Should we not bond the metal leg of the table in the pool then? 
What clown safety tested this?
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The Plugs and Sockets, etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 (the “Regulations”) is what requires a notified body must approve plugs to BS1363 (standard
plugs) and conversion plugs and specified domestic electrical equipment intended to be connected to the mains power supply via plug and socket outlet is required to be supplied fitted with a standard plug or conversion plug, see Regulation 12.
Travel adaptors for use in the UK (ie for connecting to a BS1363 socket outlet) are considered to be within the scope of the Regulations.
Alternatively regulation 12 recognizes the use of a conversion plug where the appliance is fitted with a plug not intended for use in the UK. For this option the plug must comply with its own standard, as specified in IEC 884-1 and the conversion plug must comply with the requirements laid down in regulation 12(3). Regulation
12(3) requires that the conversion plug be approved by a notified body and that it is intended for a non-UK plug, and that the combination provides a level of safety equivalent to that of a standard plug complying with the requirements of regulation 8.
A conversion plug is not an adaptor; see definitions as set out in regulation 3.
Regulation 12(2)(b) requires the conversion plug to be fitted to the electrical equipment, so as to enclose the non-UK plug and to be designed so that it may only be removed by use of a tool.
Under Excluded Electrical Devices we have among lights etc.
5. Any non-rewirable or any moulded-on Europlug (that is to say any plug conforming with BS EN 50075) which is designed for the purpose of connecting to a shaver supply unit conforming to BS 3535: Part 1 any electrical shaver, toothbrush or similar appliance; and for the purposes of this paragraph the expression "shaver supply unit" shall have the meaning given to it in BS 3535: Part 1.
6. Any travel adaptor (that is to say an adaptor which enables a plug designed for use in the United Kingdom to be connected to a socket used outside the United Kingdom).
Also excluded.
4. Any appliance which is fitted with an rcd plug.
5. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug transformer.
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
Under Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I supply an electrical appliance fitted with a non-UK plug (such as a European style plug) provided I supply a travel adaptor?
A. If the appliance is within the scope of regulation 11 then it must be supplied fitted with a standard plug or fitted with a conversion plug. The definitions explain the difference between a conversion plug and an adaptor. An adaptor is not a conversion plug.
Q. Can I supply an electrical appliance fitted with a non-UK plug (such as a European style plug) provided I supply a conversion plug loose with the
appliance?
A. Regulation 12 requires the conversion plug to be fitted for all appliances specified in Regulation 11 unless excluded under Schedule 3.
So it seems my point about having sockets in the equipment is covered that is permitted, however as was said supplying a travel adaptor does not get around the law except where the plug is also a transformer with these you can use a travel plug that is in the excluded part.
So in view of the resent reading yes it should not have been sold in that condition. However we still have the problem that if you remove the adaptor then there is nothing shown which would cause it to fail a periodic test there is nothing to say it was tested in a domestic premises and the plugs regulations are restricted to domestic use.
I would agree that one can't expect general shop assistances to know that they should not sell it and the person testing should have been instructed he was testing it to be sold for domestic use in which case it should not have passed. However for all we know it was tested for use in a works and then some one decided to replace it and send old one to charity shop.
What I am saying if I visited a works premises to test the machine without that adaptor being fitted I should likely pass it. However if it was brought to my home to test it I should fail it. All inspection and testing is done with a view to the environment it is being used in. Clearly some common sense with a tool hire company we would realise the items are not being used in the premises they are being tested in, and of course the plugs regulations does not apply to items which use less than 200 volt.
The latter does ask the question with switch mode power supplies which run on any voltage between 100 and 250 volt are these covered, from reading the document I would say they are not covered. There is nothing to stop me fitting a 110 volt plug on an appliance which has that voltage latitude. I have used Urns designed for 230 volt on 110 volt and although it took a long time to boil it still worked it was actually used to give me a supply of distilled water and the gentle boiling is what I wanted.
