Essential Electrical Books – What You Need
Knowing which regulations and guides you are expected to have as an electrician can be a nightmare – It’s impossible to find out which are essential electrical books for different specific topics.
What technical reference literature are you expected to have for an NICEIC / NAPIT assessment? Where can you find out about the latest guidance on isolation and switching? Which guide is best for learners/students?
This guide will outline the appropriate books and explain what they are about, where you can get them and most importantly what you actually need.
BS7671 & Associated Guides
BS7671 2018 (AMD2-2022)
BS 7671:18th Edition Amendment 2 (AMD2) – Click To Buy
BS7671 – 18th Edition is the current regulation that governs the wiring regulations in the UK and is referred to as the ‘Requirements for Electrical Installations’.
This standard, which is issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI), sets out the essential requirements for the design, construction, and inspection of electrical systems. It is written by the IET, generally known as the electrical safety and compliance authority in the UK as it ensures that installations are built to meet both legal and technical standards.
BS7671 – 18th Edition is the present protocol that defines the guidelines for electrical wiring regulations in the UK and is stated as the ‘Requirements for Electrical Installations’. The standard which is published by the BSI is the 18th edition of the IEE and is titled ‘BS 7671:2018 + Am2:2022’ (please note there is a 2024 amendment, although this is a free download on the IET website on this link, however the books have not been updated) which is the standard that defines the various standards for the electrical installations. It is mainly because it acts as the electrical safety and compliance terminologies in the UK as it stipulates that installations should meet specific legal and technical criteria.
This document is required as one of the ‘bare minimum’ electrical technical documents you will need to be able to pass a CPS registration with either NICEIC or NAPIT. As such it is most definitely one of the most essential electrical books!
BS7671 – On Site Guide (18th Edition AMD2)
18th Edition AMD2 On Site Guide (OSG) – Click To Buy
The 18th Edition Amendment 2 (AMD2) On-Site Guide is a useful manual which acts as a practical handbook to BS 7671 to support electricians and contractors in the implementation of the wiring regulations.
It makes the often complicated BS 7671 easier to understand and use by breaking it down into easily accessible sections. Some of the areas it covers include circuit calculation, cable types, earthing methods and installation procedures, thus enabling the user to easily find the information required at any given time during installation or maintenance.
This guide is tailored to the practicalities of electrical installation work, offering diagrams, tables, and step-by-step instructions to assist with compliance. It includes updated sections to align with AMD2, such as the requirements for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), revisions to prosumer energy installations, and enhanced guidance for testing and inspection. The On-Site Guide is an invaluable tool for electricians who need clear, actionable advice when implementing the standards set out in BS 7671.
Difference Between BS 7671 and the On-Site Guide
The BS 7671 document is the authoritative source of the wiring regulations, providing the complete set of requirements for electrical installations. It is detailed, technical, and comprehensive, intended for designers, consultants, and inspectors who need an in-depth understanding of the regulations.
In contrast, the On-Site Guide is a practical interpretation of BS 7671. While it summarizes and simplifies the regulations, it focuses on application rather than design theory. The On-Site Guide is not a replacement for BS 7671 but a supplement, ensuring electricians can apply the rules correctly and efficiently in everyday work without needing to navigate the full standard on-site.
Electrician’s Guide To The Building Regulations
Electrician’s Guide To The Building Regulations – Click To Buy
When completing work in buildings, as electricians we have to make sure that we are paying attention to a number of different aspects of the building regulations.
Whilst you may think this just applies to ‘Part P’ (The electrical section of the building regs), it applies to so much more, including Structure, fire safety, ventilation & many others.
You can access the separate documents that make up the building regulations for free (check our section below), but you would then need to read through and ascertain what applied.
The IET Electrician’s Guide To The Building Regulations breaks this down into easy to understand sections with good diagrams and explanation of how to comply.
Student’s Guide To The IET Wiring Regulations
Student’s Guide To The IET Wiring Regulations – Click To Buy
BS7671 Guidance Notes
There are a complete set of 8 ‘Guidance Notes’ to BS7671 which are individual books, each of which delves much much deeper into how to apply the requirements of BS7671 to that particular topic.
