BS196

BRITISH STANDARD BS 196:1961
Incorporating
Amendment
Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Specification for
Protected-type
non-reversible plugs,
socket-outlets
cable-couplers and
appliance-couplers
with earthing
contacts for single
phase a.c. circuits up
to 250 volts
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UDC 621.316.541
Copyright British Standards Institution

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BS 196:1961
Co-operating organizations
The Electrical Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this

British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives from the following
Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations:
Admiralty
Air Ministry*
Associated Offices’ Technical Committee
Association of Consulting Engineers (Incorporated)*
Association of Supervising Electrical Engineers*
British Electrical and Allied Industries Research Association*
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association*
British Electrical Development Association
British Railways, The British Transport Commission
Cable Makers’ Association*
Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations*
Electric Lamp Industry Council
Electric Light Fittings Association*
Electrical Contractors’ Association (Incorporated)*
Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland
Electricity Council, Generating Board and the Area Boards in England and Wales*
Electronic Engineering Association
Engineering Equipment Users’ Association*
Independent Cable Makers’ Association
Institution of Electrical Engineers*
Ministry of Aviation*
Ministry of Labour (Factory Inspectorate)*
Ministry of Power*
Ministry of Works*
Municipal Passenger Transport Association
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
National Physical Laboratory (D.S.I.R.)*
Oil Companies Materials Association
Post Office*
Public Transport Association (Incorporated)
South of Scotland Electricity Board
War Office
This British Standard, having The Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations
been approved by the marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were
Electrical Industry Standards
Committee and endorsed by
directly represented on the Committee entrusted with the preparation of this
the Chairman of the standard:
Engineering Divisional
Council, was published Electrical Association for Women
under the authority of the Fire Offices Committee
General Council on Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
26 July 1961
Women’s Advisory Committee of the BSI
© BSI 01-2000
First published February 1930 Amendments issued since publication

First revision July 1961
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this 5664 October 1965
standard:
Committee reference ELE/4, 5743 February 1966
ELE/4/11
Draft for comment CZ(ELE) 3800 6384 April 1968
ISBN 0 580 00672 7 255 May 1969 Indicated by a sideline in the margin
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BS 196:1961
Contents
Page
Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword iv
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
Section 2. Requirements
3 Application 2
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4 Interchangeability 2
5 Non-interchangeability 2
6 Rated voltage 2
7 Rated current 2
8 Materials 2
9 Method of entry of flexible cord or cable 2
10 Earthing of metal parts 3
11 Pilot contacts 3
12 Creepage distances and clearances 3
13 Enclosure of terminals and separation of conductors 3
Section 3. Construction of plugs and appliance inlets
14 Casing 3
15 Contact pins (other than fuse pins) 3
16 Terminals (including earthing terminals) 3
17 Fused plugs 4
18 Screwed clamping rings for weatherproof accessories 4
Section 4. Construction of socket-outlets and connectors
19 Casing 4
20 Socket-outlets and connector contacts 5
21 Terminals (including earthing terminals) 5
22 Socket-outlets for use on ring and looped circuits 5
23 Screwed rings for weatherproof accessories 5
Section 5. Tests
24 Tests 5
25 Interchangeability 5
26 Effectiveness of contact 5
27 Test of enclosure for weatherproof models 6
28 Humidity and insulation-resistance test 6
29 High-voltage test 6
30 Temperature rise test 6
31 Test for resistance to heat 7
32 Test for current-breaking capacity of contacts 7
33 Test for mechanical strength of fuse-pins 7
34 Cable grip test 7
35 Tests for minimum fusing current 7
36 Tests to determine current-breaking capacity of fuse pin 8
37 Test for mechanical strength of plugs and connectors 8
38 Withdrawal pull test for socket-outlets and plugs, and
connectors and appliance inlets 8
39 Test for protection against electric shock 9
40 Impact tests for socket-outlets and appliance inlets 9
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i
BS 196:1961
Page
41 Tracking test 9
Section 6. Marking
42 Marking of plugs and sockets 9
43 Marking of terminals 9
Appendix A Plug and socket key and keyway positions for
non-interchangeability 10
Appendix B Gauges 11
Appendix C Information to be given with enquiry or order 12
Figure 1 — Nomenclature 14
Figure 2 — Plug or appliance inlet (without pilot contact) 15
Figure 3 — Socket-outlet or connector (without pilot contact) 16
Figure 4 — Plug or appliance inlet (with pilot contact) 18
Figure 5 — Socket-outlet or connector (with pilot contact) 20
Figure 6 — Plug keys and socket keyways 22
Figure 7 — Plug keys and socket keyways (with pilot contact) 23
Figure 8 — Socket keys and plug keyways 24
Figure 9 — Socket keys and plug keyways (with pilot contacts) 25
Figure 10 — Socket-outlet or connector showing alternative
keyway positions 26
Figure 11 — Examples of usage (see Appendix A) 27
Figure 12 — Fuse pin dimensions 28
Figure 13 — Screwed ring fittings for weatherproof models 29
Figure 14 — Screwed ring fittings for weatherproof models 30
Figure 15 — Mechanical strength test for plugs and connectors 32
Figure 16 — Test apparatus for applying impulsive axial pull
on the fuse pin 33
Figure 17 — Test apparatus for checking withdrawal force of
the plug 34
Figure 18 — GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet shown in Figure 2 35
Figure 19 — GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet with pilot contact
shown in Figure 4 36
Figure 20 — NOT GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet
Figure 21 — NOT GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet with pilot
contact shown in Figure 4 39
Figure 22 — GO gauge for socket-outlet or connector shown
in Figure 3 40
Figure 23 — GO gauge socket-outlet or connector with pilot
contact shown in Figure 5 41
Figure 24 — Test circuits for contacts 43
Figure 25 — NOT GO gauge for pins shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 44
Figure 26 — GO gauge for plug keyways shown in Figure 8 45
Figure 27 — GO gauge for socket keys shown in Figure 8 46
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Figure 28 — GO gauge for plug keyways (plugs with pilot contacts)

Figure 29 — GO gauge for socket keys (socket-outlets with
pilot contacts) shown in Figure 9 48
Figure 30 — GO gauge for plug keys shown in Figure 6 and Figure 10 49
Figure 31 — GO gauge for socket keyways shown
in Figure 6 and Figure 10 50
ii © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Page
Figure 32 — GO gauge for plug keys (plugs with pilot contacts)
shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10 51
Figure 33 — GO gauge for socket keyways (socket-outlets with
pilot contacts) shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10 52
Figure 34 — GO gauge for earth contacts on socket-outlet or
connector shown in Figure 3 53
Figure 35 — GO gauge for earth contacts on socket-outlet or
connector with pilot contacts shown in Figure 5 54
Table 1 2
Table 2 4
Table 2A 6
Table 3 7
Table 4 8
Table 5 8
Table 6 8
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iii
BS 196:1961
Foreword
This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:

BS 1361, Cartridge-fuses for domestic consumers’ units.
BS 1598, Ceramic materials for telecommunication and allied purposes.
BS 2004, PVC-insulated cables and flexible cords for electric power and lighting.
BS 3042, Standard test finger (for checking protection against electric shock).
For some time there has been a general recognition, on the part of manufacturers
and users alike, that revision of BS 196 was necessary to meet the ever extending
demands of industry.
This revised edition has been prepared in order to include all known
requirements and such revisions of text as were deemed necessary. Also the
alternative non-reversibility feature included in Appendix I of the previous issue
has been incorporated as an essential feature to meet modern regulations.
Other British Standards for plugs and socket-outlets for electric power supply
are:
BS 74, Charging plugs-and-sockets for electric battery vehicles.
BS 279, 100-ampere flameproof plugs and sockets (restrained type).
BS 546, Two-pole and earthing-pin plugs, socket-outlets and socket-outlet
adaptors.
BS 1363, Two-pole and earthing-pin fused-plugs and shuttered socket-outlets for
a.c. circuits up to 250 volts.
BS 1395, 30-ampere flameproof plugs-and-sockets and cable-couplers.
BS 1778, 15-ampere three-pin plugs, socket-outlets and connectors (theatre type).
BS 3214, Plugs and locking sockets for electric battery vehicles and trucks.
NOTE Where metric equivalents are stated, the values in British units are to be regarded as the
standard. The metric conversions are approximate. More accurate conversions should be based on
BS 350, “Conversion actors and tables”.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 54 and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.
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iv © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Section 1. General d) Appliance inlet, a device fixed to an appliance

