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The Plugs and
Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994
SI 1994 No. 1768
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Subject Area: |
The Regulations apply to electrical plugs,
sockets and adaptors ordinarily intended for domestic use at a voltage of not
less than 200 volts and to fuse links suitable for use with such plugs and
adaptors. They also require that most domestic electrical products
must be supplied correctly fitted with a fused and approved UK three-pin
plug (BS 1363) or approved "conversion plug", i.e. a device which may be engaged
with a socket conforming to BS 1363 and which is designed to enable a non-UK
plug to be engaged with such a socket.
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| Coverage: |
The legislation relates specifically to domestic
appliances. It may be used as good guidance for the workplace in many
applications.
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Intention of
Legislation: |
Most electrical equipment intended for use in and
around the home will need to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety)
Regulations 1994. Additionally the Regulations require that the
majority of such equipment, when placed on the UK market, must be fitted with a
standard plug. A standard plug is of a type that has been approved by a notified
body and either conforms to BS 1363 or offers an equivalent level of safety. A
standard plug will be fitted with a fuse link, which conforms to BS 1362. As
an alternative to fitting a standard plug, it is permissible, if the appliance
is correctly fitted with a non-UK plug which complies with the provisions of
international standard IEC 884-1, to be fitted with a "conversion plug" that has
been approved for use in conjunction with the non-UK plug. The "conversion plug"
must enclose the non-UK plug, and must only be removable by the use of a tool.
The "conversion plug" must be approved by a notified body.
Certain electrical appliances are excluded from the
Regulations: Please see Part II Regulation 11 and Schedule 3 of the
Regulations.
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| Implementing Legislation: |
The Regulations are a national regulation
and apply only to the UK market. The Regulations can be
viewed and purchased from the HMSO website address:
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1994/Uksi_19941768_en_1.htm
For information on similar regulations relating to the various Member States
of the European Union contact the DTI Country Desk or BSI who will be able to
assist you:
- DTI: Action Single Market, Department of Trade and Industry,
Kingsgate House, 66 - 74 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6SW, tel: 020 7215 5000
- BSI: The British Standards Institution, Electrical Section, 389
Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL, tel: 020 8996 7021
BSI:
http://www.bsi-global.com/British_Standards/index.xalter
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| Trading Standards: |
The Regulations are enforced by the Local
Authority Trading Standards Department. No specific written guidance is
available. Suppliers seeking advice should contact their Local Authorities'
Trading Standards Departments.
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
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| Notified Bodies: |
As to which bodies are notified bodies and route to
appointment see definition of Notified Bodies in Regulation 3 (1)
"Interpretation" and Regulation 7. Notified Bodies are responsible
for the approval of standard plugs and "conversion plugs".
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Current Position:
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A review of the Regulations is under
consideration.
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| For further information contact: |
STRD 6, Bay 342/343, 151 Buckingham Palace Road,
London SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 1345, fax: 020 7215 1340
e-mail: dti.strd6@gtnet.gov.uk
EMC Directive Low Voltage
Directive
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