BS 1363-3:2023

A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Part 3: Adaptors – Specification | Status: Current

What is BS 1363-3 - Specification for adaptors about?

BS 1363-3 is the third standard in the long-established five-part series on essential safety and dimensional requirements for the UK electrical plug and socket system. BS 1363-3:2023 specifies adaptors.

Who is BS 1363-3 - Specification for adaptors 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 to evaluate dimensions and compatibility with sockets

What does BS 1363-3 - Specification for adaptors 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 1363-3 specifies requirements for adaptors having insulating sleeves on the line and neutral plug pins and suitable for use with socket-outlets conforming to BS 1363-2, with particular reference to safety in normal use. BS 1363-3 also applies to shaver adaptors that have the 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 BS 1363-2. NOTE: BS 1363-3 does not cover travel adaptors.

Why should you use BS 1363-3 - Specification for adaptors?

• For manufacturers, it ensures their products will be compatible with BS 1363 series plugs and 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 adaptors manufactured to BS 1363-3 will be of good quality and will operate correctly, safely and reliably over many insertions

• Compliant adaptors are interoperable with suitable electric equipment from any manufacturer

• BS 1363-3:2023 is the latest edition of this standard and reflects the latest technology, product trends and related standards

BS 1363-3 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 1363-3:2023?

This is a revision of BS 1363-3:2016+A1:2018. 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 major revision in BS 1363-3:2023 is a change to the requirements on current rating of adaptors.