UK 13A Plugs (BS1363 Plug) Old Colour Wiring

Very old appliances may have different colours in the flex. Examples of these are shown here.

Old Colours - Pillar Terminals

13A plug, post terminals class1 old colours 13A plug, post terminals class2 old colours These colours have not been used in flexes since 1971, so any appliance with these colours in the flex is likely to be very old.

Plugs of this age will not have insulated pins, so the plug should be replaced with a new one.

Old Colours - Post Terminals

13A plug, post terminals class1 old colours 13A plug, post terminals class2 old colours

Connections

The Black wire connects to the terminal marked N or Neutral.
The Red wire connects to the terminal marked L or Live
The Green wire connects to the terminal marked E or Earth.

Older appliances are likely to be Class I (with an earth wire), however if they are Class II, there is no connection to the Earth terminal.

Old Appliances

While old appliances can still be serviceable, it is likely that the flex will need to be replaced after 40+ years, particularly if it is rubber insulated.

Very old appliances may not meet modern safety standards, and therefore should be thoroughly inspected and tested before use. This will normally involve partial or full dismantling, to ensure the internal components are still in good condition.

 

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