Recommended Books & Professional Tools
BS 7671 regulation books, exam prep references, core test equipment, and specialist diagnostic tools we recommend for UK electricians studying for the 18th Edition, 2391 Inspection & Testing, and AM2.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 18thEditionPrep.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we'd use ourselves.
Regulation Books & Exam Prep
The references most UK electricians use to pass the 18th Edition exam and look up regulations on the job.
Requirements for Electrical Installations: IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Orange Book)
The 2026 update to BS 7671 — the official IET Wiring Regulations published 15 April 2026. Replaces the Brown Book (A2:2022 / A3:2024); the legacy edition becomes obsolete on 15 October 2026.
Why we recommend it: Once the C&G 2382-22 syllabus migrates and certification deadlines pass, every EIC and EICR has to be against A4:2026. Buy it now, learn the changes early, and switch over before the deadline.
Requirements for Electrical Installations: IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018+A2:2022
The legacy IET Wiring Regulations — replaced by Amendment 4 (Orange Book) on 15 April 2026 and obsolete for new certification from 15 October 2026. Still the reference for any C&G 2382-22 exam booked before the syllabus migrates.
Why we recommend it: Confirm with your awarding body whether your booked exam sitting still references A2:2022. If it does, this is the book to revise from — otherwise buy the Orange Book above.
IET On-Site Guide (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022)
The practical companion to BS 7671 — covers installations up to 100A three-phase. Ready-made tables for cable sizing, MCB selection, and circuit design that save you flipping the Brown Book.
Why we recommend it: Most working sparks reach for this before BS 7671. Faster lookups for the things you do every day on domestic and small commercial jobs.
IET Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022)
The official IET guide for Initial Verification, EICRs, and periodic inspection — the reference book for the City & Guilds 2391 exam and the AM2 testing assessment.
Why we recommend it: If you're sitting 2391, this is your text. Maps directly onto the exam syllabus — Zs values, R1+R2, insulation resistance, RCD trip times.
Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations (IET, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022)
Covers Approved Document P (electrical safety in dwellings), fire safety, ventilation, and energy efficiency — examined alongside BS 7671 in the 18th Edition exam and AM2.
Why we recommend it: Completes the IET four-book set. Notifiable work rules and Part P knowledge are tested every cycle.
1100+ Questions and Answers for the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Exam (David Hodgson)
The most-recommended self-study question bank for the C&G 2382-22 exam. Bite-size questions across every chapter of BS 7671, with worked answers.
Why we recommend it: Pair this with our app and the Brown Book. Reviewers consistently credit it as the resource that got them through the 18th Edition exam.
Core Test Equipment & Safe Isolation
Everyday testers, proving units, and insulated tools for BS 7671 inspection, testing, and fault-finding.
Fluke 1664 FC Multifunction Installation Tester
Top-tier multifunction tester — continuity, insulation resistance, loop impedance, RCD ramp/auto, PFC, earth electrode. The MFT used in 2391 practical training and on most professional EICRs.
Why we recommend it: If you're doing certification testing for a living, this is the tool. Fluke build quality, full BS 7671 functionality, and Fluke Connect for paperless reporting.
Fluke T6-1000 PRO Electrical Tester (FieldSense)
FieldSense voltage measurement without test leads — open the jaw, clip around a conductor, read the voltage. Built for fault-finding on consumer units, MCBs, and three-phase distribution boards.
Why we recommend it: Cuts safe-isolation and fault-finding time in half. The Fluke that working sparks save up for after their first year.
Kewtech KT66ET Multifunction Installation Tester & Earth Testing Kit
UK-designed MFT covering the full BS 7671 schedule — continuity, insulation, loop and RCD — at well below Fluke pricing; 2391-capable.
Kewtech KEWPROVE 3 Voltage Proving Unit (690V AC/DC)
690V AC/DC voltage proving unit — required to prove your two-pole voltage indicator dead-live-dead per HSE GS38. Pocket-sized, battery-powered, fits any tool bag.
Why we recommend it: Examiners watch for the dead-prove-dead sequence on the AM2 and 2391 practical. This is the unit most candidates use.
Wera Kraftform 2go 100 VDE 1000V Insulated Screwdriver Set, 12-piece
12-piece insulated screwdriver and bit-driver set, individually tested to 1000V VDE / IEC 60900. Ships with a belt-loop quiver that fits in a tool pouch.
Why we recommend it: VDE-certified insulation is mandatory for any work near live conductors. Wera's grip and tip quality outlasts cheaper sets by years.
Martindale VT28 Two-Pole Voltage and Continuity Tester
GS38-compliant two-pole tester for safe isolation — the dead-prove-dead sequence examiners watch for on AM2 and 2391 practicals.
Knightsbridge TE3 BS1363 Socket Tester
Quick polarity and wiring check on BS 1363 socket-outlets — a first-line verification step before instrument testing.
Professional Diagnostic & Specialist Equipment
Higher-ticket instruments for EV charger commissioning, commercial diagnostics, thermal checks, and cable tracing.
Fluke FEV300 Type 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Test Adapter
Type 2 EVSE test adapter for simulating vehicle states and checking charging point outputs with a compatible multifunction tester.
Why we recommend it: A natural upgrade for electricians moving into EV charger work. It ties directly to Part 7 special installations and the checks behind safe EV charge point commissioning.
FLIR C5 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with Wi-Fi
Finds overheating conductors, loose terminations and overloaded circuits — makes thermal effects visible during inspection work.
Fluke 325 True-RMS Clamp Meter
True-RMS clamp meter for checking real current draw, phase balance and circuit loading during fault-finding.
Fluke 2052 Advanced Wire Tracer Kit
Advanced wire tracing kit for finding breakers, locating hidden conductors, following cable routes, and identifying wiring faults without unnecessary disruption.
Why we recommend it: Strong fit for Part 5 selection and erection work because identifying cable routes and circuit relationships is central to inspection, alterations, and fault diagnosis.
Kewtech KT66EV Multifunction Tester & EV Adapter Kit
Full BS 7671 MFT bundled with a Type 2 EV adapter — for Section 722 EV charge-point work electricians grow into.
Pair Them With Our App
690+ BS 7671 practice questions across 9 topics, calculators, and quick-reference tools — built for the same regulations and site work these books and instruments support.
