Interesting questions - but is it probably not really about physical terminal capacity, what testing is done and what 'current rating' (if any) is claimed for the terminals, rather than a question of what current the terminals 'can tolerate'? I would imagine that it would be quite difficult to design a screw terminal which could satisfactorily accommodate the conductors concerned which was not able to 'tolerate' 32A, probably appreciably more, flowing between the terminated conductors, wouldn't it?Good question. There's a general requirement: "Socket-outlets shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their performance is reliable and without danger to the user or to the surroundings". Given that "normal use" when the standard was written meant in the context of a 30A ring final, I think that would cover it. However BS 1363 doesn't refer to BS 7671 or to the (then) IEE Wiring Regs.Is there anything stopping someone selling a socket which cannot tolerate more than 20A on the cable?
Kind Regards, John.