1 Scope
This part of BS 1363 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. The socket-outlets are suitable for the connection of appliances, sound vision equipment, luminaires,
etc. in a.c. circuits only, operating at voltages not exceeding 250 V r.m.s. and frequencies
from 50 Hz to 60 Hz using plugs in accordance with BS 1363-1:2023. Additional requirements
are included for socket-outlets suitable for electric vehicle charging.
Requirements are specified for 13 A shuttered socket-outlets in single or multiple arrangements, with or without associated controlling switches,
for flush mounting in suitable boxes, e.g. conforming to BS 4662:2006+A1:2009, or for surface or panel mounting or for portable use. Fixed socket-outlets are intended for use with cables conforming to BS 6004:2012+A1:2020 and cables to
the relevant part of BS EN 50525, having copper conductors. Portable socket-outlets are intended for use with flexible cables conforming to the relevant part of BS EN
50525. Socket-outlets incorporating fuse links, Circuit Breakers for Equipment (CBE), switches and indicator
lamps are included within the scope of this part of BS 1363. Socket-outlets incorporating electronic components as detailed in Annex A are included within the scope of this part of BS 1363.
This standard does not apply to socket-outlets incorporating screwless terminals for the connection of external conductors of the following types:
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a) insulation-piercing connecting devices; or
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b) twist-on connecting devices.
Socket-outlets conforming to this standard are shuttered and therefore do not require the use of
additional means to shield the current carrying contacts when no plug is present in
the socket-outlet.
Certain installations require the inclusion of intumescent and acoustic pads and this
might have an effect on the conformance of the socket-outlet to the requirements of this standard. This might influence temperature rise and internal
clearances. Verification of suitability of the socket-outlet needs to be obtained from the manufacturer.
NOTE 1 In order to maintain safety and interchangeability with plugs and socket-outlets it is necessary that these products conform to the requirements of Clause 10 and Clause 14 of this part of BS 1363, however their body outline need not be limited at a distance
of 6.35 mm from the plug engagement surface.
NOTE 2 Requirements for electromagnetic compatibility for socket-outlets that incorporate electronic devices are given in Annex A.
NOTE 3 A socket-outlet that does not incorporate electronic devices does not emit intolerable electromagnetic
interference since significant electromagnetic disturbances are only generated during
insertion and withdrawal which are not continuous.
NOTE 4 A socket-outlet that does not incorporate electronic devices is mechanical by nature of construction.
The product is therefore immune from electromagnetic interference.
NOTE 5 Individually protected socket-outlets (IPS) are only intended to provide supplementary overcurrent protection downstream
of the IPS. Individually protected socket-outlets are intended for use in circuits where fault protection is already assured upstream
of the socket-outlet.
NOTE 6 Individually protected socket-outlets (IPS) are rated at 13 A. The maximum load current is restricted by the fitted fuse/CBE
for its particular application.
NOTE 7 Recommendations for products incorporating BS 1363-2 socket-outlets are given in Annex I.
