Description of BS 1363-3:2016+A1:2018 2018

This part of BS 1363 specifies requirements for adaptors having insulating sleeves on the line and neutral plug pins and suitable for use with socket‑outlets conforming to BS 1363‑2:2016, with particular reference to safety in normal use. Adaptors specified in this part of BS 1363 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 250 V r.m.s. at 50 Hz. Adapters incorporating electronic components detailed in Annex H are included within this part of BS 1363.

This standard also applies to shaver adaptors 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 a socket‑outlet conforming to BS 1363‑2:2016.

Adaptors 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 adapter socket‑outlets.

Assemblies comprising a plug and one or more portable socket‑outlets connected together by a flexible cable are not considered to be adaptors according to this part of BS 1363. Devices incorporating, transformers, timers, thermostats or other control means are outside the scope of this part of BS 1363.

NOTE 1 The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed in the bibliography.

NOTE 2 In order to maintain safety and interchangeability with plugs and socket‑outlets it is necessary that these products conform to the requirements of Clause 9, Clause 12 and Clause 13, however their body outline need not be limited at a distance of 6.35 mm from the plug engagement surface.

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

An adaptor 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.

This British Standard does not cover travel adapters.

NOTE 3 Attention is drawn to BS 8546:2016, which covers travel adapters.

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