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G8MNY > TECH 24.09.24 07:49l 146 Lines 6478 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 16655_GB7CIP
Read: GUEST
Subj: UK 13A Fused Mains Plug
Path: IZ3LSV<IW8PGT<LU4ECL<VK2RZ<VE3CGR<KA1VSC<GB7CIP
Sent: 240924/0646Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO #:16655 [Caterham Surrey GBR]
From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO
To : TECH@WW
By G8MNY (Updated Mar 08)
(8 bit ASCII Graphics use code page 437 or 850, Terminal Font)
After some Ham intermediate courses where students have to attach a mains lead
to a plug PROPERLY, I came up with this to add some flesh to the subject! I
also found girl guides can take 20mins to fit one, having never used any hand
tools, or seen their Dads fit a mains plug anymore (a lost skill).
UK 13A FUSED 230V MAINS PLUG
This type of plug is only used in the UK & some of its defendants. It is the
highest power item part most people deal with. Correct fitting & use IS A LIFE
& DEATH MATTER! The 13A Rating enables up to 3kW to be safely drawn from the
plug.
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UNDERSIDE TOPSIDE SIDE VIEW
The UK Standard BS1362 was introduced in the 1960s with the higher current ring
mains wiring system. Rings are rated at 20/30A for domestic, & up to 60A for
industrial sites. All sockets are shuttered, to prevent non fused plug (&
finger!) access.
Fuse rating is only supposed to protect the appliance lead! Appliances should
be separately fused with a more appropriate fuse as needed.
The 1" x 1/4" BS1362 Mains plug Fuses are fast high voltage type, ceramic body,
normally sand filled to quench arcing when rupturing. The peak rupture current
rating is 6,000 Amps @ 240V !!!! (e.g. the fuse must stop arcing & break that
current!)
Fuse Max Typical Typical
Print Continuous Blow Peak Break
Colour Rating Surge Power
Brown 13A 26A 9 kW
Black 10A * 20A 7 kW
Black 7A * 15A 5 kW
Black/Blue 5A * 10A 3.5kW
Red 3A 6A 2 kW
Black 2A * 4A 1.4kW
Black 1A * 2A 700W
* It can be difficult to obtain these values, but they are available.
N.B. The right fuses does not protect you from DEATH, but may stop an
electrical overload fire!
COMMON PLUG FEATURES
1/ 3 Pin. Larger Earth Pin.
2/ Strong oblong pin section for high contact area.
3/ Earth pin connects 1st & disconnect last, & operates the socket shutter.
4/ Part Insulated Live & Neutral Pins to stop finger shocks.
5/ Fuse to limit the high ring current available to limit damage.
6/ Universal Cord grip.
7/ As with other plugs LIVE is on the Right.
PLUG TYPES
Although all made to the same standard, the designs do vary with make & price.
Older plugs designs have all metal pins (better for high currents!), & should
ideally be replaced especially in wet use areas.
Some types & features to look out for...
Clear Body, (for easier PAT visible inspections).
Moulded on types (new appliances) with a fuse access flap/carrier.
Fuse rating inspection hole.
High contact area wrap around terminals. (safety plug)
Easy wedge cord grip. (safety plug)
Two position cord grip, for large & small cables.
Easy pull out types with large ring handles.
Rubber body, for those indestructible uses.
Soft plastic (nylon), more rigid than rubber & keep their shape.
Bakerlite/Urea, cheap, easily broken, but higher temperature rated.
With Neon Indicator.
With ON/OFF switch.
Multi coloured plugs.
Surge protected plugs, computers.
Earth Leakage Trip plugs, for outdoor appliances.
Energy savers, for fridges/Pumps.
Timer Plugs, for lights etc.
Remote IR controlled plugs. (For lazy people!)
LEADS
Available in 2 core or 3 core, ratings 3A, 6A, 10A, 13A, 15A, & 20A.
a/ Only Double insulated leads are allowed. No bell/LS wire!
b/ Make sure the appliance is double insulated if it has a 2 core lead.
c/ Use proper mains joiners in the leads if the lead is too short.
d/ Only Blue, Brown & Yellow/Green leads should be used.
e/ Use the correct current rated lead for the job. 1A-15A flex
f/ Use the right type of lead for the job..
e.g. Rubber/heat proof leads for hot jobs, Irons, Toasters, Fires.
NO solid lead for flexible work,
Screened mains lead for improved RFI protection.
WIRING UP (11 steps blow by blow)
=================================
1/ Remove plug top cover, do not loose screw if not captured. If cover
has lead hole place over lead, the right way around NOW!
2/ Cut off the outer of the lead to the right length, making doubly sure
the inner insulation is not damaged.
3/ Offer up the lead & measure off each colour wire to the right terminal
& strip the wire insulation off, not damaging the wires.
4/ For thick wires just stripped wire to length & trim excess length off,
twist bare ends for stability (do not solder). For thin wires consider
twisting & folding the wire to make it a suitable size to the terminal
if needed. (some people make the earth lead a fraction longer so it is
the last to disconnect on a lead rip out!)
5/ Loosen terminal post screw, insert wire into the right hole making sure
no stands miss the hole. Brown-Live, Blue-Neutral, Green/Yellow-Earth.
6/ Screw up tight! & Redo for 5 & 6 for all wires.
7/ Route the wires correctly around the plug, making sure that they will
not be trapped by the top cover.
8/ Place wire under cable clamp & do it up firmly. This can be difficult for
thin or thick cables! See if clamp has 2 positions & use appropriately.
9/ Double check wire colour code LAST CHANCE!!!
10/ Double check the fuse rating is correct.
11/ Place plug cap on & screw up. Again checking for crushed wires badly
fitting cap etc.
Y don't U send an interesting bul?
73 de John G8MNY @ GB8CIP
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