UK 13A Plugs (BS1363 Plug) Post Terminals

Post terminals consist of a central post and a clamp which screws down over the post. The bare end of the wire is wrapped clockwise around the post, and the clamp tightened over the wire.

Post Terminals - Class I

13A plug, post terminals class1 new coloursClass I appliances will have an earth wire. These typically have exposed metal parts, and the earth wire will be connected to these metal parts. In the event of a fault, the earth wire will carry the fault current, causing the fuse to blow.

Typical appliances include washing machines, microwave ovens, kettles and toasters.

Connections

The Blue wire connects to the terminal marked N or Neutral.
The Brown wire connects to the terminal marked L or Live
The green/yellow striped wire connects to the terminal marked E or Earth.

The fuse should be sized appropriately. These examples show a 3A fuse, but some high power appliances will need a 13A fuse.

Post Terminals - Class II

13A plug, post terminals class1 new coloursAlso known as 'double insulated', these appliances do not have an earth wire. They will either be all plastic construction, or any metal parts will have extra insulation to ensure they do not become live in the event of a fault.

A large number of modern appliances are Class II. Typical examples include garden equipment, power tools, cable TV boxes and table lamps.

Connections

The Blue wire connects to the terminal marked N or Neutral.
The Brown wire connects to the terminal marked L or Live
Nothing is connected to the terminal marked E or Earth.

Moulded plastic cable clamp

The clamp on this type of plug consists of two flexible pieces of plastic. The flex is simply pressed between them. It is vital that the clamp grips the outer covering of the flex (white in this example), and NOT the individual coloured wires.

 

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