which has current-carrying contact pins similar
1 Scope to those of a plug, with which a suitable
connector can be engaged manually to provide a
This specification relates to non-reversible plugs
supply of electricity to the appliance.
and sockets with scraping earthing contacts for use
in single-phase a.c. circuits of voltages not greater e) A “plug and socket-outlet” consists of items a)
than 250 V. It does not specify a fully detailed and b) and enables a flexible cord or cable to be
design, but it prescribes the dimensions necessary manually connected to the electricity supply.
to ensure interchangeability and f) A cable-coupler consists of a plug and a
non-interchangeability, when required, of complete connector and enables two flexible cords or cables
plugs in complete sockets of different makes. The to be manually connected.
two types detailed are as follows: g) An appliance-coupler consists of a connector
a) Two-pole. and an appliance inlet and enables an appliance
b) Two-pole and pilot contact. to be manually connected to a flexible cord or
cable.
Either of the two types can be fitted with screwed
clamping rings (for weatherproof enclosure). h) An interlock is a device either electrical or
mechanical which prevents the contacts of a plug
Either of the two types may or may not be provided
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becoming live prematurely while it is being
with keys and keyways to ensure engaged with a socket-outlet or connector and
non-interchangeability where this is necessary.
which prevents a plug from being withdrawn
Either of the two types may or may not be fused while its contacts are live.
(single or double pole). For fused plugs either fuse
j) “Protected” plugs, socket-outlets etc., are
pins or fuses mounted in the body of the plug may be
devices in which accidental contact cannot be
used. Details are given of the essential dimensions made with the socket contact tubes when the
of fuse pins where these are used. plug is out of engagement or with the current
NOTE 1 The construction of plugs with fuse pins and the use of carrying contact pins of the plug while the plug
such plugs with socket-outlets are the subject of British patents.
NOTE 2 The scraping earthing contacts are omitted in the
is being inserted into the socket or is in complete
circumstances stated in Appendix A for 6 and 12 volt supplies. engagement. The operator’s hand is also shielded
NOTE 3 The plugs and socket-outlets may be used on d.c. during insertion or withdrawal of the plug.
circuits in circumstances where they are not required to
interrupt the current. k) Cartridge fuse-link (or fuse-link), a cartridge
containing a fuse element.
2 Definitions l) Fuse pin, a cartridge fuse-link made in the
For the purposes of this British Standard the form of a plug contact pin.
following definitions apply. Figure 1 illustrates the m) Fusing-factor (of a fuse-link or fuse pin). The
use of the devices defined in a) to g). ratio of the minimum fusing current to the
a) Socket-outlet, a device with protected normal current rating, namely:
current-carrying contact tubes, intended to be Minimum fusing current
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mounted in a fixed position and permanently Normal current rating
connected to the electricity supply installation, n) Prospective current (of a circuit), the r.m.s.
to enable the connection to it of a flexible cord or
value of the alternating current that would flow
cable by means of a plug.
on the making of the circuit when the circuit is
b) Plug, a device intended for connection to a equipped for the insertion of a fuse pin or link,
flexible cord or cable which can be engaged but the fuse pin or link is replaced by a link of
manually with a socket-outlet or connector and negligible impedance.
which has current-carrying contact pins which o) Breaking capacity (of a fuse-link or fuse pin), a
may be exposed when not engaged.
prospective current stated by the manufacturer
c) Connector, a device intended for connection to as the greatest prospective current that may be
a flexible cord or cable, which has protected associated with the fuse-link or fuse pin when
current-carrying contact tubes similar to those of mounted in the plug as in service.
a socket-outlet.
p) Type test, a test of an article intended to show
that all other articles made to the same design
would (or would not) pass an identical test.
q) Routine test, a test of every article in a batch.
© BSI 01-2000
1
BS 196:1961
r) Sampling test, a test of each of a relatively 6 Rated voltage

small number of articles selected from a batch
The maximum rated voltage shall be 250 volts a.c.
intended to show that other articles of the same
single phase.
batch would (or would not) pass an identical test.
Section 2. Requirements 7 Rated current

The rated current of the plugs, socket-outlets,
3 Application cable-couplers and appliance-couplers shall be 5, 15
or 30 amperes.
The provisions of this specification shall apply to
plug and socket-outlets, appliance-couplers and
cable-couplers as correctly installed and connected
8 Materials
for normal use. Parts made of ferrous metals shall be treated to
make them rust-resisting.
4 Interchangeability Casings shall be of metal or insulating material,
Plug and socket-outlets, appliance-couplers and tough, non-hygroscopic, resistant to heat and to
cable-couplers shall be tested for dimensional corrosion and which will not soften at the maximum
interchangeability in accordance with Clause 25. working temperature, nor be liable to become
brittle.
5 Non-interchangeability Insulation shall be of ceramic or plastics material,
In order to prevent undesirable interchangeability tough, non-hygroscopic resistant to heat and which
between accessories covered by this specification, will not soften at the maximum working
use shall be made of differences in the size of the temperature.
casings and in the size and position of the pins and Current-carrying parts and terminals shall be of
of keys and keyways both in plugs and sockets to brass, phosphor bronze and/or other suitable
ensure that: material.
a) Socket-outlets or connectors will not accept NOTE Attention is drawn to the following British Standards:
plugs or appliance-inlets of greater current rating BS 771, Phenolic moulding materials.
BS 1322, Aminoplastic moulding materials.
or with a different arrangement of contacts. BS 1598, Ceramic materials for telecommunication and allied
b) Socket-outlets or connectors will not accept purposes.
plugs or appliance-inlets intended for use with a BS 2906, Aminoplastic mouldings.
different voltage or a different frequency of BS 2907, Phenolic mouldings.
supply.
9 Methods of entry of flexible cord or
c) Socket-outlets requiring fused-plugs shall not cable
accept unfused plugs; moreover, they shall only
accept either single-pole or double-pole fused Plugs and connectors shall be provided with
plugs according to the requirements of the cable-glands which shall be capable of accepting and
installation. securely gripping the flexible cords and flexible
Compliance with 5 b) and 5 c) is effected by the use cables, and the metallic screening if included, in
of keys and keyways. Essential dimensions for plug order to prevent any stress on the connections to the
keys and socket keyways are shown in Figure 6 terminals.
and Figure 7, and essential dimensions for socket Unless otherwise specified, the gland shall be
keys and plug keyways are shown in Figure 8 suitable for unscreened, unarmoured cable of
and Figure 9. Standard key and keyway positions outside diameter between the limits given in the
at 15° intervals are indicated in Figure 10. following table:
Plug and socket keys shall have adequate strength Table 1
and be able to withstand a shearing load of not less Current rating of
Diameter of cable
than the values quoted in Figure 6, Figure 7, plug or connector
Figure 8 and Figure 9. amperes in mm
Each key and keyway position or combination of
positions is intended to be used for the particular 5 1/
4 – 3/
8 6.35 – 9.52
15 1
/4 – 7
/16 6.35 – 11.11
duty stated in Appendix A.
30 5
/16 – 3
/4 7.94 – 19.05
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2 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Provision shall be made at the point of entry to 13 Enclosure of terminals and

