Recommended Books, Tools & PPE
BS 7671 reference books, GS38 test equipment, and personal protective equipment we recommend for UK electricians sitting the ECS Health, Safety & Environment assessment, AM2 and 2391.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Sparky Safety 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.
Reference Books
BS 7671 regulations and the IET On-Site Guide — career-long references for every working UK electrician.
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: If you're certifying domestic, commercial, EV or solar work after October 2026, every EIC and EICR has to be against this edition. Buy it now and learn the changes before the deadline.
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 regs 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 — and the same tables our Cable Sizing, Voltage Drop and R1+R2 calculators use.
Test Equipment & Safe Isolation
Multifunction testers, GS38 voltage indicators, and insulated tools for the dead-prove-dead checks every site demands.
Megger MFT1741+ 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 certification testing is part of your day, this is the tool. Megger build quality, full BS 7671 functionality, and the gold-standard for EICR and initial verification work.
Martindale VIPD138-S Voltage Indicator + Proving Unit Kit (GS38)
Two-pole voltage indicator paired with a proving unit, in one kit — exactly what HSE GS38 dead-prove-dead requires. 50–600V AC/DC, fits any tool pouch.
Why we recommend it: The kit our in-app Safe Isolation utility is modelled on. Examiners watch for the prove-test-prove sequence on the AM2 and 2391 practical — this is the kit most candidates carry.
Kewtech KT1790 Two-Pole Voltage & Continuity Tester (GS38)
GS38-compliant two-pole voltage and continuity tester. UK-designed, college-friendly, sits in any tool pouch.
Why we recommend it: The voltage tester most apprentices and second-year electricians buy first. Cheaper than Fluke without dropping below pro-grade safety.
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 any 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 VI13800 Fuseless Voltage Indicator (GS38, Standalone)
Standalone fuseless GS38 voltage indicator, 50–690V AC/DC. Pair it with a separate proving unit if you already have one.
Why we recommend it: Lighter and cheaper than the full kit — the right pick if your proving unit is already in your bag and you just need to replace the indicator.
Safety Gear & PPE
Personal protective equipment and a BS 8599-1 first aid kit that match the H&S topics on the ECS exam.
3M Peltor X5A Headband Ear Defenders, SNR 37 dB
Class 5 ear defenders, 37 dB SNR — the highest passive attenuation rating in 3M's Peltor range. Dielectric headband suitable for electrical environments.
Why we recommend it: Tested every cycle in the Noise at Work topic. ECS H&S exam questions on hearing damage map directly to PPE at this protection level.
Uvex i-Works Safety Glasses (Anti-Fog, Anti-Scratch, UV400)
Lightweight safety glasses with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, UV400 protection. Wraparound design for side coverage.
Why we recommend it: Pulled out for the PPE topic on every site induction. The glasses every electrician keeps a spare pair of in the van.
BS 8599-1:2019 Compliant Workplace First Aid Kit (Medium, 25–100 persons)
Workplace first aid kit compliant with BS 8599-1:2019 (medium, suitable for 25–100 persons). The standard the HSE references in its First Aid at Work approved code of practice.
Why we recommend it: Every site needs one and the standard matters — RIDDOR-reportable injuries are easier to handle when your first aid kit is current and BS 8599-1 certified.
Pair Them With Our App
327 ECS HS&E practice questions across 12 topics, BS 7671 calculators, GS38 Safe Isolation, RIDDOR guide, and toolbox talks — built for the same exam these books and tools help you pass.
