British Plugs / Sockets Regulations (BS1363)

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I've been doing a bit of research on the standard British 3-pin plug under BS1363 as I would like to know exactly what is/isn't compliant so I can advise customers if I spot an appliance using a substandard plug.

I know there are basic and well-known considerations such as:- live pins must be partially-insulated, earth pin must be solid (brass for class 1 / plastic for class 2, etc); appropriately fused on the line conductor, earth-pin longer than live-pins to make prior-connection for safety and to open shutters for live pins; just to name a few.

I've been trying to find a PDF copy of the BS1363 regulations as a reliable and comprehensive source of information, however so far I've only managed to find guides such as the "IET 2013-49 Winter Wiring Matters" - which is great but lacks a lot of information that it makes reference to throughout it's content (such as dimensions, degree of insulation, materials, etc).

The BSI shop sells an official copy of the regulations at a price of £234.00 for non-members (£117.00 for members) which seems incredibly expensive; I'd be happy to buy it if I were a manufacturer (just like us electricians buy a copy of BS7671 despite the price) but I'm only inquisitive. Is there a way to legally obtain a PDF copy for free? Or at least a comprehensive guide from a reliable source?

I appreciate your help in advance.
- Chris

If you put BS1363 into a search engine such as Google, you should find plenty of websites with pictures of dodgy plugs, including BS 1363 Plugs and Sockets - http://www.bs1363.org.uk/.
If you have a suspect plug that looks generally OK, you can put the ASTA or kitemark number into ASTA BEAB - Welcome to the BEAB Buyers' Guide. - http://www.astabeab.co.uk/buyers-by-number.asp
BS1363 can be viewed at many main libraries.

M-Ty said:

If you put BS1363 into a search engine such as Google, you should find plenty of websites with pictures of dodgy plugs, including BS 1363 Plugs and Sockets - http://www.bs1363.org.uk/.
If you have a suspect plug that looks generally OK, you can put the ASTA or kitemark number into ASTA BEAB - Welcome to the BEAB Buyers' Guide. - http://www.astabeab.co.uk/buyers-by-number.asp
BS1363 can be viewed at many main libraries.

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Thank you for your help M-Ty!

I had a look on the website www.bs1363.org.uk which is great, but I'd love to see the BS1363 standards for myself (even though raw-standards are usually long, boring, complexly-worded) but it would be ideal to take notes from.

The library is a good shout, I'll check the city library (more comprehensive than my local) to see if they have a copy. It would be fantastic to get a PDF though.

Hi - if you want a PDF of the standard you will have to pay for it I'm afraid. I'd be worried about accuracy and authenticity of any "fleabay specials" . But as @M-Ty has said the Standards can be read on line via libraries, see link below

British Standards for Free BS5839-1 and BS5839-6 - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/resources/british-standards-for-free-bs5839-1-and-bs5839-6.30/

The Newcastle way in to BS has closed down. probably because too many registered.
As above BSI are very protective of their documents, it's unusual to find a PDF online .

You may be allowed a photocopy in a Library.

Assesing quality of connected cable became problemetic,
once it could hide in a moulded plug -both ends, with
vibration proof crimped joints !
( Measure , rather than visual . )
Any magnetic steel has to be a bad clue .
"JWard" videos are good where he persecutes copper coated Aluminium cables !

Hi,
Hint, have a look at the size maters link on this page, it gives the expected sizes of the pics.

ESC did produce a plug checker which is a very handy piece of kit to have in your wallet. All the links on their website seem to be dead but this is what it is.

Wilko said:

Hi - if you want a PDF of the standard you will have to pay for it I'm afraid.

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It seems that all the legitimate PDFs are paid-for, at a expensive price too! Thank you for the link Wilko, I'll check it out.

snowhead said:

As above BSI are very protective of their documents, it's unusual to find a PDF online .
You may be allowed a photocopy in a Library.

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It does seem that they are keen to charge for their documents, it's just a shame it's so much money. Like you say, I think the library is the best idea. Thank you for your help snowhead.

static zap said:

"JWard" videos are good where he persecutes copper coated Aluminium cables !

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I haven't seen his video on this actually (I have watched a fair few, good content!) so I'll take a look. Moulded plugs seem like a great idea when everything is in order. Like you say, it can be problematic. Cheers static zap.

UKMeterman said:

Hi,
Hint, have a look at the size maters link on this page, it gives the expected sizes of the pics.

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I'll take a look, thank you for the hint UKMeterman.

Strima said:

ESC did produce a plug checker which is a very handy piece of kit to have in your wallet. All the links on their website seem to be dead but this is what it is.

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That looks fantastic, I've never seen one before. You'd think these would be more popular than ever with certain auction-sites. Thank you Strima!

Now pop along to
Socket caught on fire - urgent help/advice needed from tenant Post 22 .
To see Moulded plug + Large load hell . ( + Rented socket )

static zap said:

Now pop along to
Socket caught on fire - urgent help/advice needed from tenant Post 22 .
To see Moulded plug + Large load hell . ( + Rented socket )

Click to expand...

It's a scary thought, and it can happen to anyone (even I presume my washing-machine has an appropriate moulded-plug because of it's brand and mass-production). Good read, thank you!