installation, but have the advantage of being
simple and generally applicable.
Approved Documents are intended to provide guidance for some of the more common
building situations. However, there may well be alternative ways of achieving compliance
with the requirements. Thus, there is no obligation to adopt any particular solution
contained in an Approved Document if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement in
some other way.

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

ix

Index
A

accessibility requirements
2.1.2.3, 10.7
additions and alterations
2.1.2, 7.2
alternative supplies, warning
3.4.11
1.2.2, Ch. 10
Approved Documents
A: Structure
10.1
B: Fire safety
10.2, App. C
C: Site preparation and
resistance to contaminants
and moisture
10.3
D: Resistance to the passage of
sound
10.4
E: Ventilation
10.5
L1: Conservation of fuel and
power
10.6
M: Access to and use of buildings 10.7
P: Electrical safety
1.3, 5.1

bathrooms
5.3
notifiable work
1.5.2
ventilation
10.5
bedrooms, with shower
5.3.2
boiler efficiency
10.6.3
bonding conductors: see protective
bonding conductors
bonding connections to metal pipes 3.3.2
labelling
3.4.1
builders supplies
5.9
Building Control
certification of work by
1.4.4, 6.1.2
notification to
1.4.1, 1.4.41.4.5
Building Regulations
1.2.1
non-notifiable work
1.6
notifiable work
1.5
notification to Building Control, etc. 1.4
provision of information
1.7
Scotland
1.8, 1.2.1, Ch. 12
Wales
1.9, 1.2.1
see also Approved documents
building work, definition
1.2.1
buried cables
5.7.2

cables
colour codes
3.4.9, 4.1.2, Ch. 11
cross-sectional areas
Table 2.3.1,
Table 4.1
grouping
4.1.1
installation
2.3
openings for
10.4, App. C/7
rating
Table 2.3.1, Table 4.1
in thermal insulation
2.3.1
cable sheath earths
3.2.2
ceiling heating systems
5.6
ceilings, cables above 2.3.2, Table 2.3.1
CE marks
2.2.2
certification of work
1.4.21.4.4,
6.1.26.1.3
certification schemes
2.2.3, App. B
chases
10.1.2
circuit breakers: see residual current
devices (RCDs)
circuit protective conductors, testing 6.3.4
circuits
Ch. 4, Table 4.1
cooker
4.4
lighting
4.6
permanently connected equipment 4.3
socket-outlets and fused
connection units
4.2
water and space heating
4.5
colour codes
3.4.9, 4.1.2, Ch. 11
compartmentation
App. C/5
competent enterprises 1.4.1, 13.3, App. A
competent persons
1.4.2, 6.1.2,
App. A, App. B
compliance
1.3.3
compliance certificates
1.4.7, 6.1.2
condition reporting
8.4
conductors
identification
Ch. 11
operating temperatures
2.3.1
see also earthing conductors;
protective bonding conductors

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


The Institution of Engineering and Technology

231

Index
electrical supply
alternative supplies
3.4.11
connection
1.1.7
construction sites
5.9
location
2.1.1, 3.1, 10.3
supply systems
3.2
three-phase
9.1
electric floor heating
5.6, 5.3.1
Electricity at Work Regulations
1.1.2
Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity
Regulations (ESQCR)
1.1.7, 2.1.1, 3.1
electric panel heaters
10.6.4
Electrotechnical Assessment Scheme
7.1
Electrotechnical Assessment
Specification (EAS)
App. A
embedded generators
5.8
energy conservation
10.6
equipment standards
2.2.2
exemptions
1.3.2
extensions to existing buildings 2.1.2, 7.2
smoke alarms
10.2.2
external lighting
5.7, 10.6.2
extractor fans
5.3.1, 10.5

conservation of fuel and power


10.6
Construction (Design and Management)
(CDM) Regulations
1.1.4, 1.1.8
construction sites
5.9
consumer units
accessibility
3.1, 10.7
residual current devices (RCDs)
3.5.2
continuity tests
6.3.4
controlgear, labelling
3.4.2
cooker circuits
4.4, Table 4.1
cross-sectional areas, cables Table 2.3.1,
Table 4.1