ensure that no acute bending of the cable is possible. separation of conductors
A hand-grip or other substantial means shall be
provided for withdrawing the plug or connector. Terminals of plugs, socket-outlets,
Cable glands shall give the same degree of appliance-couplers and cable-couplers shall be
protection as the accessories themselves, effectively enclosed. Insulating barriers securely
e.g. weatherproof plugs and connectors shall have fixed to, or forming an integral part of the interiors,
weatherproof glands for the range of cable sizes shall be provided to separate internal metal at
intended to be used. Tests for cable entries are given different potential including any bared flexible
in Clause 34. conductors, even if such conductors should become
detached from their terminals.
10 Earthing of metal parts
Section 3. Construction of plugs and
The earth continuity circuit between a plug or an appliance inlets
appliance inlet and its corresponding socket-outlet
or connector shall be made by contact between the 14 Casing
interior face of the plug casing or appliance inlet
casing and scraping contacts on the corresponding Each plug and appliance inlet shall be provided with
socket-outlet or connector. This circuit shall be a cylindrical casing, the internal surface of which
made before the current-carrying plug pins make shall be arranged to form the scraping-earthing
contact with the corresponding socket contact tubes contact of the plug or appliance inlet. The essential
and be broken after the current-carrying plug pins dimensions of the casings are shown in Figure 2
break contact. and Figure 4.
All metal parts of a plug or appliance inlet, other
than live parts, shall be in effective electrical
15 Contact pins (other than fuse pins)
contact with the scraping-earthing contacts when The contact pins of plugs and appliance inlets shall
the plug or appliance-inlet is in engagement with a not be slotted and shall be independently fixed in
corresponding socket-outlet or connector. the base of insulating material.
All metal parts of a socket-outlet or connector other Each contact pin and the fixed part of its terminal
than live parts shall be in effective electrical contact shall be formed in one piece.
with the scraping-earthing contacts. The essential dimensions of the contact pins are
An earthing terminal shall be provided on all shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4.
accessories.
16 Terminals (including earthing
11 Pilot contacts terminals)
The pilot circuit, where such is employed, between a Each terminal shall be so designed that all the cable
plug or an appliance inlet and its corresponding strands can be effectively clamped so that a
socket-outlet or connector shall be made by contact permanently efficient electrical connection
between a pin contact of the plug or appliance-inlet, is obtained without any damage to the conductors
of the section shown in Figure 4 and a tube contact and without any risk of the strands working loose.
in the socket-outlet or connector protected by When sleeve or pillar type terminals are used they
insulating material as shown in Figure 5. The pilot shall comply with the following requirements:
pin and tube contacts shall be such as to make
contact after and break contact before the main a) dimensions in accordance with Figure 2
current-carrying contacts. The pilot contacts shall and Figure 4,
be rated to carry five amperes at 110 volts b) the cable clamping screws shall be long enough
maximum to earth. to reach the opposite surface of the cable hole,
and shall have rounded ends,
12 Creepage distances and clearances c) the diameter of the clamping screws shall not
The minimum clearance in air shall be 3/16 be less than 75 per cent of the diameter of the
in (4.76 mm) and the minimum creepage distances cable hole,
shall be 3/8 in (9.52 mm) between any pair of d) the surface of the cable hole against which the
current-carrying parts and 1/4 in (6.35 mm) between cable is clamped shall be smooth and unbroken,
current-carrying and other metal parts. and
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© BSI 01-2000
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BS 196:1961
e) the end of the cable shall pass through the The electrical performance of fuse pins shall be as
cable hole beyond the threaded hole for a distance follows when mounted in the plug and with the plug
at least equal to half the diameter of the clamping mounted in the socket:
screws or 1/16 in (1.6 mm) whichever is the i) fusing factor not more than 1.6 (see Clause 35),
greater.
ii) capable of opening circuits having values of
Where terminals are not of the pillar or sleeve type, prospective currents between minimum fusing
means shall be provided, suitable for repeated use, currents and 16 500 amperes at a lagging power
to prevent spreading of the conductor strands. factor not greater than 0.3 (category of duty
An earthing terminal shall be provided and be so AC3).
arranged that the earth wire of the cable, if any, is Each type of fuse having the same physical
visible at least when the plug is removed from the dimension shall be available with the standard
corresponding socket-outlet or connector, and when current ratings given in the following table and
the connector is removed from the corresponding shall have the same performance:
appliance inlet.
Table 2
17 Fused plugs Current rating of plug Fuse rating
Provision shall be made for plugs, when required, to amperes amperes

be either single or double pole fused by means of 5 2, 5,
fuses mounted in the body of the plug or by means of 15 2, 5, 10, 15
fuse pins. 30 10, 15, 20, 30
Fused plugs shall be provided with keyways with
the essential dimensions as specified in Figure 8 18 Screwed clamping rings for
and Figure 9. Recommendations for the positions of weatherproof accessories
a plug key to be used if required for discrimination
between single-pole fused and double-pole fused Screwed clamping rings for use where weatherproof
plugs are given in Appendix A. protection is required shall be provided. The
essential dimensions of the rings are given in
It shall not be possible to replace a cartridge
fuse-link or a fuse pin in a plug unless the plug is Figure 13.
completely withdrawn from the socket-outlet. In order to provide for plugs required for use with
weatherproof socket-outlets and connectors
a) Plugs with fuse-links mounted in the body of
complying with the previous edition of this standard
the plug. Fuse-links shall comply with the
(BS 196:1930) a design for the screwed clamping
requirements of BS 1361, “Cartridge fuses for
ring required is included in the present edition, and
domestic consumers units”, in regard to
details are shown in Figure 14.
dimensions and electrical performance for
appropriate current ratings. There shall be nothing to prevent plugs without
b) Plugs with fuse pins. Fuse pins shall comply rings being used with sockets having threaded
portions and vice versa.
with the dimensions shown in Figure 12. Means
shall be provided to prevent a fuse pin working
loose under normal service conditions. Unfused
Section 4. Construction of
pins shall not be removable. socket-outlets and connectors
Fuse pins shall be so constructed that they will 19 Casing
withstand without damage, the mechanical stresses
due to their repeated insertion into and removal Each socket shall be provided with a casing the front
from their respective socket contacts and shall portion of which shall form or have mechanically
comply with the tests specified in Clause 33. The attached to it, a rubbing or
insulating tube forming the barrel of the fuse pin scraping-earthing-contact so designed as to engage
shall be manufactured from material having: with the internal surface of the earthing-contact of
i) a tensile strength of not less than 20 000 lb per the plug. The earthing-contact thereby made shall
square inch (1 400 kg/cm2), be no less effective than that between a
current-carrying pin and its contact.
ii) a cross breaking strength of not less
than 40 000 lb per square inch (2 800 kg/cm2), The essential dimensions of the casing are shown
when tested in accordance with BS 1598. in Figure 3 and Figure 5.
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4 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
20 Socket outlets and connector 23 Screwed rings for weatherproof

contacts accessories
Socket-outlet and connector contact tubes shall be The connector or socket-outlet casing shall be
so shaped as to provide an easy entry for threaded for use with the corresponding screwed
corresponding contact pins. Contact tubes shall be rings fitted to plugs and appliance inlets. The
self-adjusting as to pitch and contact-making and essential dimensions of the thread are given
each contact shall make and maintain under normal in Figure 13.
service conditions satisfactory electrical and If socket-outlets or connectors of the type complying
mechanical contact with its corresponding pin. The with the previous edition of this standard
means for producing the contact pressure shall be (BS 196:1930) are required, the casing shall be
associated with each contact tube independently. threaded as shown in Figure 14.
The essential dimension of the contacts are shown
As an alternative, a separate screwed ring can be
in Figure 3 and Figure 5.
fitted to the socket-outlet and the connector
Each socket-contact shall be provided with a providing all other conditions of this specification
substantial terminal that cannot work loose under are met.
normal service conditions.
Section 5. Tests
21 Terminals (including earthing
terminals) 24 Tests
Each terminal shall provide for effectively clamping The tests specified in Clauses 25 to 29 shall be
and securing its conductor so that an efficient sampling tests, and the tests specified in Clauses 30
electrical connection is permanently maintained. to 41 shall be type tests. The test of Clause 33 b)
When sleeve or pillar type terminals are used, they may, if required, be included in the sampling tests.
shall have the minimum dimensions shown The purchaser shall accept certificates of type tests
in Figure 3 and Figure 5 and shall comply with as evidence of compliance with the requirements of
other requirements specified in the second and third this British Standard, and the manufacturers shall
paragraphs of Clause 16. hold available such certificates together with detail
An earthing terminal shall be provided and be so drawings and a record of any alterations that have
arranged that the earth wire of the cable, if any, is been made subsequent to the type test. Type tests
visible at least when the plug or appliance inlet is may be made by the manufacturer or by a
removed from the corresponding socket-outlet or recognized authority. The plugs and sockets used for
connector. A second earthing terminal is to be the test shall be identical in all essential details
provided inside the casing of the socket-outlets, with those to be used in service.
which need not be visible.
25 Interchangeability
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22 Socket-outlets for use on ring and Plugs and sockets shall be tested for
looped circuits interchangeability by means of the gauges as
Socket-outlets for use on ring and looped circuits detailed in the Appendix B, and compliance with the
shall not accept unfused plugs. gauges shall be deemed to prove accuracy in respect
of the relevant dimensions.
The casing of socket-outlets for use on single-pole
fused or double-pole fused circuits shall be provided
26 Effectiveness of contact
with two keys and if required a keyway having the
essential dimensions given in Figure 6 and Figure 8 Each socket contact assembled in a complete
or Figure 7 and Figure 9, and the recommended socket-outlet or connector and the
positions in Appendix A and Figure 10 and scraping-earthing contact, shall be subject to a
Figure 11. withdrawal pull test using a minimum diameter
Terminals of such sockets shall be large enough to contact pin and a plug casing with the internal
permit “looping-in” of two cables of the scraping-earthing surface at maximum diameter.
corresponding rating, as given in Table 12 of the The withdrawal pull values shall be as given
IEE Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of in Table 2A.
Buildings (13th Edition, 1958). The dimensions for
sleeve or pillar type terminals shown in Figure 3
and Figure 5 are adequate for this requirement.
© BSI 01-2000
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BS 196:1961
Table 2A After this treatment, the samples shall show no

