Is it permissible under IEE regs to install Europlug (continental type) sockets in a domestic house in uk instead of standard BS 3 pin sockets?
Europlug sockets
- Thread starter niv2
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Why would you want to install euro sockets?
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Which type of Euro Socket. French is OK if shuttered type German is no as it is reversible.
The main thing is they must have shutters over the holes and be non reversible also of course with our ring main either fused connection units would be required or the main overload would need reducing to 16A.
There is a list of British and EU standards permitted and this would not include most Euro sockets.
553.1.5 A plug and socket-outlet not complying with BS 1363. BS 546, BS 196 or BS EN 60309-2, may be used in single-phase a.c. or two-wire d.c. circuits operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 250 volts for:
(i) the connection of an electric clock, provided that the plug and socket-outlet are designed specifically for that purpose, and that each plug incorporates a fuse of rating not exceeding 3 amperes complying with BS 646 or BS 1362 as appropriate
(ii) the connection of an electric shaver. provided that the socket-outlet is either incorporated in a shaver supply unit complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 or, in a room other than a bathroom, is a type complying with BS 4573
(iii) a circuit having special characteristics such that danger would otherwise arise or it is necessary to distinguish the function of the circuit.
Since the blue industrial sockets BS EN 60309-2 are allowed and are to Euro Standard you can use them in a British house but I think they look ugly.
So no builder would use anything other than BS 1363 (fuses to BS 1362) or BS 546 (fuses, if any, to BS 646) or BS 196.
So these
are not allowed but you may get French sockets with shutters to take these
note the hole to take earth pin which means these can only be inserted one way around in French sockets but same plug can also be used with German Schuko sockets but those would not be allowed in UK.
The main thing is they must have shutters over the holes and be non reversible also of course with our ring main either fused connection units would be required or the main overload would need reducing to 16A.
There is a list of British and EU standards permitted and this would not include most Euro sockets.
553.1.5 A plug and socket-outlet not complying with BS 1363. BS 546, BS 196 or BS EN 60309-2, may be used in single-phase a.c. or two-wire d.c. circuits operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 250 volts for:
(i) the connection of an electric clock, provided that the plug and socket-outlet are designed specifically for that purpose, and that each plug incorporates a fuse of rating not exceeding 3 amperes complying with BS 646 or BS 1362 as appropriate
(ii) the connection of an electric shaver. provided that the socket-outlet is either incorporated in a shaver supply unit complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 or, in a room other than a bathroom, is a type complying with BS 4573
(iii) a circuit having special characteristics such that danger would otherwise arise or it is necessary to distinguish the function of the circuit.
Since the blue industrial sockets BS EN 60309-2 are allowed and are to Euro Standard you can use them in a British house but I think they look ugly.
So no builder would use anything other than BS 1363 (fuses to BS 1362) or BS 546 (fuses, if any, to BS 646) or BS 196.
So these
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If the wiring is to BS7671 then Eric is correct. However the building regulations do allow the choice of another countries set of regulations to satisfy the safety requirements. I know of one person who persuaded his BCO to accept German regulations as an alternative, so that he could have a socket in the bathroom.
In general, you would have to have the gift of the gab to get this agreement though.
In general, you would have to have the gift of the gab to get this agreement though.
Thanks.....I though that the latest IEE allowed the installtion of a socket in a bathroom with certain provisos??
They do
RCD protected and at least 3m from the side/edge of bath
RCD protected and at least 3m from the side/edge of bath
The Germans 
don't mention the war or the dangers of that socket
don't mention the war or the dangers of that socket Can we get back to OP regarding use of Euro power sockets?
I think we have to assuem that British Regs are being followed....
I think we have to assuem that British Regs are being followed....
The preferred type is BS1363 and erics covered most of it.
In theory it could be that certain european standards may allowed if Building Controls consider them to be relevant.
So its a no and yes from me.
In theory it could be that certain european standards may allowed if Building Controls consider them to be relevant.
So its a no and yes from me.
The Germans
When it comes to safety the Germans are allowed, even encouraged, by their government to think, as individuals, about how to act safely for themselves and for others.
Unlike the UK where the government is always making laws that ensure everything will be so safe that no-one will ever need to think about safety for themselves.
( yes I am being just a little bit cynical )
Ok, thanks for all the advice.....
What is it you actually want to achieve?
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