BS 1363-3:1995+A4:2012

This part of BS1363 specifies requirements for adaptors having insulating sleeves on the line and neutral plug pins and suitable for use with socket-outlets complying with BS1363‑2, with particular reference to safety in normal use. Adaptors specified in this part of BS1363 are intended for household, commercial and light industrial purposes. The adaptors are suitable for the connection of portable appliances, sound-vision equipment, luminaires, etc., in a.c. circuits only, operating at voltages not exceeding 250V r.m.s. at 50Hz.

This standard also applies to shaver adaptors which have the brass 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 a socket-outlet conforming to BS1363‑2.

NOTE1 Brass can be copper, phosphor-bronze or other metal at least equivalent with regard to its conductivity, resistance to abrasion, and resistance to corrosion.

Assemblies comprising a plug and one of more portable socket-outlets connected together by a flexible cord or cable are not considered to be adaptors according to this part of BS1363. Devices incorporating Text deleted, transformers, timers, thermostats or other control means are outside the scope of this part of BS1363.

NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed on the inside back cover.

NOTE 3 In order to maintain safety and interchangeability with plugs and socket-outlets it is necessary that these products comply with the requirements of Clause9, Clause12 and Clause13, however their body outline need not be limited at a distance of 6.35mm from the plug engagement surface.

NOTE 4 Requirements for electromagnetic compatibility are not given for the following reasons.

An adaptor does not emit intolerable electromagnetic interference since significant electromagnetic disturbances are only generated during insertion and withdrawal which are not continuous.

An adaptor is mechanical by nature of construction. The product is therefore immune from electromagnetic interference.