BS 1363-1 Rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types

1 bs 1363-1 rewirable , non-rewirable 13 a fused plugs

1.1 nominal dimensions
1.2 pin insulation
1.3 fuses
1.4 other safety features
1.5 ratings
1.6 counterfeits , non-standard plugs

bs 1363-1 rewirable , non-rewirable 13 a fused plugs

bs 1363 plug, plastic pin insulated shutter opening device (isod) , sleeved pins.

a bs 1363 plug has 2 horizontal, rectangular pins line , neutral, , above these pins, larger, vertical pin earth connection. note, both line , neutral carry current , defined live parts. earth pin serves operate basic shutter mechanism used in many sockets. correct polarity established position of earth pin relative other 2 pins, ensuring line pin connected correct terminal in socket-outlet. moulded plugs unearthed, double-insulated appliances may instead have non-conductive plastic pin (an insulated shutter opening device or isod) same size , shape earth pin, open shutters. when looking @ plug pins earth uppermost lower left pin line, , lower right neutral.

uk consumer protection legislation requires domestic electrical goods sold must provided fitted plugs bs 1363-1. these usually, not necessarily, non-rewirable. rewirable plugs hand-wiring screwdriver commonly available , must provided instructions.

nominal dimensions

bs 1363-1 specifies dimensions of plug pins , disposition respect each other in precise, absolute terms. line , neutral pins have rectangular cross section 6.4 mm 4.0 mm, 17.7 mm long , centres 22.2 mm apart. protective-earth pin rectangular cross section 8.0 mm 4.0 mm, 22.3 mm long , centre line 22.2 mm line/neutral pin centre line. dimensions specified in decimal inches asymmetric tolerances , redefined minimum , maximum metric dimensions in bs 1363:1984.

dimensions chosen provide safe clearance live parts. distance part of line , neutral pins periphery of plug base must not less 9.5 mm. ensures nothing can inserted alongside pin when plug in use, , helps keep fingers away pins. longer earth pin ensures earth path connected before live pins, , remains connected after live pins removed. earth pin large inserted line or neutral sockets mistake.

pin insulation

initially, bs 1363 did not require line , neutral pins have insulating sleeves. plugs made recent revisions of standard have insulated sleeves prevent finger contact pins, , stop metal objects (for example, fallen window blind slats) becoming live if lodged between wall , partly pulled out plug. length of sleeves prevents live contacts being exposed while plug being inserted or removed. method of sleeving pins involving spring-loaded sleeves described in 1967 british patent gb1067870. method adopted described in 1972 british patent gb1292991. plugs such pins available in 1970s, southern electricity/rospa safety pamphlet 1978 encourages use. sleeved pins became required standard in 1984.

fuses

bs 1362 fuses (for bs 1363 plugs)

there 2 common misconceptions purpose of fuse in bs 1363 plug, 1 protects appliance connected plug, , other protects against overloading. in fact fuse there protect flexible cord between plug , appliance under fault conditions (typical british ring circuits can deliver more current appliance flexible power cords can handle). bs 1363 plugs required carry cartridge fuse, must conform bs 1362. post-war building studies no. 11, electrical installations included recommendation provision should made in plug accommodation of cartridge type of fuse 13 amps., , alternatively, 3 amps. fuses of these ratings should interchangeable , readily identified. original bs 1363:1947 specified fuse ratings of 3 a, 7 a , 13 a. current version of fuse standard, bs 1362:1973, allows fuse rating 13 a, 3 a (coloured red) , 13 a (coloured brown) preferred (but not mandated) values when used in plug. other ratings coloured black.

plugs, when supplied separately appliance, should available either 3 a or 13 a fuse fitted. fuses mechanically interchangeable; end user or appliance manufacturer install appropriate rating.

bs 1362 specifies sand-filled ceramic-bodied cylindrical fuses, 1 (25.4 mm) in length, 2 metallic end caps of 1/4 (6.3 mm) diameter , 1/5 long. standard specifies breaking time versus current characteristics 3 a or 13 a fuses.

for 3 a fuses: 0.02–80 s @ 9 a, < 0.1 s @ 20 a , < 0.03 s @ 30 a.
for 13 a fuses: 1–400 s @ 30 a, 0.1–20 s @ 50 a , 0.01–0.2 s @ 100 a.

other safety features

internal wiring.

the plug sides shaped improve grip , make easier remove plug socket-outlet. plug polarised, fuse in line side of supply. flexible cord enters plug bottom, discouraging removal tugging on cable, can damage cable. rewireable plugs must designed can wired in manner prevents strain earth connection before line , neutral connection in event of failure of cord anchorage.

ratings

bs 1363 plugs , sockets rated use @ maximum of 250 v ac , 13 a, exception of non-rewirable plugs have current rating according type of cable connected them , fuse fitted. rating must marked on plug, , in case of non-rewirable plugs marking must value of fuse fitted plug manufacturer in accordance table 2 of standard. typical ratings non-rewirable plugs 3 a, 5 a, 10 a , 13 a.

counterfeits , non-standard plugs

plugs not meet bs 1363 find way uk. of these legal in country manufactured in, not meet bs 1363 - these can brought uk unsuspecting travellers, or people purchasing electrical goods online. can purchased through many uk electrical component distributors. there counterfeit plugs appear meet standards (and marked such) not in fact comply. legislation introduced, last revision in 1994, require plugs sold meet technical standard. counterfeit products regularly seized when found, enforce safety standards , protect approval marks , trademarks of imitated manufacturers. pressure group plugsafe reported in march 2014 since august 2011 thousands of listings of products including illegal plugs had been removed uk websites ebay.co.uk , amazon.co.uk. uk electrical safety council expressed shock @ magnitude of problem , published video showing plug exploding due counterfeit bs 1362 fuse. institution of engineering , technology published information on extent of problem on-line retailers, many advertising replacement cord sets, mobile device chargers, , travel adaptors fraudulently marked bs 1363, , mentioning same sites.