I think we should change the Wiki page title to Changes in Electrical Installation Practices Over the Years?
Maybe we should put all the changes in chronological order?
The Wiki rules state that its content should be factual, not opinion, so we need to verify any dates. As far as I am aware, all these dates are accurate. Please tell me if you think they are not.
On that note, does anyone know the issue date of the red 15th Edition?
*1947: The BS1363 plug and socket is introduced.
1955: The 13th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, is issued 1 September 1955. This Edition (and previous Editions) allowed the use of a water pipe as an earth electrode, providing it has metal-to-metal joints. Prior to 1955, circuits had a fuse in the neutral conductors, presenting a possible hazard when a fault presents.
1966: The 14th Edition of the Wiring Regulations is issued 1 October 1966 and introduced a requirement for earthing to all lighting circuits. The use of a water pipe as an earth electrode was prohibited (it has never been permissible to use a gas pipe as an earth electrode). Tough Rubber Sheath cable superseded by PVC. Butyl and Silicone rubber cables remain in the regulations.
1970: The 14th Edition was made metric. Previously, imperial dimensions and cable sizes were used. Manufacturers able to use Brown/Blue/Green-Yellow in their appliance flex from 1 April 1970.
1971: Red/Black/Green flex not to be used after 1 April 1971. Introduction of MK Logic range of white, square-cornered wiring accessories.
1977: The colour green to denote conductors that do not ordinarily carry current is superseded by green/yellow after 31 December 1977.
1981: The 15th Edition of the Wiring Regulations is issued. However, due to confusion, use of the 14th Edition is allowed for a transitional period, until the end of 1984.
1984: BS1363 plugs to have part-insulated live and neutral pins after the announcement of BS1363:1984 replaces BS1363:1967.
1985: Electrical installations must be specified to the 15th Edition from 1 January 1985. Voltage-operated ELCBs are deleted from the 15th Edition of the Wiring Regulations in the January 1985 amendment.
1996: Introduction of MK Logic Plus range of white, round-cornered wiring accessories.
2004: Harmonised cable (Brown/Blue) is introduced 1 April 2004.
2006: After 1 April 2006, only harmonised colour cable could be used.*