Numbered 1-8 they cover the following:
- Guidance Note 1 = Selection & Erection
- Guidance Note 2 = Isolation & Switching
- Guidance Note 3 = Inspection & Testing
- Guidance Note 4 = Protection Against Fire
- Guidance Note 5 = Protection Against Electric Shock
- Guidance Note 6 = Protection Against Overcurrent
- Guidance Note 7 = Special Locations
- Guidance Note 8 = Earthing & Bonding
I will cover each of these below with a quick outline as to what each book covers, and explain why this set of titles is another selection of essential electrical books
Guidance Note 1 – Selection & Erection
Guidance Note 1 – Selection & Erection – Click To Buy
This note focuses on the principles of selecting and installing electrical equipment. It covers topics such as equipment compatibility, environmental considerations, and protection against electric shock, overcurrent, and thermal effects. GN1 aligns with the relevant parts of BS 7671, providing practical advice for ensuring safe and effective equipment installation.
Guidance Note 2 – Isolation & Switching
Guidance Note 2 – Isolation & Switching – Click To Buy
Guidance Note 2 provides detailed guidance on isolation and switching arrangements for electrical installations. It explains the requirements for safe disconnection, emergency switching, functional switching, and control measures. The guide emphasizes safety during maintenance and fault conditions, ensuring compliance with BS 7671.
Guidance Note 3 – Inspection & Testing
Guidance Note 3 – Inspection & Testing – Click To Buy
Guidance Note 3 (GN3) is a key publication designed to complement BS 7671 by providing detailed advice on the inspection and testing of electrical installations. Produced by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), GN3 is an essential resource for electricians, inspectors, and engineers, offering practical steps and methodologies for ensuring that installations are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. It covers both initial verification for new installations and periodic inspection and testing of existing systems, providing a comprehensive framework for maintaining high safety standards.
The guide delves into topics such as continuity testing, insulation resistance, polarity checks, earth fault loop impedance, and residual current device (RCD) testing. GN3 is rich in diagrams, tables, and step-by-step examples, making it highly practical for field use. Importantly, it also includes guidance on documentation, such as completing Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs), ensuring electricians maintain thorough records of their work.
By translating the regulations of BS 7671 into actionable procedures, GN3 bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and practical implementation on a really in-depth level.
Guidance Note 4 – Protection Against Fire
This guidance note focuses on minimizing the risk of fire caused by electrical installations. It explains measures to prevent overheating, arcing, and equipment faults that could ignite a fire. Key topics include cable selection and installation, overcurrent protection, and the use of fire-resistant materials.
GN4 also discusses the role of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and fire barriers in reducing fire risks.
Guidance Note 5 – Protection Against Electric Shock
GN5 delves into the essential safety measures to protect people and livestock from electric shock hazards. It explains protective methods such as earthing, bonding, and the use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs). Topics include disconnection times, fault loop impedance, and the principles of indirect and direct contact protection.
This note is crucial for understanding how to implement BS 7671 requirements for shock protection effectively.
Guidance Note 6 – Protection Against Overcurrent
This guidance note outlines the principles of protecting electrical systems against overcurrent, including overload and short-circuit conditions. It explains the selection and coordination of protective devices like fuses, circuit breakers, and RCBOs.
GN6 also covers the calculation of fault current levels, discrimination between devices, and thermal effects on cables and equipment.
Guidance Note 7 – Special Locations
GN7 provides in-depth advice on electrical installations in special locations as defined in Part 7 of BS 7671. These include bathrooms, swimming pools, agricultural buildings, and medical locations.
It highlights specific risks and additional protective measures required in these environments. For example, it discusses zoning in bathrooms and the need for supplementary bonding in medical installations.
Guidance Note 8 – Earthing & Bonding
GN8 focuses on the principles and practices of earthing and bonding in electrical installations. It explains the purpose of earthing systems, the types of earthing arrangements, and how to calculate earth electrode resistance.
Topics include protective and functional earthing, equipotential bonding, and special considerations for certain installation types, such as TT systems and lightning protection.
