What is BS 8546 about?
BS 8546 is a British standard that specifies requirements for the construction, rating, marking, dimensions, and testing of travel adaptors intended for the temporary connection of electrical equipment. It applies to travel adaptors having at least one plug or socket‑outlet portion compatible with BS 1363 plugs and socket‑outlets, which are suitable for the connection of a non‑BS 1363 plug, or to a non‑BS 1363 socket outlet.
Travel adaptors incorporating USB circuits for charging devices are also covered by BS 8546.
BS 8546 applies to travel adaptors intended for use in household, commercial and light industrial premises where:
- The nominal supply voltage does not exceed 250 V a.c. single‑phase, 50 Hz to 60 Hz; or
- The rated current of the travel adaptor does not exceed 13 A and is not less than 5 A.
Note: Travel adaptors within the scope of this BS 8546 do not convert voltage.
Note : BS 8546 excludes adaptors conforming to BS 1363‑3 and conversion plugs conforming to BS 1363‑5.
Who is BS 8546 for?
BS 8546 on travel adaptors and socket system is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of a travel adaptor
- Electronics and Electrical engineers
- Testing houses/ service/certification providers for travel adaptors
Why should you use BS 8546?
Universal Travel adaptor is a plug that connects a piece of electrical equipment brought from one country to the electricity supply in another when they cannot be connected directly, used especially when traveling.
BS 8546 describes general requirements and specifications, types of testing, marking, dimensions, and depositions of universal travel chargers, solid insulation, construction, earthing, and resistance to excessive stress and rusting for universal chargers.
Overall, BS 8546 guides users to use a structured methodology and a systems approach to manufacture superior quality U.K. travel adapters and systems, thereby accelerating the uptake of new energy-saving technologies. Utilizing these tools can lead to greater energy efficiency and superior-quality products.