Ever heard reference to ‘British Standards’ and wondered what on earth they’re talking about? We’re here to help!
The following is a list of the current British standards and what exactly they mean.
- BS1362: 1973 (1992) –Specification for general purpose fuse links for domestic and similar purposes (primarily for use in plugs)
- BS1363: 13A plugs, socket-outlets, connection units and adaptors
- BS 1363-1: 1995 specification for rewireable and non-rewireable 13A fused plugs
- BS 1363-2: 1995 specification for 13A switched and unswitched socket-outlets
- BS 1363-3: 1995 specification for adaptors
- BS 1364-4: 1995 specification for 13A fused connection units both switched and unswitched
- BS 2754: 1976 (1999): Memorandum. Construction of electrical equipment for protection against electrical shock
- BS 5518: 1977 (1999): Specification for electronic variable control switches (dimmer switches) for tungsten filament lighting.
- BS 6004: 2000: Electrical cables. PVC insulated, non-armoured cables for voltages up to and including 450/750V for electrical power, lighting and internal wiring.
- BS 6317: Specification for simple telephone for connection to public switched telephone networks run by certain public telecommunications operators.
- BS 6360: Specification for conductors in insulated cables and cords
- BS 6450: Private branch exhancges for connection to public switched telephone networks run by certain public telecommunication operators.
- BS 6500: 2000: Flexible cords rated up to 300/500V for use with appliances and equipment intended for domestic, office and similar environments
- BS 6972:1988: Specification for general equipment for luminaire supporting couplers for domestic, light industrial and commercial use
- BS 7671: 2008: The IEE Wiring Regulations
- BS 7895: 1997: Specification for bayonet lampholders with enhanced safety
- BS 7919: 2001: Electrical cables. Flexible rated up to 450/750V for use with appliances and equipment intended for industrial and similar environments.
- BS EN 50106: Specification for safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Particular rules for routine tests referring to appliances under the scope of BS EN 60335-1 and BS EN 60967
- BS EN 50144: Safety of hand-held electrical motor operated tools
- BS EN 60051-1: Direct-acting electrical measuring instruments and their accessories
- BS EN 60065:Safety requirements for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for household and similar general use.
- BS EN 60309: Plugs, sockets-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes
- BS EN 60335: Safety of household and similar electrical appliances
- BS EN 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
- BS EN 60598: Safety of luminaires
- BS EN 60742: Isolating transformers and safety isolating transformers. Being replaced by BS EN 61558
- BS EN 60950: Specification for safety of information technology equipment including electrical business equipment. Identical to BS 7002.
- BS EN 61008: Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs)
- BS EN 61009: Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs)
- BS EN 61010: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurements, control and laboratory use
- BS EN 61557: Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems. Equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring of protective measures.
- BS EN 61558: Safety of power transformers, power supply units and similar
- BS EN 61242: Electrical accessories. Cable reels for household and similar purposes.
Written by Barry Atkins
