BS 1363-2 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types

bs 1363 type electrical socket-outlet. closed shutters block entry of foreign objects

bs 1363 sockets commonly supplied integral switches convenience, switches optional , did not form part of bs 1363 until 1967.

sockets required mate correctly bs 1363 plugs (as opposed dimensions of socket contacts being specified). checked means of use of various gauges specified in standard; these gauges ensure socket contacts correctly positioned , make effective , secure contact plug pins. there no provision establishing interchangeability other device having plug pins incorporated, not covered bs 1363 (for example charger or socket cover) unless device conforms precisely plug pin dimensions specified. insertion of non-compliant plugs may damage sockets. important socket dimensions standard specify are: minimum insertion of 9.6 mm face of socket-outlet first point of contact live part, minimum distance of 9.5 mm line , neutral apertures periphery of socket face, , not exceed dimensions apertures of 7.2 mm x 4.8 mm (line , neutral) , 8.8 mm x 4.8 mm (earth).

when looking @ front of socket earth aperture uppermost (as mounted) lower left aperture neutral contact, , lower right line contact.

shutters

bs 1363 sockets must have shutters on line , neutral contacts prevent insertion of foreign object socket. many sockets use original method of shutters opened earth pin (or plastic isod), longer other pins , hence opening shutters before other pins engage, alone. alternatively, shutters may opened simultaneous insertion of line , neutral pins. later designs require 3 pins inserted simultaneously. use of automatic shutters protection dates @ least 1927. other countries, example usa, gradually requiring sockets protected shutters also.

there specific requirement in standard ensure europlugs , other two-pin plugs may not used bs 1363 sockets shall not possible operate shutter inserting 2-pin plug 3-pin socket-outlet. however, many extension sockets allow plug inserted upside down, i.e. earth pin, defeating shutter mechanism. method used allow europlug (with 2 small round pins , no earth pin) forced open line , neutral ports. uk electrical safety council has drawn attention fire risk associated forcing europlugs bs 1363 sockets.

socket covers

in countries using other socket-outlet types, socket covers sold protect children electrocution inserting objects otherwise unprotected sockets. such covers sold in uk, shutters of bs 1363 socket-outlet make these unnecessary. institution of engineering , technology published article on socket covers mark coles, technical regulations manager, in journal wiring matters . article concludes that: socket-outlets bs 1363 safest in world , have been since first designed in 1940s. socket protectors not regulated safety, therefore, using non-standard system protect long established safe system not sensible. uk government not collect statistics of injury or accidents related use of socket covers.

a uk-based group called fatallyflawed notes none of available socket covers made bs 1363 dimensions , can introduce hazards, either damaging socket contacts or allowing foreign objects inserted live openings. fatallyflawed website displays statement socket-outlet manufacturer mk electric, mk goes great lengths ensure bs 1363 plugs , sockets safe. inserting incorrectly dimensioned products socket-outlet can both damage socket , reduce safety .

as of 30 june 2016 use of socket covers has been banned in premises controlled national health service (nhs) in united kingdom. in october 2016 uk department education confirmed in written answer parliamentary question have brought department of health’s recent alert on dangers associated use of electrical socket covers attention of years providers in england. ‘action children’ has published notice, via foundation years website, use of electrical socket covers in years provision in england. available at: www.foundationyears.org.uk/2016/10/dfe-note-on-the-use-of-electrical-plug-socket-coversinserts-in-early-years-provision-in-england

beama (british electrotechnical , allied manufacturers association) published following statement in june 2017: “beama advises against use of socket-outlet ‘protective’ covers.”