BS 1363-1:2023 - TC

What is BS 1363-1 - Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs about?

BS 1363-1 is the first standard in the long-established five-part series on essential safety and dimensional requirements for the UK’s electrical plug and socket system. BS 1363-1:2023 specifies rewirable and non-rewirable 13-amp fused plugs.

Who is BS 1363-1 - Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs for?

• Manufacturers of electrical accessories and cord sets

• Manufacturers of electrical appliances

• Electrical equipment suppliers

• Electrical retailers

• Trading standards

• Test and certification laboratories

• Manufacturers of other “plug-in” items

What does BS 1363-1 - Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs cover?

The BS 1363 series provides essential requirements for the safety, construction, dimensional accuracy, electrical and mechanical testing, and markings for the UK national electrical power plug and socket outlet system.BS 1363-1 specifies requirements for 13 A fused plugs having insulating sleeves on line and neutral pins, for household, commercial and light industry purposes.

Why should you use BS 1363-1 - Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13 A fused plugs?

• For manufacturers it ensures their products will be compatible with BS 1363 series socket outlets, compliant with regulatory requirements, compliant with the requirements of the relevant Kitemark scheme, and will be readily accepted in the UK and certain overseas markets

• Suppliers, retailers and consumers can be confident that plugs manufactured to BS 1363-1 will be of good quality and will operate correctly, safely and reliably over many insertions

• Compliant plugs will be interoperable with suitable electric equipment from any manufacturer

• The manufacturers of other plug-in products, such as battery chargers, can use BS 1363-1 to evaluate the connecting pins, dimensions, and compatibility with sockets of their products

• BS 1363-1:2023 is the latest edition of this standard and reflects the latest technology, product trends and related standards

BS 1363-1 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy and Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.

What’s new about BS 1363-1:2023?

This is a revision of BS 1363-1:2016. Common changes that affect all parts of the series are:

1. Operating frequencies from 50Hz to 60Hz are now in scope
2. Current carrying parts made of brass shall have a minimum content of 58% copper
3. Insulation and Electric Strength test now includes provision for both indicators and incorporated electronic components to be disconnected
4. Modification to requirements for actuating members of switches to include single push-button switches where the actuating member takes up a single rest position
5. New requirements for switch actuating force test for double-pole switches (where fitted)

The changes specific to BS 1363-1:2023 are:

1. New non-rewirable plug requirement for creepage and clearance between fuse and clips and engagement face with fuse carrier or cover removed
2. Overload test for plugs now requires rewirable plugs to be fitted with 13A fuse-links and non-rewirable plugs fitted with highest rated fuse-links specified in Table 2 for the cable fitted
3. New annex for recommendations for products that incorporate BS 1363-1 plug pins