BS 1363-1:1995+A4:2012

Conditions of use, type testing, construction and tests.

This part of BS1363 specifies requirements for 13A fused plugs having insulating sleeves on line and neutral pins, for household, commercial and light industrial purposes, with particular reference to safety in normal use. The plugs are suitable for the connection of portable appliances, sound-vision equipment, luminaires, etc. in a.c. circuits only, operating at voltages not exceeding 250V r.m.s. at 50Hz.

Requirements are specified for plugs incorporating a fuse link complying with BS1362:1973. The plugs may be rewirable or non-rewirable complete with flexible cord. Two categories of plugs are specified covering normal and rough use. Rewirable plugs are intended for use with flexible cords complying with BS6500:2000, or equivalent cords to the relevant part of BSEN50525 (see AnnexG), having conductor cross-sectional areas from 0.5 mm² to 1.5 mm² inclusive.

NOTE1 See 19.1.

Non-rewirable plugs are intended for use with flexible cords having conductor cross-sectional areas not exceeding 1.5 mm².

NOTE2 See 19.4.

This standard also applies to non-rewirable 13A plugs which have the brass earth pin replaced with a similarly dimensioned protrusion made of insulating material designated as an insulated shutter opening device (ISOD) designed to operate the shutter mechanism of a socket-outlet conforming to BS1363‑2.

Plugs containing devices other than switches and indicator lamps are outside the scope of this part of BS1363.

NOTE3 Brass can be copper, phosphor-bronze or other metal at least equivalent with regard to its conductivity, resistance to abrasion and resistance to corrosion.

NOTE4 The titles of the publications referred to in this part of BS1363 are listed on the inside back. Cover

NOTE5 In order to maintain safety and interchangeability with plugs and socket-outlets it is necessary that these products comply with the requirements of Clause9, 12 and 13 of this part of BS1363, however their body outline need not be limited at a distance of 6.35mm from the plug engagement surface.

NOTE6 Requirements for electromagnetic compatibility are not given for the following reasons.

A plug does not emit intolerable electromagnetic interference since significant electromagnetic disturbances are only generated during insertion and withdrawal which are not continuous.

A plug is mechanical by nature of construction. The product is therefore immune from electromagnetic interference.