Current rating Minimum withdrawal pull
damage within the meaning of the specification and
shall pass an insulation-resistance test before being
amperes ounces-force newtons subjected to a high-voltage flash-test as required in
5 8 2.2 Clause 29. The insulation resistance shall be not
15 12 3.3 less than 5 megohms, and the test shall be made at
30 24 6.7 approximately 500 volts d.c. applied for sufficient
time for the reading of the measuring-instrument to
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A test shall also be made to check the sequence of become steady, the test supply being obtained from
contact making using the circuits shown in an independent source or generated in the
Figure 24. When the gauge is slowly inserted into measuring-instrument. The insulation resistance
the socket and is then withdrawn the sequence of shall be measured:
operation of the lamp or bell indicators shall show a) a) between line and neutral terminals,
that the scraping-earth contact is made before and
b) between line and neutral terminals connected
broken after the current-carrying contacts, and b)
together and any other metal parts insulated
that the pilot contact, when fitted, is made after and
broken before the current-carrying contacts. therefrom, and,
c) between the pilot contact (when fitted) and any
27 Test of enclosure for weatherproof other metal parts insulated therefrom.
models
29 High-voltage test
Plugs and sockets shall be tested for
weatherproofness by testing sockets and plugs in Plugs and sockets shall be capable of passing a
full engagement with each other, mounted high-voltage test, for which the test-voltage shall be
horizontally with the visible earthing-terminals (if alternating approximately 2 000 volts r.m.s. of
any) uppermost. Each plug shall be wired with sine-wave form and of a frequency of
flexible cord or flexible cable of the smallest approximately 50 cycles per second and shall be
appropriate size (see Table 4), and when it is in full applied for not less than 1 minute
engagement with a socket, they shall be subjected to a) between line and neutral terminals,
artificial rain in the form of a finely-divided and b) between line and neutral terminals connected
reasonably uniform spray, applied at an angle of together and any other metal parts insulated
about 45° to the vertical for 2 minutes (1 minute in therefrom, and,
each of two directions at right-angles) at the rate of
c) between the pilot contact (when fitted) and any
approximately 0.2 inch (5 mm) per minute as
other metal parts insulated therefrom.
measured by a rain-gauge or other equivalent
means. No water shall penetrate to the interior of
30 Temperature-rise test
the socket or of the plug.
Unfused and fused plugs shall be tested in
28 Humidity and insulation-resistance socket-outlets or connectors for temperature-rise at
test their rated current. The temperature-rise of any
terminal shall not exceed 35 deg (63 deg F) after one
Plugs and sockets, appliance inlets and connectors hour. The fused plugs shall be double pole fused
shall be proof against humid conditions which may during this test with fuse pins to this specification or
occur in normal use. links to BS 1361, of rating equal to the plug. The
This test is carried out in a humidity cabinet scraping-earthing connection shall not be loaded
containing air with a relative humidity maintained during this test but the pilot pin (if any) shall carry
between 93 and 95 per cent. The temperature of the a load of 5-amperes. There shall be at least a
air at all positions where samples can be placed is yard (0.9 metres) of cable connected to each
kept within 1 deg C (1.8 deg F) of any convenient terminal of rating not less than that of the nominal
value between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F). rating of the contacts: cable connections for sockets
The samples are kept in the cabinet shall be as specified in Table 12 and cable
for 2 days (48 hours). connections for plugs shall be as specified in
Tables 26 and 27 of the
IEE Regulations (13th Edition, 1958).
6 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
The temperature-rise shall be measured by b) To ensure that the end-caps are securely fixed,
thermocouples attached by low melting point alloy every fuse pin shall withstand without damage a
or by some equally effective means of attachment. test consisting of an impulsive axial pull, applied
Plugs and sockets shall be mounted and connected once only, of the value given in the following
as in normal use for this test. The ambient air shall table, ± 2 per cent.
not exceed 35 °C (95 °F) average temperature Table 3
or 40 °C (104 °F) peak temperature. Current rating Test pull
31 Test for resistance to heat amperes lbf newtons
Plugs and sockets shall be tested for resistance to 5 60 267
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heat by keeping them for a period of one hour in a 15 120 534
test chamber where a temperature 30 120 534
of 100 °C ± 5 °C (212° ± 9 °F) is maintained.
The method of applying the test is shown in
The sample shall be examined after the test and Figure 16. The axial pull is applied by means of a
shall not have suffered any deterioration likely to supplementary weight equal to ten per cent of the
impair its further use. Sealing compound (if any) test pull as tabulated above, arranged to fall
must not have run to such an extent that live parts through a height of six inches (150 mm) on to a
are exposed, but small displacement is permissible. principal weight, including the weight of the fuse
pin, equal to ninety per cent of the value of the pull.
32 Test for current-breaking capacity The clamps holding the fuse pin shall be so arranged
of contacts that with the pin held vertically, the pull is applied
Plugs and sockets shall be capable of breaking fifty along the axis of the pin. The two clamps shall be
times a current twenty-five per cent in excess of sufficiently rigid to ensure reasonably equal
their rated current, when tested in an a.c. circuit pressure over at least half the circumference of each
at 275 volts with a power factor of between 0.6 end-cap.
and 0.65 lagging.
34 Cable grip test
The test shall be made at a rate of 7.5 strokes per
minute, each stroke consisting of one insertion and A length of about one yard (0.9 metres) of flexible
one withdrawal, with the socket outlet mounted and cord of a standard type and of each of the
connected as in service, including an earthing approximate sizes shown in Table 4 shall be
connection and pilot connection, if any. inserted into the plug or connector as in service,
During the test no permanent arcing shall occur. except that the conductors shall not be connected to
the terminals and the plug or connector shall be so
After the test, the samples shall not show any wear, mounted that the flexible cable hangs vertically
impairing their further operation and the entry downwards and is axial to the cable grip.
holes for the pins shall not show any serious
damage. A weight of 28 lb (12.7 kg) shall be suspended from
a loop at the free end of the flexible cable for at least
33 Test for mechanical strength of five minutes, and at the end of this time, the flexible
cable shall not have moved noticeably in the
fuse-pins cable-grip.
(It is optional for fused-plugs to be made with
fuse-pins or with fuse links in the body of the plug — 35 Tests for minimum fusing-current
see Clause 17).
Fuse pins shall be tested for minimum
a) A fuse pin of each rating shall be tested when fusing-current under the conditions of normal
mounted in a plug by repeated insertion into and service with the plug inserted in its appropriate
withdrawal from the corresponding socket, with socket (see Clause 17).
no current flowing, for a total of 5 000 cycles,
For each fuse pin, two currents shall be determined,
each consisting of one insertion and withdrawal.
one of which is 90 per cent of the other, at the larger
The test shall be carried out at a steady rate not
of which the fuse-element shall melt within the
exceeding 20 cycles per minute, the speed being
appropriate time indicated in Table 5 and at the
approximately 6 inches (150 mm) per second
smaller of which the fuse element shall not melt
both during insertion and during withdrawal.
within that time. The minimum fusing-current shall
After this test the plug and socket shall show no be deemed to be the arithmetical mean of the two
wear likely to affect its performance. currents so determined.
© BSI 01-2000
7
BS 196:1961
Table 4
aApproximate diameter of cable to be gripped
Current rating of plug or connector
2 pole 2 pole and pilot
amperes in mm in mm
5 0.28 7.11 0.35 8.89