d.c. installations
11.7
defects in electrical installations
7.4
diagrams
3.4.7
disability access
2.1.2.3, 10.7
distribution boards
labelling
3.4.3
location and accessibility
3.1
see also consumer units
domestic hot water (DHW)
10.6.3

earth clamps
3.4.1
earth electrode resistance
6.3.8
earth fault loop impedance
6.3.9
earthing
3.3
earthing conductors
3.3.2
continuity tests
6.3.4
earthing connections, labelling
3.4.1
earthing terminal
3.3.1
electrical equipment
builders
5.9
compliance with standards
2.2.2
permanently connected
4.3
supplied from more than one
source
3.4.5
three-phase
9.9
Electrical Installation Certificates
6.1.3
electrical installations
additions and alterations
2.1.2, 7.2
cable installation
2.3
condition report
8.4
inspection
6.2, 8.3
materials and equipment
compliance
2.2
new buildings (installations)
2.1.1
pre-work surveys and tests
7.27.3
three-phase supplies
9.5
see also circuits
electrical safety
1.3, 5.1
see also safe working

fault current
6.3.10, 9.4
fire detection and alarm systems
10.2.2,
10.2.4, App. C/1
fire protection 10.2.3, App. C/5, App. C/7
fire stopping
App. C/7
flood protection
2.1.1, 3.1
floor heating systems
5.6
floors, cables under
2.3.2, 10.1.1
functional testing
6.3.11
fuse rating
Table 4.1

garages
garden lighting and power
gas installation pipework
greenhouses

5.7.3
5.7
3.1.1
5.7.3

hand lamps and tools


5.9, App. D2.8
health and safety
legislation
1.1
safe access
App. D2.4
safety instructions
App. D
safety policy
7.1
safe working
6.3.1, Ch. 7
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
1.1.1
heat alarms
10.2.2
heating systems
10.6.310.6.4
immersion heaters
4.5, 10.6.3,
Table 4.1

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations


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232

Index
storage radiator circuits
Table 4.1
water and space heating circuits
4.5
height of switches and sockets
10.7
home laundry
5.3.1
hot air saunas
5.5
hot tubs
5.4
hot water systems
10.6.3

meter position
2.1.1, 3.1, 10.3
minimum cross-section areas
Table 4.1
minor work
1.6, 1.4.8
motor rating
9.9
multiple supplies, warning notice
3.4.11

new buildings (installations)


2.1.1
no earth provided
3.2.3
nominal voltage exceeding 230 V
3.4.10
non-notifiable work
1.6, 1.4.8
Northern Ireland
1.10, 1.2.1
notices
3.4
notifiable work
1.5
notifications to Building Control
1.4.1,
1.4.41.4.5

immersion heaters 4.5, 10.6.3, Table 4.1


independent certification schemes
2.2.3
inductive loads
9.6
ingress protection (IP) rating Table 5.3.1,
Table 5.4.1
inspection
6.2
notices
3.4.6
periodic
8.3
installation of cables
2.3
instantaneous water heaters
4.5
insulation, thermal
2.3.1, 10.6.5
insulation resistance tests
6.3.6
IP (ingress protection) rating Table 5.3.1,
Table 5.4.1
isolation of equipment
7.4, App. D3.3
isolators, labelling
3.4.4

joists, cables through

kitchens
ventilation

2.3.2, 10.1.1
5.2
10.5

labelling
3.4, 9.5
laundry equipment
5.3.1
legislation
Ch. 1
lighting circuits
4.6, 11.4, Table 4.1
testing
6.3.4, 6.3.6, 6.3.7
lighting efficiency
10.6.110.6.2
local authority: see Building Control
loft conversions
10.2.2
luminaires
bathrooms and shower rooms
5.3.1
openings for
7.4, 10.4
swimming pools, etc.
5.4.3
thermal insulation over
10.6.5
mains supply: see electrical supply
maintenance inspections
Ch. 8
Management of Health and Safety
at Work Regulations 1999
1.1.3
materials selection
2.2
maximum cable length
Table 4.1
maximum fault current
6.3.10, 9.4
maximum test loop impedance Table 4.1

openings
10.4, App. C/7
outbuildings
5.7.3
outdoor lighting and power
5.7
overhead supplies
3.2.3

