Connect to the revised British plug, socket and adaptor standards
What’s happened and why?
It’s nearly 80 years since the BS 1363 series was first developed to specify rectangular-pin electrical power supply plugs, socket outlets and adaptors for UK factories, homes and offices. The series lives on and has just undergone its latest round of revisions to reflect technology developments, product trends and changes to related standards.
What does the BS 1363 series cover?
It 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.
Why use the BS 1363 series?
This series is vital to ensuring that millions of plugs, sockets and adaptors, made by many different manufacturers, are safe to use and will fit together and function correctly and reliably even after many insertions.
The series can also help manufacturers of electrical equipment:
- Comply with the requirements of UK safety regulations (The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994)
- Participate in the related BSI Kitemark schemes for plugs, sockets and adaptors
- Readily access the UK market
- Export to around 50 overseas markets where UK specifications have been adopted
- Increase trust and confidence in their products
- Stay up to date with the latest technical changes and product trends