Building Regulations
Part P (2013)
FREE DOWNLOAD! – Approved Document P (2013)
Another one of the essential electrical books if you are wanting to register for a Competent Persons Scheme (NICEIC or NAPIT)
Other Building Regulations
All the ‘approved documents’ that make up the building regulations can be downloaded for free from the GOV.UK website. I have provided links below to each separate document. Not all are relevant to electrical works, however if you are involved in building maintenance/refurbishment more deeply you may need to familiarise yourself with these:
- Approved Document A – Structure
- Approved Document B – Fire Safety
- Approved Document C – Site Preparation
- Approved Document D – Toxic Substances
- Approved Document E – Resistance To Sound
- Approved Document F – Ventilation
- Approved Document G – Sanitation & hot water safety
- Approved Document H – Drainage & Waste Disposal
- Approved Document I – Combustion Appliances & fuel storage
- Approved Document J – Protection from falling, collision & impact
Inspection & Testing Books
NAPIT Codebreakers
NAPIT Codebreakers EICR Coding Book – Click To Buy
“Codebreakers” is a practical guide created by NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) to assist electricians in interpreting and coding observations for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs). It is tailored to align with BS 7671, providing clear guidance on assigning the appropriate codes (C1, C2, C3, or FI) based on the severity and potential risks of non-compliance issues identified during inspections.
The book offers an extensive list of common faults and non-compliances, along with their recommended codes and explanations. For example, it might guide the user on when to assign a C2 (potentially dangerous) for insufficient bonding or a C3 (improvement recommended) for outdated but safe installations. By standardising coding practices, “Codebreakers” ensures consistency and accuracy in reporting, making it an invaluable resource for electricians conducting EICRs. It bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and practical application, promoting high safety standards across the electrical industry.
Alternatively, you could check our FREE EICR Coding Guide
Electrical Safety First – Best Practise Guides
This set of free to download documents from Electrical Safety First (The Electrical Safety Charity) give guidance on each of 10 separate topics that need careful consideration by electricians.
Called Best Practise Guides (BPG), they have been written in conjunction with all the relevant stakeholders, IET, NICEIC & NAPIT to help give clear advice on how to approach these issues.
As they are free, and in fact very useful, I recommend all practising (and training) electricians download these guides and apply them to their day to day work.
Best Practise Guide 1 – Replacing A Consumer Unit in Domestic Premises
This can often throw up a number of queries, such as how to deal with earthing & bonding (which may need upgrading also), issues on existing circuits, and a couple of other curve balls that can make it more of an involved job than simply swapping the unit itself.
BPG1 runs through these scenarios, explains how to approach them and what to do if the customer refuses to upgrade other parts of the installation.
FREE DOWNLOAD – BPG1 – Replacing A Consumer Unit In Domestic Premises
Best Practise Guide 2 – Safe Isolation
Arguably the most important thing an electrician can learn, but honestly how many people follow the steps accurately and ensure they are safe at all times?
Do yourself a favour, spend ten minutes refreshing your memory on safe isolation procedures
FREE DOWNLOAD – BPG2 – Safe Isolation
Best Practise Guide 3 – Connecting A Microgeneration System
This guide is under review by ESF at the time of publishing this list. As such it was unavailable to get a download link. We will endeavour to update this list with the new link once it has been published again.
Best Practise Guide 4 – Electrical Installation Condition Reporting
This BPG is aimed particularly at the coding of issues found when completing an EICR on a property. Sort of like a mini-codebreakers (but not as in-depth)
If you are completing EICRs, in any form, you should download this and check the recommended codes. Interestingly, despite NAPIT having input when writing this, the recommendations in BPG4 are in some instances ‘more lenient’ than those recommended in the codebreakers manual.
FREE DOWNLOAD – BPG4 – Electrical Installation Condition Reporting
Alternatively, you could check our FREE EICR Coding Guide
Best Practise Guide 5 – How Electrical Installations Impact Fire Performance of Domestic Premises
Going into particular depth about how breaching ceilings/partitions can affect the spread of fire throughout a domestic property.
Discusses the best ways to minimise impact, together with solutions (such as fire rated downlights) that can help ensure safety should the worst happen
FREE DOWNLOAD – BPG5 – How electrical Installations Impact Fire Performance of Domestic Premises
