Oldgreybeard wrote: ↑Tue Nov 15, 2022 1:17 pm
Just thought I'd better double check the facts for BS EN 1363 plugs and sockets to be sure, so dug out an old (2003) copy of the standard. Not what I thought, TBH. The standard states that testing of double gang, non-fused, outlets shall be conducted with a load of 14A from each socket, 28A in total, using special test plugs (that don't have internal fuses) for at least four hours and not more than 8 hours. The measured temperature rise shall not be greater than 52K (seems high to me - means the socket could be around 72°C with a 20°C room temperature!).
It looks as if the testing method in the standard is designed to sidestep the real issue with 13A sockets, which is the plug overheating. Anything over 10A for prolonged periods tends to make plugs get a bit toasty.
I think we might be both partly wrong.
Seems single plugs and sockets are rated 14A but a double socket is rated at 20A so the test is 14A on one plug and 6A on the other plug. Seen it several places now.
Yes, looks like I misread the table, 28A is for more than a double gang:
BS1363 excerpt.jpg (125.12 KiB) Viewed 822 times
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