0.35 8.89 0.45 11.43
15 0.32 8.13 0.45 11.43
0.40 10.16 0.55 13.97
30 0.45 11.43 0.55 13.97
0.55 13.97 0.65 16.51
a The cable sizes are within the range given in Clause 9 and cover typical types in BS 2004, “PVC-insulated cables and flexible
cords for electric power and lighting”.
For the purpose of this test, two completely identical The fuse pins shall be deemed to be satisfactory if:
fuse-pins or sets of fuse-pins shall be provided, one a) there is no ignition or physical damage of the
for use in ascertaining the larger current and one for fuse pins or neighbouring parts.
use in ascertaining the smaller current. At the
b) the insulation resistance between the
beginning of each test, the fuse pins and the
terminals is not less than 100 000 ohms,
conductors connected to them shall be
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measured at 500 volts immediately after the test.
approximately at the ambient temperature.
The appropriate duration of a test of minimum 37 Test for mechanical strength of
fusing-current shall depend on the current rating of plugs and connectors
the fuse pins, and shall be as stated in Table 5.
A cable 7 feet (2.13 m) long of the diameter specified
Table 5
in Clause 34 for the rating of the plug or connector
Current rating of fully Appropriate duration of is connected to the sample for test. The free end of
test for minimum fusing
wired fuse pins current the cable is fixed to a wall at a height of
approximately 21/2 ft (0.76 m) (see Figure 15). The
amperes hours
sample is held so that the cable is horizontal and it
5 0.75 is then allowed to fall onto a concrete floor. This test
15 1.00 is repeated eight times, each time rotating the cable
30 1.25 through 45° at its fixing.
After the test, the sample shall show no serious
36 Tests to determine damage within the meaning of the specification; in
current-breaking capacity of fuse pin particular, no part shall have loosened.
Fuse pins shall operate satisfactorily in a circuit Small chips and dents can be ignored if they do not
adjusted for a prospective current having any value adversely affect the protection against electric
from the breaking capacity rating down to the shock.
minimum fusing-current.
38 Withdrawal pull test for
Twelve fuse pins shall be tested, singly in a single
phase a.c. circuit at not less
socket-outlets and plugs, and
than 250 volts 50 cycles, six at a prospective current connectors and appliance inlets
of 16 500 amperes at a power-factor not greater The value of the withdrawal pull is checked by
than 0.3 lagging and six at prospective currents (not means of test plugs and shall be within the limits
less than the minimum fusing-current) up to five stated in Table 6.
times the minimum fusing-current at the same Table 6
lagging power-factor.
Current Withdrawal force Withdrawal force
If in each physical size i.e., 5A, 15A and 30A, the rating minimum maximum
fuse pin with current rating of that size is
satisfactory then the fuse pins with lower current amperes lbf N lbf N
rating in the size shall also be deemed satisfactory, 5 2 8.9 10 44.5
providing that they are of the same material and 15 4 17.8 15 66.8
general construction. Fuse pins are to be tested in 30 4 17.8 25 111.2
plugs inserted in sockets as in service.
8 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
The sample is mounted on a horizontal surface with 40 Impact tests for socket-outlets and
the contact openings downwards. The test plug is appliance inlets
inserted in the sample as shown in Figure 17.
Tests are under consideration.
For the verification of the upper limit of the
withdrawal force, a principal weight and 41 Tracking test
supplementary weight are used. The supplementary
weight is equal to one-tenth of the principal weight, A test is under consideration.
and the sum of the principal weight, the
supplementary weight and the test plug is equal to Section 6. Marking
the maximum withdrawal force shown in the table.
The principal weight is hung on without jolting the 42 Marking of plugs and sockets
test plug. To overcome the effects of static friction, All plugs, socket-outlets, connectors and appliance
the supplementary weight is allowed to fall from a inlets shall be clearly and indelibly marked with:
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height of 2.0 in (51 mm) onto the principal weight.
a) The number and date of this British Standard,
The plug shall come out. i.e., BS 196:19611).
For the verification of the lower limit of the b) The manufacturer’s name or trade mark.
withdrawal force, a single weight is used. This
weight is equal to the difference between the c) The voltage and current ratings in V and A.
minimum withdrawal force shown in the table, and d) Code letters according to the type and key
the weight of the test plug. position, see Appendix A.
The plug shall not come out. Loose removable labels are not allowed.
Items c) and d) shall be visible after installation.
39 Test for protection against electric Item c) shall not appear on a removable portion
shock such as a hinged cover.
Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of NOTE For information to be given with enquiry or order,
socket-outlets and connectors installed as in service, see Appendix C.
and live parts of plugs and appliance inlets when in
partial or complete engagement with the 43 Marking of terminals
complementary accessories are inaccessible. The letters L and N shall be used to mark the line
The standard test finger to BS 3042 is applied in and neutral terminals respectively of plugs and
every possible position, an electrical indicator being sockets. Earth terminals shall be marked with the
used to show contact with live parts. symbol N and if practicable, should be accompanied
by the letter E.
It is recommended that a lamp be used for the
indication of contact and that the voltage be not less The pilot terminals shall be marked P.
than 40 V. All markings shall be placed on or as close as
Conformity to the dimensions specified ensures practicable to the corresponding terminals and only
compliance with the requirements regarding on parts which cannot be removed without the use
non-accessibility when engaging a plug or appliance of tools, and shall be such as to remain legible
inlet with the complementary accessories. during the normal life of the accessory.
1)
The mark BS 196 on the product is an indication that it purports to comply with the requirements of this British Standard.
The British Standards Institution is the owner of the registered certification trade mark shown below. The presence of this
certification mark on a product is an additional and independent assurance that the product does in fact comply with the
requirements of the relevant British Standard. This certification mark may be used by the manufacturer only under licence from
the BSI and particulars of the conditions under which licences are granted may be obtained from the Director, the British
Standards Institution, 2 Park Street, London, W.1.
© BSI 01-2000
9
BS 196:1961
Appendix A Plug and socket key and keyway positions for

