Is Bs 7671 Statutory [updated] -
Think of BS 7671 as the technical blueprint for safety. Following it is not optional if you want to stay on the right side of the law, even though the document itself isn’t “statutory.”
Crucially, the EAWR imposes absolute duties (as far as is reasonably practicable) on duty holders. While EAWR does not explicitly cite "BS 7671" as a legal text, it is widely accepted in courts that compliance with BS 7671 is the primary evidence that a person has met their statutory duties under EAWR. Conversely, if an installation fails to meet BS 7671, it is extremely difficult for a defendant to prove they were "safe" within the meaning of the EAWR. is bs 7671 statutory
– These are statutory. Regulation 4(2) states: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.” The courts and HSE consistently use BS 7671 as the definitive benchmark for what “reasonably practicable” means. Comply with BS 7671 → strong defence. Ignore it → strong evidence of a breach. Think of BS 7671 as the technical blueprint for safety
Here’s how:
While BS 7671 is not statutory in itself, it is linked to various statutory requirements, including: Conversely, if an installation fails to meet BS
While BS 7671 is not law, Parliament frequently delegates authority to technical standards through "enabling clauses" in primary legislation. This is where BS 7671 gains its legal teeth.
BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition) is a . It is not directly enacted by an Act of Parliament. In legal terms, it has no automatic force of law simply because it exists.