This part of BS 1363 specifies requirements for 13 A fused plugs having insulating sleeves on line and neutral pins, for household, commercial and light industrial purposes, with particular reference to safety in normal use. The plugs are suitable for the connection of portable 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. Additional requirements are included for plugs suitable for electric vehicle charging.

Requirements are specified for plugs incorporating a fuse link conforming to BS 1362:1973+A3:2021. The plugs might be rewirable or non-rewirable complete with flexible cable. Categories of plugs are specified covering normal and rough use. Rewirable plugs are intended for use with flexible cables conforming to the relevant parts of BS EN 50525 (see Clause 2), having conductor cross‑sectional areas from 0.5 mm² to 1.5 mm² inclusive. See 20.1.

Non-rewirable plugs are intended for use with flexible cables having conductor cross-sectional areas not exceeding 1.5 mm². See 20.4.

This standard also applies to non-rewirable 13 A plugs which have the earth pin replaced with a similarly dimensioned protrusion made of insulating material designated as an insulated shutter opening device (ISOD) designed to operate the shutter mechanism of socket-outlet conforming to BS 1363‑2:2023.

A plug is mechanical by nature of construction. The product is therefore immune from electromagnetic interference.

Plugs incorporating switches and indicator lamps are included within the scope of this part of BS 1363.

Plugs incorporating electronic components detailed in Annex A are included within the scope of this part of BS 1363.

Recommendations for plug in equipment incorporating BS 1363‑1plug pins are given in Annex B.