I would have expected the Tortilla Maker would be rated at 230 volt but simply rating it at 197 to 255 volt would mean they could wriggle out of the regulation now remind me what is the voltage limits at the socket?
plugs) and conversion plugs and specified domestic electrical equipment intended to be connected to the mains power supply via plug and socket outlet is required to be supplied fitted with a standard plug or conversion plug, see Regulation 12.
Travel adaptors for use in the UK (ie for connecting to a BS1363 socket outlet) are considered to be within the scope of the Regulations.
Alternatively regulation 12 recognizes the use of a conversion plug where the appliance is fitted with a plug not intended for use in the UK. For this option the plug must comply with its own standard, as specified in IEC 884-1 and the conversion plug must comply with the requirements laid down in regulation 12(3). Regulation
12(3) requires that the conversion plug be approved by a notified body and that it is intended for a non-UK plug, and that the combination provides a level of safety equivalent to that of a standard plug complying with the requirements of regulation 8.
A conversion plug is not an adaptor; see definitions as set out in regulation 3.
Regulation 12(2)(b) requires the conversion plug to be fitted to the electrical equipment, so as to enclose the non-UK plug and to be designed so that it may only be removed by use of a tool.
Under Excluded Electrical Devices we have among lights etc.
5. Any non-rewirable or any moulded-on Europlug (that is to say any plug conforming with BS EN 50075) which is designed for the purpose of connecting to a shaver supply unit conforming to BS 3535: Part 1 any electrical shaver, toothbrush or similar appliance; and for the purposes of this paragraph the expression "shaver supply unit" shall have the meaning given to it in BS 3535: Part 1.
6. Any travel adaptor (that is to say an adaptor which enables a plug designed for use in the United Kingdom to be connected to a socket used outside the United Kingdom).
Also excluded.
4. Any appliance which is fitted with an rcd plug.
5. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug transformer.
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
Under Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I supply an electrical appliance fitted with a non-UK plug (such as a European style plug) provided I supply a travel adaptor?
A. If the appliance is within the scope of regulation 11 then it must be supplied fitted with a standard plug or fitted with a conversion plug. The definitions explain the difference between a conversion plug and an adaptor. An adaptor is not a conversion plug.
Q. Can I supply an electrical appliance fitted with a non-UK plug (such as a European style plug) provided I supply a conversion plug loose with the
appliance?
A. Regulation 12 requires the conversion plug to be fitted for all appliances specified in Regulation 11 unless excluded under Schedule 3.
So it seems my point about having sockets in the equipment is covered that is permitted, however as was said supplying a travel adaptor does not get around the law except where the plug is also a transformer with these you can use a travel plug that is in the excluded part.
So in view of the resent reading yes it should not have been sold in that condition. However we still have the problem that if you remove the adaptor then there is nothing shown which would cause it to fail a periodic test there is nothing to say it was tested in a domestic premises and the plugs regulations are restricted to domestic use.
I would agree that one can't expect general shop assistances to know that they should not sell it and the person testing should have been instructed he was testing it to be sold for domestic use in which case it should not have passed. However for all we know it was tested for use in a works and then some one decided to replace it and send old one to charity shop.
What I am saying if I visited a works premises to test the machine without that adaptor being fitted I should likely pass it. However if it was brought to my home to test it I should fail it. All inspection and testing is done with a view to the environment it is being used in. Clearly some common sense with a tool hire company we would realise the items are not being used in the premises they are being tested in, and of course the plugs regulations does not apply to items which use less than 200 volt.
The latter does ask the question with switch mode power supplies which run on any voltage between 100 and 250 volt are these covered, from reading the document I would say they are not covered. There is nothing to stop me fitting a 110 volt plug on an appliance which has that voltage latitude. I have used Urns designed for 230 volt on 110 volt and although it took a long time to boil it still worked it was actually used to give me a supply of distilled water and the gentle boiling is what I wanted.
I would have expected the Tortilla Maker would be rated at 230 volt but simply rating it at 197 to 255 volt would mean they could wriggle out of the regulation now remind me what is the voltage limits at the socket?
