Figure 2a) — Apparatus for mechanical strength test on resilient covers (see Clause 9)
BS1363-1 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptorsand connection units —
Part 1: Specification for rewirable andnon-rewirable 13 A fused plugs
9 Accessibility of live parts
9.1 Live parts of plugs shall not be accessible when the plugs are wired as in normal use and in full
engagement in a corresponding socket-outlet.
9.1.1 Compliance shall be checked by the application of test probe 12 of BS EN 61032:1998 applied with a
force of N with rewirable plugs fitted with a 2-core flexible cord as given in Table 24 of BS 6500:2000
and non-rewirable plugs as supplied.
9.2 Plugs shall be designed and constructed so as to protect the user against accidental contact with live
parts during insertion or withdrawal of plugs.
9.2.1 Compliance shall be proved by satisfying the dimensional and gauging requirements of this
Part of BS 1363.
9.3 Resilient covers of plugs shall be so designed and constructed that when assembled and wired as in
normal use, there is no risk that, as a result of undue pressure, live parts could penetrate the cover or
become so disposed as to reduce creepage distances and clearances below those given in Clause 8.
9.3.1 Compliance shall be checked by the following test (an example of a suitable apparatus is shown
in Figure 2).
The design of the apparatus shall be such that a steady force of 240 N can be applied to those places
where the possibility of a failure exists, the force being applied through a metal test pressure block as
shown in Figure 2.
Each sample shall be subjected to the force at each chosen place in turn. During each application of force,
a test voltage of 2 000 V ± 60 V 50 Hz of substantially sinusoidal waveform is applied for s between all
live parts bonded together and the earthed test pressure block.
During the test no flashover or breakdown shall occur.
After the test it shall not be possible to touch live parts with test 11 of BS EN 61032:1998 applied with a
force of N.
9.4 Where a plug is supplied fitted with a flexible cord, the free end of such an assembly shall be
encapsulated in insulating material.
NOTE This does not apply to assemblies supplied to equipment manufacturers for incorporation into their equipment.
9.4.1 Compliance shall be checked by inspection.