non-interchangeability
(See Section 2, Clause 5)
It is recommended that as far as possible all users of plug and socket outlets, cable and appliance-couplers
to BS 196, with or without pilot contacts, should employ keys and keyways in the same angular positions
in plugs and sockets of all types and ratings including those with and without pilot contacts to carry out
the same discrimination. Cases frequently arise in which the same portable electric appliances are used,
for instance by contracting firms, in different users’ works. Safety in the use of such appliances would be
considerably easier to achieve if all users were to use keys and keyways in the same positions to ensure the
same conditions of supply or application.
Pairs of keys in plugs with corresponding keyways in the sockets have already been widely used for voltage
discrimination.
It is recommended that this practice shall be extended to cover frequency as well as voltage discrimination,
in other words “supply discrimination”, by employing, if necessary, more than two keys in one plug, and
that keys in plugs shall be confined to this service.
Pairs of keys in sockets with corresponding keyways in the plugs have already been used to prevent sockets
requiring fused plugs from accepting unfused plugs. Some users may also require to prevent certain sockets
from accepting plugs connected to appliances which for some reason must not be supplied from those
sockets, for instance it may be required to keep certain sockets for feeding instruments only. Such
requirements may be classed as “application discrimination” and it is recommended that the use of keys in
sockets shall be confined to this service.
There remains one discrimination service which might be considered under either heading, namely
discrimination between single and double pole fused plugs. Although many users will employ both types of
plugs in one Works it is unlikely that they will both be employed on systems having the same voltage and
frequency and discrimination will therefore be obtained with the existing plug keys. To meet the somewhat
rare cases in which this discrimination is required between systems having the same voltage and
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frequency, but different systems of earthing, it is essential for a plug key to be employed, not a socket key
and it must therefore be classed as “supply discrimination”. It is found that a single plug key is sufficient
and therefore one single key position is allocated to single pole and another to double pole fused plugs. The
use of these two keys for this service is only required if the different systems have the same voltage and
frequency.
Discrimination is commonly required between the following voltages:
6, 12, 25, 50, 110, 250
and between d.c. and a.c. at 50 cycles/second and one other frequency.
It is therefore expected that the needs of most users will be met if “supply discrimination’ can be obtained
between six different voltages, two different frequencies and d.c., any voltage being associated with either
frequency or d.c.
All those voltages and frequencies are catered for by following the recommendations below, leaving two
spare key positions. The 6 and 12 volt keys would not allow a scraping earth in the normal position, but it
is thought that the earth connection will rarely be required for 6 or 12 volts.
The minimum practicable angular spacing for plug and for socket keys is 15°, and keys and keyways cannot
occupy the same position at the same time in the same part. Also when a scraping earth is used, neither a
key or a keyway can overlap the scraping earthing contact. The detailed Schedule opposite is derived from
the above considerations.
It will be noted from the Schedule that the type with no keys or keyways as in the first edition of BS 196 is
allocated to a 250 volt 50 c/s supply. For other cases of 50 c/s there will be two keyways in the socket outlet
at 180° spacing and these are arranged at different orientations to give voltage discrimination. In cases of
other frequencies or d.c., the two keyways at 180° spacing are used for the frequency discrimination and a
third keyway is used for voltage discrimination.
The code letters for describing each key combination are built up logically as shown in the diagram. Plugs
and sockets should only be used for the purposes indicated by their code marking and by the Schedule.
To secure non-interchangeability for systems not included in the Schedule, other combinations of keys and
keyways may be used.
10 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
In all cases the code letters should be indelibly marked on the accessory [see Clause 42 d)].
Schedule of key and keyway combinations
(See Figure 10)
Socket-outlet or connector
Voltage Frequency Keyway 1 Keyway 2 Keyway 3 Earth Code
6 50 None 105° 285° None VH

12 50 None 75° 255° None FT
25 50 None 0° 180° Yes AN
50 50 None 135° 315° Yes XK
110 50 None 45° 225° Yes DR
a
250 50 None 30° 210° Yes CQ
b250 50 None None None Yes None
6 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 285° 120° 300° None VJW
12 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 75° 120° 300° None FJW
25 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 0° 120° 300° Yes AJW
50 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 315° 120° 300° Yes XJW
110 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 45° 120° 300° Yes DJW
250 Other than 50 (e.g. 60) 30° 120° 300° Yes CJW
6 d.c. 285° 60° 240° None VES
12 d.c. 75° 60° 240° None FES
25 d.c. 0° 60° 240° Yes AES
50 d.c. 315° 60° 240° Yes XES
110 d.c. 45° 60° 240° Yes DES
250 d.c. 30° 60° 240° Yes CES
Spare 90° 270° None GU
(keyways)
a
Included for situations where complete non-interchangeability is essential.
b Original design to BS 196 (1930).
The following keyway positions are required only where two systems having the same voltage and
frequency but different systems of earthing are employed in the same works.
Application Keyway Earth Code
For use with single-pole fused plugs 15° Yes B

(Non-interchangeable with double-pole-fused plugs)
For use with double-pole-fused plugs 195° Yes P
(Non-interchangeable with single-pole-fused plugs)
The corresponding key positions of the plug or appliance inlet when looked at from the front are the
opposite to those shown above and in Figure 9.
For diagrammatic examples of key and keyway combinations, see Figure 10.
Appendix B Gauges
The gauges specified in this Appendix are designed to test plugs, socket-outlets, connectors and appliance,
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inlets of the dimensions stated in Figure 2 to Figure 9 and in the corresponding tables. Figure 18 to
Figure 35 show the essential features and dimensions of the gauges. The details of their construction are
left to the Gauge Manufacturers. All working surfaces of gauges shall be hardened. Each gauge shall be
marked with:
1) The number and date of this British Standard (BS 196:1961).
2) The manufacturer’s name or trade mark.
3) An identification number (i.e., the figure number as given in the specification).
4) The year of manufacture.
© BSI 01-2000
11
BS 196:1961
The number of gauges required may be limited by making the same gauge suitable for checking a number
of different key and keyway positions.
Figure 18 and Figure 19. GO gauges for plugs with and without pilot contacts.
These gauges are made to the lower limit of the dimension A, of Figure 2 and Figure 4 and as well as
checking the internal diameter of the plugs, they also check the positions of the contact pins, pilot pins, and
non-reverse pins and in addition they act as GO gauges for the contact pins.
Figure 20 and Figure 21. NOT GO gauges for plugs.
These gauges are made to the upper limit of the dimension A of Figure 2 and Figure 4 and simply check
the internal diameter of the plugs.
Figure 22. GO gauge for socket-outlets without pilot contacts.
This gauge is to check the centres of the phase-contact tubes, non-reversal slot and dimensions B and M
of Figure 3.
Figure 23. GO gauge for socket-outlets with pilot contacts.
This gauge is to check the centres of the three contact tubes and dimensions M and R of Figure 5.
Figure 25. NOT GO gauge for pins.
This gauge is made to the lower limit.
Figure 26. GO gauge for plug keyways.
The dimensions of Figure 18 also apply to this gauge. The keys are made to the lower limits.
Figure 27. GO gauge for socket keys.
The dimensions of Figure 22 also apply to this gauge. The keyways are made to the upper limits.
Figure 28. GO gauge for plug keyways (plugs with pilot contacts).
Figure 29. GO gauge for socket keys (socket-outlets with pilot contacts).
Figure 30. GO gauge for plug keys.
Figure 31. GO gauge for socket keyways.
Figure 32. GO gauge for plug keys (plugs with pilot contacts).
Figure 33. GO gauge for socket keyways (socket-outlets with pilot contacts).
Figure 34 and Figure 35. GO gauges for earth contacts.
The dimensions of Figure 22 and Figure 23 also apply to these gauges. The gauges are made to the lower
limits.
Appendix C Information to be given with enquiry or order

1) Whether plug, socket-outlet, connector or appliance inlet is required.
2) Supply voltage and frequency.
3) Current rating.
4) If pilot contacts are required.
5) If single or double pole fusing is required or no fusing; whether fuse plus or fuse-links are required
and the current rating.
6) Whether discrimination is required between single and double pole fused plugs by keys and keyways.
7) Key code required.
8) If weatherproof type is required.
9) Whether body of metal or insulating material is required.
12
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
10) Full particulars of cable, if different from that for which the standard gland is provided
(see Clause 9).
11) Back or side entry for flexible cable.
12) Radial circuit, or ring or looped circuit.
13) Surface or flush-mounted socket-outlet or appliance inlet.
14) Whether circuit will be controlled by a switch.
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

© BSI 01-2000 13
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 1 — Nomenclature
NOTE ON FIGURES
First angle projection is used throughout the following drawings.
In the end views of gauges shown in Figure 18 to Figure 35, the handles are omitted for clarity.
14 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current M
rating of A B C D Ea F G H J K dia.
plug dia. dia. dia. radius min.
min.
amperes in in in in in in in in in in in
5 1.406 0.201 0.688 0.688 0.625 0.281 0.328 0.375 1/

64 0.065 0.104
15 1.656 0.279 0.875 0.875 0.750 0.313 0.375 0.500 3/
32 0.125 0.141
30 2.156 0.313 1.188 1.188 0.875 0.438 0.438 0.625 1
/8 0.187 0.187
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.010 — + 0.005 + 0.010 + 0.010 — — —
– 0.005 – 0.002 – 0.010 – 0.010 — – 0.005 – 0.010 – 0.010 — — —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 35.71 5.11 17.48 17.48 15.88 7.14 8.33 9.52 0.40 1.65 2.64
15 42.06 7.09 22.22 22.22 19.05 7.95 9.52 12.70 2.38 3.18 3.58
30 54.76 7.95 30.18 30.18 22.18 11.13 11.13 15.88 3.18 4.75 4.75
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.25 — + 0.13 + 0.25 + 0.25 — — —
– 0.13 – 0.05 – 0.25 – 0.25 — – 0.13 – 0.25 – 0.25 — — —
a No tolerances are given: contact spacing is checked by gauge.
Figure 2 — Plug or appliance inlet (without pilot contact)