I don't think it would Eric. A domestic appliance for sale in the UK is clearly intended to be used at 230 V +10% -6%, so the words "ordinarily intended for domestic use at a voltage of not less than 200 volts" would not let anyone wriggle out.
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I agree with you the sprite of the regulation means anything sold as 230 volt. However clearly one can buy a bulb which has a R7s, BA22d, E28, E14, or GU10 connection so there has to be exemptions for items used with another item and also anything duel voltage and only applies to items under the 13A or 2990 watts.
This does explain why oven come with 13A plugs even though we would normally hard wire. Not bought an immersion heater in years I suppose those must also now come with plugs? Yet I bought an outside lamp which came minus the plug and cable is this permitted because it is a lamp and they are exempt?
My children were taught how to fit a plug at school because it caused problems when they told the teacher he had got it wrong when selecting fuse sizes. And I do think that was the better idea to teach everyone how to fit a plug.
But I have received some many items supplied with adaptors I had assumed that was permitted. Seems only permitted with wall transformers and the like.
However the regulations says the retail outlet must ensure the correct plug is fitted not an electrician doing a PAT test. So yes it should not have been sold with an adaptor but no the electrician PAT testing was not at failt passing it because of wrong plug.
This does explain why oven come with 13A plugs even though we would normally hard wire. Not bought an immersion heater in years I suppose those must also now come with plugs? Yet I bought an outside lamp which came minus the plug and cable is this permitted because it is a lamp and they are exempt?
My children were taught how to fit a plug at school because it caused problems when they told the teacher he had got it wrong when selecting fuse sizes. And I do think that was the better idea to teach everyone how to fit a plug.
But I have received some many items supplied with adaptors I had assumed that was permitted. Seems only permitted with wall transformers and the like.
However the regulations says the retail outlet must ensure the correct plug is fitted not an electrician doing a PAT test. So yes it should not have been sold with an adaptor but no the electrician PAT testing was not at failt passing it because of wrong plug.
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Bulbs are outside the scope, but I would say that dual-voltage appliances are covered if any part of the voltage range exceeds 200V. Ovens could perhaps be considered to be appliances, but not immersion heaters:
Appliances to which Part II applies
11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, this Part applies to any appliance which–
(a)is designed to operate at a voltage of not less than 200 volts; and
(b)is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes; and
(c)is either–
(i)equipment which is fitted with a flexible cable or cord, is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of that flexible cable or cord and a plug and is ordinarily intended to be so connected directly without the use of a cable connector; or
(ii)a flexible cable or cord which is connected to a portable socket or portable sockets and is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or
(iii)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected to electrical equipment by means of an appliance coupler and to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or
(iv)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected by means of a cable connector to a flexible cable or cord fitted to electrical equipment, and which is intended to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; and
(d)is ordinarily intended for domestic use.
(2) This Part does not apply to any appliance specified in Schedule 3 to these Regulations
Immersions would be covered by the last line of Schedule 3:
SCHEDULE 3 EXCLUDED APPLIANCES
1. Any fixed luminaire, being a luminaire which cannot easily be moved from one place to another, either because it can only be removed with the use of a tool, or because it is intended for use out of easy reach.
2. Any ceiling–rose connector (that is to say a connector designed to hold up overhead electric lighting fittings).
3. Any electric light designed and intended to be located within a recess in a wall or ceiling.
4. Any appliance which is fitted with an rcd plug.
5. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug transformer.
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
7. Any appliance which is intended to be permanently connected to the fixed wiring of the mains system other than by means of a plug and socket.
I agree with you though, the item in the OP should not have been passed by the PAT tester. Sadly a lot of people selling PAT services think that anything that passes all the tests is OK, and anything that fails one of them is not. When I was working for a major manufacturer I had a lot of trouble with customers who had PAT tested items that included EMC filters, and failed the leakage current test. Many were not aware that they should instead use the IR test. Conversely, when we used contractors to PAT test the office equipment they often passed items that had damaged mains leads or cracked enclosures. We had to buy a PAT tester and train a member of staff to use it properly.
