Electrical tape cracks the wiring regs code

An Advance Tapes International product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 7, 2006

The UK's market leading electrical tape, AT7, is now available in coding packs to support the adoption of the latest wiring regulations.

Electrical wiring and colour coding regulations issued by the IEE in 2004 (BS7671:2001) - the "IEE Wiring Regulations" or "16th Edition Regulations" - are now mandatory for all electrical installations (from 1st April 2006).

Only the new, harmonised colours may now be used for all electrical installations.

Advance Tapes International, manufacturer of the UK's market leading electrical tape, AT7, highlights the importance of changing to a compliant and safe tape now.

To facilitate the change, the company has produced a range of products.

Colour coding packs consist of 10 rolls of electrical tape with two of each colour - black, brown, grey, blue and earth.

Three-phase coding packs consist of five rolls, one of each printed L1, L2, L3, N and electrical earth colours.

As well as in coding packs, individual rolls of AT7 are also available to purchase in the new colours.

As an industrial associate member of the Electrical Contractors Association, Advance Tapes is keen to stress the importance of using electrical insulation tape that meets BS EN60454, Type 2 (replacing the outdated BS3924) when working on electrical installations.

This gives the installer peace of mind that the tape is flame retardant and self extinguishing, an important consideration whenever there is a risk of fire.