The BS 1363 plug.

In this presentation we will look at the BS 1363 plug.

How it compares with other plugs in the world

What standard it must be made to.

And how to fit one.

PLUGS OF THE WORLD

There are many type’s of plug throughout the

world here are a few of the most commonly used.

PLUGS OF THE WORLD

North and Central America.

This is the plug used in North and Central America. It is rated at 120 volts 60 Hz at 15 Amps.

PLUGS OF THE WORLDAustralia, New Zealand

Argentina and China

This is the plug used in Australia,

New Zealand, Argentina and

China. It is rated at 240 volts, 50 Hz at

10 Amps.

PLUGS OF THE WORLD

Europe

This is the plug used in most of

Europe. It is rated at 220 volts 50 Hz

at 10 Amps.

PLUGS OF THE WORLD

UK and Ireland

This is the plug used in the UK

and Ireland, It is rated at 240 volt,50Hz at

13Amps.

How does the UK plug compare to the rest of the world.

The UK plug is widely recognised as the safest in the

world this is due to the high standard they must be

manufactured to BS1363.

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These regulations a long winded and very boring.

But they basically state that.

The dimensions of the plug must be.

•The live and neutral pins have a rectangular cross section 6.35±0.13 mm wide and 3.975±0.075 mm in height.

•They are 17.7±0.5 mm long and their centre lines are horizontally 11.115±0.065 mm on either side of the symmetry plane of the plug.

•The protective-earth pin is centred on the symmetry plane, is 22.73±0.5 mm long and has a cross section 3.975±0.075 mm wide and 7.925±0.125 mm height.

•The centre lines of the live/neutral pins and the protective pin are vertically 22.23±0.13 mm apart.

But they basically state that.But they basically state that.

And the plug must be fitted with the correct sized fuse for the appliance.

And the pins are usually made from brass or bronze.

The body of the plug must be made from a insulating material usually PVC

or rubber.

What are they made from.

Wiring a Three Pin PlugWiring a Three Pin Plug

The colours of wire used in the flex should be:The colours of wire used in the flex should be:

BlueBlue for Neutral (N) for Neutral (N) BrownBrown for Live (L) for Live (L)

GreenGreen and and YellowYellow for Earth (E)for Earth (E)

This is the current standard and has been so for many years. However the previous standard is sometimes encountered and this is Black for

Neutral (N), Red for Live (L ).

By law in the UK new electrical products should now come fitted with a plug.

Remove the cover of the plug that is held in place by one screw located on the back face of the plug

using a Phillips Screw driver

After opening the plug lay the cable along the plug so as to get the required length of outer

covering that needs removing.

Make sure that you leave enough cable to bite the cable clamp

Carefully cut round the outer covering taking care not to cut the inner cores or your finger.

Remove the outer covering by sliding it of the top end

Remove the cable clamp and place the outer covering under the clamp and tighten.

None of the coloured wires should be visible outside the clamp.

Using the wire strippers, strip the insulation on the three inner cables back 5-6mm

Twist the bare ends of each wire so that it gives extra strength.

A simple way to remember the correct positions of the wires is:

BL - Bottom Left - BLue BR - Bottom Right - BRown

connect up making sure that there are NO stray strands using a the small flat head screw driver

EARTH - Top

Your plug should now look like this

Now replace the top cover

Replace  the fuse, ensuring that it is the correct amperage for the appliance.

Use the manufacturers recommended fuse rating.

If this is not known use the following guide: Use a 3 Amp fuse for appliances up to 700w - table lights, electric clocks ,etc.

Use a 5 Amp fuse for appliances up to 1200w - generally for lighting, but may be used for TV's, Audio, etc.

Use a 13 Amp fuse for appliances between 700 and 3000w - for heavier appliances, Hoovers, Washers, etc.

OVERVIEW• After opening the plug lay the cable along the After opening the plug lay the cable along the

plug so as to get the required length of outer plug so as to get the required length of outer covering that needs removing.covering that needs removing.

• Carefully cut round the outer covering taking Carefully cut round the outer covering taking care not to cut your finger or the inner cores.care not to cut your finger or the inner cores.

• Remove the cable clamp and place the outer Remove the cable clamp and place the outer covering under the clamp and tighten.covering under the clamp and tighten.

• Place the cores into their correct positions:-Place the cores into their correct positions:-• BLUE – Bottom Left, BROWN - Bottom Right BLUE – Bottom Left, BROWN - Bottom Right

and GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH PIN (TOP)and GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH PIN (TOP)• Cut the cores to the required length then strip Cut the cores to the required length then strip

the insulation back 5-6mm and connect up the insulation back 5-6mm and connect up making sure that there are making sure that there are NONO stray strands. stray strands.

• Ensure you use the correct fuse rating for the Ensure you use the correct fuse rating for the equipmentequipment

• Replace the topReplace the top