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© BSI 01-2000
15
16
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 3 — Socket-outlet or connector (without pilot contact)

© BSI 01-2000

© BSI 01-2000
A B C D E F G H J Ka M O P Q R S
Current dia. dia. dia. dia. dia.
rating of
socket orifice orifice
dia. min. max. max. min. max. min. min. min. min.
amperes in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in
5 1.416 1.625 1.765 0.258 0.750 0.688 0.375 0.125 0.375 0.625 0.225 0.065 0.140 0.281 0.500 0.188
15 1.666 1.875 2.016 0.352 0.938 0.875 0.438 0.016 0.438 0.750 0.319 0.125 0.172 0.313 0.625 0.250
30 2.166 2.468 2.750 0.414 1.250 1.188 0.688 0.063 0.563 0.875 0.350 0.187 0.250 0.375 0.750 0.313
Tolerance + 0.005 — — — — + 0.005 + 0.010 — + 0.020 — — — — + 0.020 — —
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
–0 — — — — – 0.005 – 0.010 — – 0.020 — — — — – 0.020 — —

Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 35.97 41.28 44.83 6.55 19.05 17.48 9.52 3.18 9.52 15.88 5.72 1.65 3.56 7.14 12.70 4.78
15 42.32 47.62 51.21 8.94 23.83 22.22 11.13 0.41 11.13 19.05 8.10 3.18 4.37 7.95 15.88 6.35
30 55.02 62.69 69.85 10.52 31.75 30.18 17.48 1.60 14.30 22.23 8.89 4.75 6.35 9.52 19.05 7.95
Tolerance + 0.12 — — — — + 0.13 + 0.25 — + 0.50 — — — — + 0.50 — —
–0 — — — — – 0.13 – 0.25 — – 0.50 — — — — – 0.50 — —
a No tolerances are given: contact spacing is checked by gauge.
Figure 3 — Socket-outlet or connector (without pilot contact)
BS 196:1961
17

18
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 4 — Plug or appliance inlet (with pilot contact)

© BSI 01-2000

© BSI 01-2000
Current A B dia. C D Ea Fa Ga H J K M O dia.

rating of
plug dia. pins pins pin pin pin min. min.
amperes in in in in in in in in in in in in
5 1.656 0.201 0.688 0.688 0.625 0.188 0.500 0.094 0.201 0.563 0.065 0.104
15 1.875 0.279 0.875 0.875 0.750 0.125 0.531 0.125 0.201 0.688 0.125 0.141
30 2.266 0.313 1.188 1.188 0.938 0.313 0.641 0.203 0.281 0.875 0.187 0.187
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.010 — — — +0 +0 +0 — —
– 0.005 – 0.002 – 0.010 – 0.010 — — — – 0.005 – 0.002 – 0.010 — —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 42.06 5.11 17.48 17.48 15.86 4.78 12.70 2.39 5.11 14.30 1.65 2.64
15 47.63 7.09 22.22 22.22 19.05 3.18 13.49 3.18 5.11 17.48 3.18 3.58
30 57.56 7.95 30.18 30.18 23.83 7.95 16.28 5.16 7.14 22.22 4.75 4.75
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.25 — — — +0 +0 +0 — —
– 0.13 – 0.05 – 0.25 – 0.25 — — — – 0.13 – 0.05 – 0.25 — —
a
No tolerances are given: contact spacing is checked by gauge.
Figure 4 — Plug or appliance inlet (with pilot contact)
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BS 196:1961
19

20
BS 196:1961
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© BSI 01-2000
Figure 5 — Socket-outlet or connector (with pilot contact)

© BSI 01-2000
B C D dia. R dia.
Current Aa Ea Fa G H J K dia. M dia. O Q S T U V dia.
rating of orifice orifice orifice orifice
socket
max. max. max. min. max. min. dia. min. max. min. min.
amperes in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in in
5 0.625 0.125 0.232 0.258 0.500 0.188 0.750 0.688 0.375 2.016 1.875 1.666 0.625 0.225 0.016 0.391 0.065 0.140
15 0.750 0.156 0.219 0.352 0.531 0.125 0.938 0.688 0.469 2.312 2.250 1.886 0.750 0.319 0.093 0.391 0.125 0.172
30 0.938 0.234 0.313 0.414 0.641 0.313 1.250 1.188 0.468 7 2.750 2.531 2.275 0.938 0.350 0.063 0.469 0.187 0.250
Tolerance — — — — — — — + 0.005 + 0.010 — — + 0.005 — — — + 0.010 — —
— — — — — — — –0 – 0.010 — — –0 — — — – 0.010 — —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 15.88 3.18 5.89 6.55 12.70 4.78 19.05 17.48 9.52 51.21 47.62 42.32 15.88 5.72 0.41 9.93 1.65 3.56
15 19.05 3.96 5.56 8.94 13.49 3.18 23.83 17.48 11.91 58.72 57.15 47.90 19.05 8.10 2.36 9.93 3.18 4.37
30 23.83 5.94 7.95 10.52 16.28 7.95 31.75 30.18 11.91 69.85 64.29 57.79 23.83 8.89 1.60 11.91 4.75 6.35
Tolerance — — — — — — — + 0.13 + 0.25 — — + 0.13 — — — + 0.25 – –
— — — — — — — –0 – 0.25 — — –0 — — — – 0.25 — —
a No tolerance are given: contact spacing is checked by gauge.
Figure 5 — Socket-outlet or connector (with pilot contact)
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BS 196:1961
21

BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Plug dimensions Socket-outlet dimensions
Current Minimum Current

rating of A B C shearing rating of E F G
load on
plug each key socket
amperes in in in lb amperes in in in
5 0.203 1.281 0.156 100 5 0.531 1.262 0.188

15 0.266 1.531 0.156 100 15 0.656 1.478 0.188
30 0.328 2.031 0.156 100 30 0.906 1.931 0.188
Tolerance — +0 — — Tolerance — + 0.005 —
— – 0.005 — — — –0 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm kg mm mm mm
5 5.16 32.54 3.96 45.4 5 13.49 32.05 4.78

15 6.76 38.89 3.96 45.4 15 16.66 37.54 4.78
30 8.33 51.59 3.96 45.4 30 23.01 49.05 4.78
— – 0.13 — — — –0 —
Figure 6 — Plug keys and socket keyways

(See Figure 10, Figure 11 and Appendix A for usage)
22 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current Minimum Current

rating of A B C shearing rating of E F G
load on
plug each key socket
amperes in in in lb amperes in in in
5 0.203 1.531 0.156 100 5 0.531 1.478 0.188
15 0.266 1.750 0.156 100 15 0.656 1.685 0.188
30 0.328 2.141 0.156 100 30 0.906 2.055 0.188
– 0.005 — — — –0 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm kg mm mm mm
5 5.16 38.89 3.96 45.4 5 13.49 37.54 4.78
15 6.76 44.45 3.96 45.4 15 16.66 42.80 4.78
30 8.35 54.38 3.96 45.4 30 23.01 52.20 4.78
— – 0.13 — — — –0 —
Figure 7 — Plug keys and socket keyways (with pilot contact)

© BSI 01-2000
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
23
BS 196:1961

Minimum
Current Current
shearing
rating of A B C rating of F G
load on each
plug socket
key
amperes in in in amperes in in lb
5 0.688 0.188 1.500 5 0.156 1.453 100
15 0.875 0.188 1.750 15 0.156 1.703 100
30 1.188 0.188 2.250 30 0.156 2.203 100
Tolerance + 0.010 — +0 Tolerance — +0 —
–0 — – 0.005 — – 0.005 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm kg
5 17.48 4.78 38.10 5 3.96 36.91 45.4
15 22.22 4.78 44.45 15 3.96 43.26 45.4
30 30.18 4.78 57.15 30 3.96 55.96 45.4
–0 — – 0.13 — – 0.13 —
Figure 8 — Socket keys and plug keyways

24
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Current Current Minimum

rating of A B C rating of F G shearing
load on each
plug socket key
amperes in in in amperes in in lb
5 0.688 0.188 1.750 5 0.156 1.703 100
15 0.875 0.188 1.969 15 0.156 1.914 100
30 1.188 0.188 2.360 30 0.156 2.297 100
–0 — – 0.005 — – 0.005 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm kg
5 17.48 4.78 44.45 5 3.96 43.26 45.4
15 22.22 4.78 50.01 15 3.96 48.62 45.4
30 30.18 4.78 59.94 30 3.96 58.34 45.4
–0 — – 0.13 — – 0.13 —
Figure 9 — Socket keys and plug keyways (with pilot contacts)


© BSI 01-2000 25
BS 196:1961
View looking at the front face of the socket-outlet or connector.

