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BS7671 Rant and Recomendations
Former Community Member
Hi, I'm about a quarter way through reading BS7671 and not impressed at all. I've been studying daily for months now. It's written in a way that makes it very difficult to understand. Long complicated sentences that make you loose track of what's being explained. Repetition. Poor headings and formatting. References to other BS7671 regulations and other BS every few lines. If you want electricians to work safely then make clear and concise safety instructions. I'm guessing most people skim over it. I'm struggling to stay awake reading it. I have started reading a few of the IET guidance notes. They are better but still poorly structured and there's repetition and nonsense. Does anyone know of any better books to learn from that are clear and concise and well structured? Thanks.
Also, the reading and understanding of regulations is of very little help when trying to locate a fault in an existing installation. A fundamental understanding of basic principles is more helpful.
As an example I once worked for a well known maintenance contractor and was regularly sent for to locate long standing faults that had eluded others.
A particular problem was failed components that were no longer available. If the exact replacement part was not available there was not sufficient knowledge to use a suitable alternative. And nothing complex but generic lamps, ballasts, transformers, relays, contactors, and even batteries.
Hi, I'm about a quarter way through reading BS7671 and not impressed at all.
I have studied and been examined on the I.E.E. and I.E.T. Wiring Regulations since the 15th edition. I am still learning, and am very impressed with the different layers of technical content and knowledge that impresses me no end.
A reference book to cherish and learn from I say. Also the evolving of the regulations is a fascinating historical learning experience.
er, except when it's called up from legislation - e.g. the The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 or the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations.
Now then, about those pesky ill conceived Landlord regs - do they also apply equally to holiday lets? Because round here, long term tenants are getting the boot and the properties are being re-let as holiday lets in order to get around the latest regs on inspections and on the new tax regime which applies..
Another glaring example of the Law Of Unintended Consequences!
Good point, whj! Either they are privately rented, or they are holiday accommodation. Presumably hotels, inns, and B&Bs have to meet some form of safety standard?
A landlord told me this year that there are tax advantages with holiday lets as opposed to traditional longer-term lets.
Hi, I'm about a quarter way through reading BS7671 and not impressed at all. I've been studying daily for months now. It's written in a way that makes it very difficult to understand. Long complicated sentences that make you loose track of what's being explained. Repetition. Poor headings and formatting. References to other BS7671 regulations and other BS every few lines. If you want electricians to work safely then make clear and concise safety instructions. I'm guessing most people skim over it. I'm struggling to stay awake reading it. I have started reading a few of the IET guidance notes. They are better but still poorly structured and there's repetition and nonsense. Does anyone know of any better books to learn from that are clear and concise and well structured? Thanks.
As others have said it’s more of a tool to be used when needed, many moons ago there were some good books by Trevor Linsley and Brian Scaddan that went well with the old 2360, not sure what’s available these days but maybe there is something similar out there to go with the current courses.
Thanks for the replies. Just to fill in, I did 2 years at college full time and 2 years on site at 4 companies before posting this, as well as a lot of independent study. I've just passed the 18th edition exam. Can navigate the book now but I'm still not impressed with the regs or learning books. It's a mine field. Even a checklist of everything you need to become whatever type of electrician would be handy, for relevant British standards, H&S, building regs, insurance etc.
Jimi what do you want to learn? The most basics are in the Onsite Guide. I agree that trying to learn about wiring systems or complex circuits is very difficult from BS7671, but that is not its purpose. Certainly starting on page 1 is not a good idea, because it is not written that way.
If you start at Chapter 41, and then look up any term you don't get in the index and following it there may help. The first look at 410.3.2 is useful, it starts to talk about protection. This has a rather specialised meaning for Electrical circuits, which starts to confuse many.
Give this method a go, it has worked for many students.