Appliances to which Part II applies
11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, this Part applies to any appliance which–
(a)is designed to operate at a voltage of not less than 200 volts; and
(b)is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes; and
(c)is either–
(i)equipment which is fitted with a flexible cable or cord, is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of that flexible cable or cord and a plug and is ordinarily intended to be so connected directly without the use of a cable connector; or
(ii)a flexible cable or cord which is connected to a portable socket or portable sockets and is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or
(iii)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected to electrical equipment by means of an appliance coupler and to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or
(iv)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected by means of a cable connector to a flexible cable or cord fitted to electrical equipment, and which is intended to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; and
(d)is ordinarily intended for domestic use.
(2) This Part does not apply to any appliance specified in Schedule 3 to these Regulations
Immersions would be covered by the last line of Schedule 3:
SCHEDULE 3 EXCLUDED APPLIANCES
1. Any fixed luminaire, being a luminaire which cannot easily be moved from one place to another, either because it can only be removed with the use of a tool, or because it is intended for use out of easy reach.
2. Any ceiling–rose connector (that is to say a connector designed to hold up overhead electric lighting fittings).
3. Any electric light designed and intended to be located within a recess in a wall or ceiling.
4. Any appliance which is fitted with an rcd plug.
5. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug transformer.
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
7. Any appliance which is intended to be permanently connected to the fixed wiring of the mains system other than by means of a plug and socket.
I agree with you though, the item in the OP should not have been passed by the PAT tester. Sadly a lot of people selling PAT services think that anything that passes all the tests is OK, and anything that fails one of them is not. When I was working for a major manufacturer I had a lot of trouble with customers who had PAT tested items that included EMC filters, and failed the leakage current test. Many were not aware that they should instead use the IR test. Conversely, when we used contractors to PAT test the office equipment they often passed items that had damaged mains leads or cracked enclosures. We had to buy a PAT tester and train a member of staff to use it properly.
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(a)is designed to operate at a voltage of not less than 200 volts
Again we have to look very carefully at the English rather than what we think it means. So if it is designed to work at less than 200 volts then it is not covered. If it said designed to operate at a voltage of more than 199 volts then any duel voltage item would be covered.
The problem with the "not less than 200 volts" is the amount both the supply voltage and the voltage within the house can vary has been changed. It was +/- 4% now it's +/- 5% and the base volts was 240 volt +/- 6% now it's 230 volt + 10% -6% so the UK voltage can drop below 200 volts and equipment sold in the UK should cope with the UK voltage so all items should be designed to work at less than 200 volt even if only just below 200 volt so the whole law has been rendered useless because they did not change the minimum voltage when the UK minimum voltage dropped to harmonise with Europe.
I know it is stupid and I am sure if anyone tried to use it as a defence then common law would soon make it valid again. However as it stands either it is not designed for use in UK or it is designed to operate at less than 200 volts so does not require a 13A plug. Ups.
Sorry made a mistake it is 205.39 volt to 253 volts I made the mistake of taking 5% of 230 volt instead of 5% of 216.2 volt. However I would still expect most items would be designed to run on less than 200 volt. This the word nominal has been missed out?
Again we have to look very carefully at the English rather than what we think it means. So if it is designed to work at less than 200 volts then it is not covered. If it said designed to operate at a voltage of more than 199 volts then any duel voltage item would be covered.
The problem with the "not less than 200 volts" is the amount both the supply voltage and the voltage within the house can vary has been changed. It was +/- 4% now it's +/- 5% and the base volts was 240 volt +/- 6% now it's 230 volt + 10% -6% so the UK voltage can drop below 200 volts and equipment sold in the UK should cope with the UK voltage so all items should be designed to work at less than 200 volt even if only just below 200 volt so the whole law has been rendered useless because they did not change the minimum voltage when the UK minimum voltage dropped to harmonise with Europe.
I know it is stupid and I am sure if anyone tried to use it as a defence then common law would soon make it valid again. However as it stands either it is not designed for use in UK or it is designed to operate at less than 200 volts so does not require a 13A plug. Ups.