partitions, cables in
2.3.3
periodic inspection
8.3
permanently connected equipment
4.3,
Table 4.1
personal protective equipment
1.1.6,
App. D2.2, App. D3.4
Personal Protective Equipment at
Work Regulations
1.1.6
photovoltaic systems
3.4.11, 3.4.12
plastic supply pipes
3.3.2
plate switches in bath/shower rooms 5.3.1
polarity tests
6.3.7
ponds
5.7.6
power factor
9.79.9
power tools
App. D2.10
pre-work surveys
7.2
pre-work tests
7.3, App. D3.4
prospective fault current
6.3.10, 9.4
protective bonding conductors 3.3.2, 3.4.1
continuity tests
6.3.4
protective clothing and equipment
1.1.6,
App. D2.2, App. D3.4
protective equipotential bonding
3.3
protective multiple earthing (PME) 3.2.1,
9.2
Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998
1.1.5

Q no entries
R

reactive power
9.7
reference methods
2.3.1
registered competent enterprise 1.4.1, 13.3

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233

Index
registered competent persons 1.4.2, 6.1.2,
App. A
registered third party
1.4.3, 6.1.2
regulations
Building
1.2.1
Construction (Design and
Management) (CDM)
1.1.4, 1.1.8
Electricity at Work
1.1.2
Electricity Safety, Quality and
Continuity (ESQCR) 1.1.7, 2.1.1, 3.1
Personal Protective Equipment
1.1.6
Work Equipment
1.1.5
residual current breakers with
overcurrent protection (RCBOs)
6.4
residual current devices (RCDs)
applications
3.5.2
notices
3.4.8
rating
Table 4.1
testing
6.4
where required
3.5.1
ring circuits
4.2, Table 4.1
testing
6.3.5
risk assessment
7.1

solar photovoltaic systems


5.8
sound resistance
10.4
space heating circuits
4.5
special installations/locations
1.5.2, 5.1
spurs
4.2.2
standard circuits
4.1
standards
2.2.2
storage radiator circuits 10.6.4, Table 4.1
supplementary bonding conductors 3.3.3,
5.2.3
supply systems
3.2
surveys
7.2
swimming pools
5.4
switches
cable colours
11.311.4
heights
10.7
plate switches in bath/shower rooms 5.3.1
switchgear, labelling
3.4.2

testing
testing notices
test loop impedance
thermal insulation
third party, registered
three-phase supplies
TN-C-S system
TN-S system
TT system
tumble driers

safe access
App. D2.4
safety instructions
App. D
safety policy
7.1
safe working
6.3.1, Ch. 7
sanitary accommodation
10.5
see also bathrooms
saunas
5.5
Scotland
Building Regulations 1.8, 1.2.1, Ch. 12
certification of work
12.4
electrical installations
12.5
exemptions
12.6, 12.4.5
legislation
12.2
warrants
12.4
self-certification schemes
13.3, App. B
sheds
5.7.3
short circuit current: see fault current
shower circuits
4.5, Table 4.1
notifiable work
1.5.2
shower rooms
5.3
ventilation
10.5
smoke alarms
10.2.2, App. C/1
socket-outlets
4.2
bathrooms and shower rooms
5.3.1
heights
10.7
kitchens
5.2.2
separating and cavity walls
10.4
swimming pools, etc.
5.4.4

6.3
3.4.6
Table 4.1
2.3.1, 10.6.5
1.4.3, 6.1.2
11.2.2, Ch. 9
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3, 5.7.3, 6.3.8
5.3.1

unqualified installers
unregistered persons
utility rooms, ventilation

1.4.6
1.4.5
10.5

ventilation systems

10.5

Wales
12.6, Ch. 13
Approved Document P
13.2
Building Regulations
1.9, 1.2.1
non-notifiable minor work
13.4
notification to Building Control
13.3
provision of information
13.5
wall chases
10.1.2
walls, cables installed in
2.3.3
warm air heating systems
10.6.4
warning notices
3.4.93.4.12, 7.4
warrants
12.4
washing machines
5.3.1
water heater circuits
4.5
wiring
2.3.1
cable colours
3.4.9, 4.1.2, Ch. 11
diagrams
3.4.7

X, Y & Z no entries
Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations
The Institution of Engineering and Technology

234

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