BS 1363-5:2023

13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Fused conversion plugs - Specification | Status: Current

1 Scope This part of BS 1363 specifies requirements, with particular reference to safety in normal use, for 13 A, fused, conversion plugs for household, commercial and light industrial purposes. Requirements are specified for two‑pole plus earth conversion plugs that are either reusable or non‑reusable and that are suitable for the connection of non‑BS 1363 type plugs, conforming to a recognized standard, to socket‑outlets conforming to BS 1363‑2:2023. The scope of this standard is limited to devices with the following characteristics that:

1. a) have insulating sleeves on line and neutral pins;
2. b) have one plug portion and one set of contacts intended to connect to a non‑BS 1363 type plug that conforms to the dimensional requirements of a standard listed in IEC TR 60083;
3. c) are suitable for the connection of electrical equipment in a.c. circuits only, operating at voltages not exceeding 250 V r.m.s. and frequencies from 50 Hz to 60 Hz and not exceeding 13 A; and
4. d) have the un‑terminated metal earth pin replaced with a similarly dimensioned insulated shutter opening device (ISOD) designed to operate the shutter mechanism of a socket‑outlet conforming to BS 1363‑2:2023.

Two categories of conversion plugs are specified, covering normal and rough use. Conversion plugs specified in this part of BS 1363 are intended for the connection of loads to socket‑outlets; they are not intended for the connection of electrical power generators to socket‑outlets. Conversion plugs incorporating switches, transformers, thermostats or other control means are outside the scope of this part of BS 1363. This part of BS 1363 also does not cover:

1. 1) non‑BS 1363 type conversion plugs, i.e. those with a contact set to fit 13 A plugs, and a male plug portion suitable for a non‑BS 1363 type socket‑outlet;
2. 2) adaptors (see BS 1363‑3); or
3. 3) travel adaptors (see BS 8546).