# Electrical Standards & Codes by Country

> Electrical standards and codes by country: official entry points for the US NEC (NFPA 70), OSHA, IEC 60364, UK BS 7671 and AS/NZS 3000. Confirm the adopted edition before work.

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Learning reference only: electrical codes, permits, inspection bodies, and licensing rules differ by region. This course is not a substitute for local code, licensed training, permits, or authority requirements. Before any hands-on work, de-energize, verify absence of voltage, and follow local regulators/AHJ and employer procedures.

## Which electrical code applies where you work?

There is no single global electrical code. The United States uses the National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70) alongside OSHA workplace safety rules; the United Kingdom uses BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations); Europe and many other countries build on IEC 60364; Australia and New Zealand use AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules); and Mainland China's building electrical work commonly cites GB 55024, GB 50054 and GB 50303.

Codes are jurisdiction-specific. Start with the country and local authority, then confirm the adopted edition, amendments and type of work — a newer publisher edition is not automatically the edition adopted everywhere. IEC standards provide international references, not a universal installation permit.

- [foundational electrician English guide](<https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/electrician-english-for-beginners/>): Before diving into regional rulebooks like the NEC, CEC, or AS/NZS 3000, new apprentices can build everyday site vocabulary with our foundational electrician English guide.
- [first-step language guide for electrical apprentices](<https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/electrician-english-for-beginners/>): Because national wiring rules use dense technical phrasing, we recommend starting with our first-step language guide for electrical apprentices to practice basic jobsite terms and question routines first.
- [Electrical symbols chart and circuit practice](<https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/electrical-drawing-symbols/>)
- [Understand LOTO terms and US scope](<https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/lockout-tagout-english-vocabulary/>)

## International baseline

IEC 60364 is a common reference framework for many low-voltage building installation rules; field work still follows the adopted local version.

- [IEC 60364-1:2025](<https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/63699>): Part 1 of the IEC 60364 series: fundamental principles and scope. Verify the edition adopted locally.

## Europe / UK

European countries often build on IEC/CENELEC structures and adopt national rules; in the UK, BS 7671 / IET Wiring Regulations is the common study entry.

- [IET BS 7671](<https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671-18th-edition-wiring-regulations/>): UK national standard and IET Wiring Regulations entry.
- [CENELEC](<https://www.cencenelec.eu/>): European electrotechnical standardization portal for harmonized standards context.

## Australia / New Zealand

Australian/New Zealand residential and low-voltage learning commonly centers on AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules plus state/territory regulator requirements.

- [AS/NZS 3000](<https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-nzs-3000-2018>): Standards Australia official store entry for the Wiring Rules.
- [ERAC](<https://www.erac.gov.au/>): Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council portal for regulatory context.

## Asia entry points

Asia varies widely: Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Japan, and others have their own regulators or adopted systems; identify the exact jurisdiction first.

- [Hong Kong EMSD](<https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electricity_safety/>): Hong Kong EMSD electricity safety portal.
- [Singapore EMA](<https://www.ema.gov.sg/>): Energy Market Authority of Singapore portal.
- [India CEA](<https://cea.nic.in/>): Central Electricity Authority of India portal for electrical regulations and safety context.
- [Japan METI](<https://www.meti.go.jp/english/>): Japan METI portal for electrical safety and regulatory context.

## Americas

North America commonly centers on the US NEC/NFPA 70, OSHA workplace safety, and the Canadian Electrical Code; Latin American countries use national standards and regulators.

- [NFPA 70 / NEC](<https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70>): Official US National Electrical Code entry.
- [OSHA Electrical](<https://www.osha.gov/electrical>): US OSHA electrical safety topic portal.
- [CSA C22.1](<https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20C22.1%3A24/>): Canadian Electrical Code entry.
- [Mexico NOM](<https://www.gob.mx/se/>): Mexico Ministry of Economy portal for NOM electrical standards lookup.

## Mainland China

Mainland China requires separating national standards, mandatory construction codes, construction acceptance standards, and licensing/special-operation rules; do not directly apply NEC or BS 7671.

- [国家标准全文公开系统](<https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/>): Primary portal for GB/GB/T standard lookup and disclosed texts.
- [国家标准信息公共服务平台](<https://std.samr.gov.cn/>): Lookup standard status, numbers, publication, and effective dates.
- [住房和城乡建设部](<https://www.mohurd.gov.cn/>): MOHURD portal for construction standards, mandatory codes, and announcements.
- [应急管理部](<https://www.mem.gov.cn/>): Emergency management, work safety, and special-operation context portal.