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What to look for
Make sure the edition matches the current wiring regulations.
Models worth comparing
From publishers' details and published UK reviews, read on 6 October 2026. Not read cover to cover by us. In no particular order: these are not ranked, and we do not say which is best until the customer ratings are in.
Apprentices and installers doing domestic and small commercial work who want the core wiring rules in a compact book they can use on site.
Updated for BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, bringing all four amendments to the 18th Edition together
Adds material on bidirectional and unidirectional protective devices, stationary secondary batteries, RCD selection and prospective fault current
A5 softbound format of 256 pages that fits in a toolbag
Watch out for: It only covers installations up to 100 A three-phase, so larger or unusual jobs still need the full Wiring Regulations and the Guidance Notes.
Author
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations, 7th Edition (IET)
Electricians who notify work under a competent person scheme and need to know where the Building Regulations touch their installations.
Seventh edition aligned with BS 7671:2018+A4:2026
Explains competent person schemes and third-party certification
Covers the electrical side of fire safety, ventilation and energy conservation, protected escape routes and surge protection on the DC side of solar PV
Watch out for: It deals with Building Regulations compliance rather than the wiring rules themselves, so you will still need the On-Site Guide or BS 7671 alongside it.
Author
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
The Electricians Guide to Good Electrical Practice (Technical Training Solutions)
Students and working electricians who want an inexpensive, independent companion to the Wiring Regulations for design and everyday reference.
Updated in August 2026 to include Amendments 1 to 4 to the 18th Edition
The publisher says it is approved for use in City & Guilds examinations
Over 200 pages covering design procedure, protection against electric shock and a wide range of reference tables
Watch out for: It is an independent summary rather than an official IET publication, so you may still need the IET texts to check the exact wording of a regulation.
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