Tips & How-To

BS 7671 for MEP Engineers — What You Need to Know

BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) is the UK standard for electrical installation. Even if you're a mechanical engineer, you need to understand the basics — because your HVAC equipment needs power.

What BS 7671 covers that affects MEP

Cable sizing and voltage drop (Appendix 4) — Ensuring your motor or AHU gets enough voltage. Refer to the current edition for limits.

Protection against overcurrent — MCB/MCCB selection for MEP equipment.

Earthing and bonding — Particularly in wet environments (plant rooms, kitchens).

Special locations — Bathrooms (Part 7-701), swimming pools, medical locations.

Motor circuits — Starting current considerations, overload protection.

Current edition

18th Edition (2022), Amendment 2. Always verify against the current published edition for any project.

Key sections for mechanical engineers

Section 433 — Overload protection.

Section 525 — Voltage drop limits. Refer to the standard for current values.

Appendix 4 — Current-carrying capacity tables for cable sizing.

MEP Desk has 10+ electrical calculators based on BS 7671. Track the current edition with our Standards Tracker.

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