What is BS 1363-2 - Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets about?
BS 1363-2 is the second standard in the long-established five-part series on essential safety and dimensional requirements for UK electrical plugs and sockets. BS 1363-2:2023 covers socket outlets with and without switches.
Who is BS 1363-2 - Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets for?
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Manufacturers of electrical accessories and cord sets
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Manufacturers of electrical appliances
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Electrical equipment suppliers
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Electrical retailers
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Trading standards
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Test and certification laboratories
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Manufacturers of other “plug-in” items
What does BS 1363-2 - Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets 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 1363-2:2023 specifies requirements for 13 A switched and unswitched shuttered socket-outlets for household, commercial and light industrial purposes with particular reference to safety in normal use.
Why should you use BS 1363-2 - Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets?
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For manufacturers, it ensures their products will be compatible with any BS 1363 series plug, 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
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Suppliers, retailers and consumers can be confident that sockets manufactured to BS 1363-2 will be of good quality and will operate correctly, safely and reliably over many insertions
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Compliant sockets will be interoperable with suitable electric equipment from any manufacturer
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BS 1363-2:2023 is the latest edition of this standard and reflects the latest technology, product trends and related standards
BS 1363-2:2023 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 1363-2:2023?
This is a revision of BS 1363-2:2016+A1:2018. Common changes that affect all parts of the series are:
- Operating frequencies from 50Hz to 60Hz are now in scope
- Current carrying parts made of brass shall have a minimum content of 58% copper
- Insulation and Electric Strength test now includes provision for both indicators and incorporated electronic components to be disconnected
- Modification to requirements for actuating members of switches to include single push-button switches where the actuating member takes up a single rest position
- New requirements for switch actuating force test for double-pole switches (where fitted)
The changes specific to BS 1363-2:2023 are:
- Socket-outlets incorporating Circuit Breakers for Equipment (CBE) are now included within the Scope with requirements and tests
- New definition, requirements, and tests for individually protected socket-outlet (IPS)
- The socket-outlet switch shall not be used to switch incorporated electronic components other than an indicator lamp
- Modification of mounting box clearance requirements for flush mounted socket-outlets
- Re-useable fixings, tamperproof and security screws for non-rewireable portable socket-outlets shall not be used
- Switches conforming to BS EN IEC 61058:2018 or BS EN 60669-1:2018 incorporated in socket-outlets do not need to be tested for normal operation
- Modification of Annex requirements for incorporated electronic components. Specifically, USB circuits intended for charging portable devices with the addition of Abnormal condition and Energy efficiency requirements
- New Annex for recommendations for products that incorporate BS 1363-2 socket-outlets