Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations - 2009 Edition

Appendix 1
Prescribed Requirements for 3-pin (non-reversible)
5 ampere and 15 ampere Socket Outlets
(1) General
A 5A or 15A socket outlet to BS 546 is acceptable as complying with the
prescribed requirements of this appendix.
(2) Materials for plate/cover, base and current carrying
parts
(a) Parts made of ferrous metal should be rendered rust proof, special
attention being given to springs and moving parts.
(b) (i) Insulating materials should be tough, non-ignitable and having a
plastic yield not exceeding 6 mm when heated to a temperature of
100°C in accordance with the plastic yield test method 102A of
BS2782 Part 1 or equivalent.
(ii) Current carrying parts, including earthing contact should be made of
brass, copper, phosphor-bronze, and/or other suitable material.
(iii) A shutter if provided, the distortion of the material should not be
such as to impede its action.
(iv) The enclosure of the socket outlet should be rigid and be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 4 kg applied over an area of 250
mm2 anywhere on the surface without causing appreciable damage
or reducing the protective clearance below the minimum values
specified in paragraph (6).
(3) Construction of socket outlet
(a) (i) Socket outlets are to be constructed to accommodate the plug
having physical dimensions as detailed in Figure A1(1).
(ii) In this appendix, where reference is made to a plug, it means a plug
having a corresponding rating and dimensions as detailed in Figure
A1(1).
(b) The configuration of the socket contacts should be as shown in Figure
A1(2).
(c) There should be no projection on the minimum engagement surface of
the socket outlet within a circle having the radius illustrated in Figure
A1(2) and concentric with a circle through the centres of the contacts,
such as would prevent the full insertion of a plug. Raised marking is
permitted provided it does not project more than 0.5 mm from the
engagement surface.
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