DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Just bought the `Collins Complete DIY` book .
Very good book with topics on Plumbing, Carpentry , Wiring , Bricking etc.
The publishing date is September 2007.
Is there any changes to Domestic wiring since 2007 that I need to be aware of. Thanks

Yep it all change June 2008 and likely will change again in June 2011.
It has been the biggest change since 1991 when 16th Edition was released. There were big changes in 2001 but the 17th Edition or BS7671:2008 was a completely new book and introduced in January 2008 but full implication was delayed until June 2008.
Now no zone 3 in bathrooms
All bathroom electrics need RCD protection
All sockets under 32A need RCD protection
Cables buried in walls less than 50mm need RCD protection or special cables.
Special rules for showers in bed rooms removed and replaced will general rule allowing sockets more than 3 meters away from bath or shower in any room containing them.
Volt drop for lighting reduced
Volt drop for sockets increased
The list goes on and on so really your book as far as electrics go is near to useless. Sorry.

Yes many, many changes since current 17th edition regs came in force in 2008!
Mainly in use of RCD's, which are mandatory on all but a few instances.

Can't use one main RCD must be 2 or more.

Bathroom zones have completely changed.

I hope the book was cheap as it will be virtually useless for the electrical section, there are some good guides on the market if you must DIY electrics,

Thanks for your help ; I`ll just use 3/4 of the book & find something up to date for the electrics.Thanks