Sorry made a mistake it is 205.39 volt to 253 volts I made the mistake of taking 5% of 230 volt instead of 5% of 216.2 volt. However I would still expect most items would be designed to run on less than 200 volt. This the word nominal has been missed out?
Last edited:
If we're being pedantic, if it is designed to operate at voltages greater than 200V but also designed to operate at voltages below 200V, then it presumably would be covered? There is no doubt that it would be covered if designed to operate at ≥200V, and nothing to say that that would cease to be the case if it was also designed to operate at voltages <200V.
Kind Regards, John
If it can work (is designed to work) at a voltage greater than 200 then it is covered. If it also works below 200V, the regulations don't care.
Umm... 230 - 6% = 216.2
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Common sense says you are correct. However the English says your not. The more I look at the document the more silly it becomes. You must not be able to remove the adaptor without using a tool. OK lets look at all the items which have IEC 60320 power adaptors all of which you can remove without a tool. My kettle has an adaptor the kettle has a special recessed plug which engages to a socket so I can pick up the kettle and pour the contents without using any tool, it would be rather pointless to have a cordless kettle built any other way.
It does give an exemption for a multi socket adaptor but the Y leads used for computers and monitors or even the simple lead set adapts the plug fitted to the appliance to fit a 13A socket without the use of a tool, so reading the description it simply makes no sense.
It really does not matter if the adaptor is solid or if it has a plug and bit of lead and a socket it still adapts from one type of socket to another. The more you look at the regulation the dafter it gets. Had it not stipulated the use of a tool then it would make sense. But the tool rule just does not work.
But they're not adaptors, they're connectors!
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Next you be telling me the French plug is a socket because the earth pin sticks out. IEC 60320 type 15 to type 16 is a connector. 13A to C15 is an adaptor.
You mean a length of cable with a BS 1363 on one end and C15 on the other? I wouldn't call that an adaptor.
The interpretation section of the regulations defines a "standard plug" as follows:
“standard plug” means a plug which carries three pins substantially rectangular in form and is designed for engagement with a socket made to the dimensions specified in BS 1363.
So for the purposes of these regulations, anything else is not a standard plug.
Now look at schedule 3, excluded appliances:
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
Back to the interpretation section:
"portable multiple socket outlet" means electrical equipment which comprises two or more sockets designed and made to dimensions other than those specified in BS 1363, which is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a flexible cable or cord and a plug, and which may be used without being mounted onto a fixed surface or structure;
So take one of these -
- and replace the plug with a BS1363 plug and you have a "portable multiple socket outlet" as defined by the regulations into which a Schuko plug will fit.
Thus the appliance with just a Schuko plug (and no adapter fitted) is compliant with the regulations anyway. The same works for any plug so long as you can come up with an equivalent "portable multiple socket outlet" as defined by the regulations.
“standard plug” means a plug which carries three pins substantially rectangular in form and is designed for engagement with a socket made to the dimensions specified in BS 1363.
So for the purposes of these regulations, anything else is not a standard plug.
Now look at schedule 3, excluded appliances:
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
Back to the interpretation section:
"portable multiple socket outlet" means electrical equipment which comprises two or more sockets designed and made to dimensions other than those specified in BS 1363, which is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a flexible cable or cord and a plug, and which may be used without being mounted onto a fixed surface or structure;
So take one of these -
- and replace the plug with a BS1363 plug and you have a "portable multiple socket outlet" as defined by the regulations into which a Schuko plug will fit.
Thus the appliance with just a Schuko plug (and no adapter fitted) is compliant with the regulations anyway. The same works for any plug so long as you can come up with an equivalent "portable multiple socket outlet" as defined by the regulations.
From the IEV:
IEV ref
442-03-19
en
adaptor (for accessories)
a portable accessory constructed as an integral unit incorporating both a plug portion and one or more socket-outlet portions
Note "constructed as an integral unit".
IEV ref
en
Note "constructed as an integral unit".
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