Figure 10 — Socket-outlet or connector showing alternative keyway positions
(See Figure 6 to Figure 9 and Appendix A)
26
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
NOTE Socket-outlets and connectors for use on ring or looped circuits have in addition external keys (which have no code letters)
to lock out unfused plugs.
Figure 11 — Examples of usage (see Appendix A)
© BSI 01-2000
27
BS 196:1961
Current A B C D E F G H
rating of
pin dia. min. dia.
amperes in in in in in in in
5 0.201 0.188 0.688 0.738 0.954 0.266 4BA 0.028
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15 0.279 0.250 0.875 0.969 1.188 0.359 2BA 0.048
30 0.313 0.313 1.188 1.296 1.734 0.469 0BA 0.064
Tolerance + 0 — +0 — + 0.048 + 0.005 — —
– 0.002 — – 0.010 — –0 – 0.005 — —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 5.11 4.78 17.48 18.75 24.23 6.76 4BA 0.71

15 7.09 6.35 22.22 24.61 30.18 9.12 2BA 1.22
30 7.95 7.95 30.18 32.92 44.04 11.91 0BA 1.63
Tolerance + 0 — +0 — + 1.22 + 0.13 — —
– 0.05 — – 0.25 — –0 – 0.13 — —
Figure 12 — Fuse pin dimensions
28 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Socket-outlet or connector dimensions Plug or appliance inlet dimensions
B D
Current Thread-Whit. Current Thread-Whit.
rating of A rating of C
tubes form 12 t.p.i. major pins form 12 t.p.i. major
diameter diameter
amperes in mm in mm amperes in mm in mm
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5 0.25 6.35 1.875 47.63 5 0.406 10.31 1.875 47.63

15 0.25 6.35 2.125 53.98 15 0.656 16.66 2.125 53.98
30 0.25 6.35 2.875 73.03 30 1.000 25.40 2.875 73.03
Figure 13 — Screwed ring fittings for weatherproof models
© BSI 01-2000
29
30
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BS 196:1961
© BSI 01-2000

© BSI 01-2000
Plug or appliance inlet dimensions Socket-outlet or connector dimensions
2 pole 2 pole and pilot 2 pole 2 pole and pilot
Current B Thread Whit. B Thread Whit. Current D Thread Whit. D Thread Whit.
rating A min. form 12 t.p.i. A min. form 12 t.p.i. rating C min. form 12 t.p.i. C min. form 12 t.p.i.
of pins major dia. major dia. of tubes major dia. major dia.
amperes in mm in mm in mm in mm amperes in mm in mm in mm in mm
5 0.125 3.18 1.750 44.45 0.156 3.96 2.093 53.16 5 0.156 3.96 1.750 44.45 0.187 4.75 2.093 53.16
15 0.156 3.96 2.093 53.16 0.187 4.75 2.468 62.69 15 0.218 5.54 2.093 53.16 0.218 5.54 2.468 62.69
30 0.187 4.75 2.625 66.68 0.218 5.54 2.687 68.25 30 0.250 6.35 2.625 66.68 0.250 6.35 2.687 68.25
NOTE The fittings shown in this figure are for use with weatherproof accessories complying with BS 196:1930 (see clauses 18 and 23).
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BS 196:1961
31

BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Approximate dimensions in feet (metres in parentheses).

Figure 15 — Mechanical strength test for plugs and connectors
32 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
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Figure 16 — Test apparatus for applying impulsive axial pull on the fuse pin
© BSI 01-2000
33
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 17 — Test apparatus for checking withdrawal force of the plug
34 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current
rating of a b b1 c e f n p q
plug dia. dia. dia. dia.
amps in in in in in in in in in
5 1.401 0.206 0.21 0.678 0.625 0.350 0.36 0.312 0.306

15 1.651 0.284 0.29 0.865 0.750 0.413 0.42 0.375 0.338
30 2.151 0.318 0.33 1.178 0.875 0.538 0.67 0.437 0.400
Tolerance + 0 + 0.000 5 + 0.01 +0 + 0.001 + 0.000 6 + 0 + 0.000 5 + 0
– 0.000 3 – 0.000 3 – 0 – 0.002 – 0.001 – 0 – 0.02 – 0.000 5 – 0.001
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 35.585 4 5.232 4 5.33 17.221 15.875 8.890 0 9.14 7.937 7.772

15 41.935 4 7.213 6 7.37 21.971 19.050 10.490 2 10.67 9.525 8.585
30 54.635 4 8.077 2 8.38 29.921 22.225 13.665 2 17.02 11.112 10.160
Tolerance + 0 + 0.012 7 + 0.25 +0 + 0.025 + 0.015 2 + 0 + 0.012 7 + 0
– 0.007 6 + 0.007 6 – 0 – 0.051 – 0.025 – 0 – 0.51 – 0.012 7 – 0.025
Figure 18 — GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet shown in Figure 2
© BSI 01-2000
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
35
36
BS 196:1961
Figure 19 — GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet with pilot contact shown in Figure 4
© BSI 01-2000
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

© BSI 01-2000
Current a b b1 c e f g h j n p
rating of
plug dia. dia. dia. dia.
amps in in in in in in in in in in in
5 1.651 0.206 0.21 0.678 0.625 0.188 0.500 0.099 0.206 0.36 0.312
15 1.870 0.284 0.29 0.865 0.750 0.125 0.531 0.130 0.206 0.42 0.375
30 2.251 0.318 0.33 1.178 0.938 0.313 0.641 0.208 0.286 0.67 0.469
Tolerance +0 + 0.000 5 + 0.01 +0 + 0.001 + 0.000 5 +0 + 0.001 + 0.000 5 +0 + 0.000 5
– 0.000 3 + 0.000 3 –0 – 0.002 – 0.001 – 0.000 5 – 0.000 3 –0 + 0.000 3 – 0.02 – 0.000 5
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 41.935 4 5.232 4 5.33 17.221 15.875 4.775 12.700 0 2.515 5.232 4 9.14 7.937
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15 47.498 0 7.213 6 7.37 21.971 19.050 3.175 13.487 4 3.302 5.232 4 10.67 9.525
30 57.429 4 8.077 2 8.38 29.921 23.825 7.950 16.281 4 5.283 7.264 4 17.02 11.912
Tolerance +0 + 0.012 7 + 0.25 +0 + 0.025 + 0.013 +0 + 0.025 + 0.012 7 +0 + 0.012 7
– 0.007 6 + 0.007 6 –0 – 0.051 – 0.025 – 0.013 – 0.007 6 –0 + 0.007 6 – 0.51 – 0.012 7
Figure 19 — GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet with pilot contact shown in Figure 4
BS 196:1961
37

BS 196:1961
Current rating of a n p q
plug dia. dia.
amps in in in in
5 1.406 1.00 0.50 0.25

15 1.656 1.25 0.50 0.25
30 2.156 1.75 0.50 0.25
Tolerance + 0.000 4 + 0.01 + 0.02 + 0.02
–0 – 0.01 – 0.02 – 0.02
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm
5 35.712 4 25.40 12.70 6.35

15 42.062 4 31.75 12.70 6.35
30 54.762 4 44.45 12.70 6.35
Tolerance + 0.010 2 + 0.25 + 0.51 + 0.51
–0 – 0.25 – 0.51 – 0.51
Figure 20 — NOT GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet shown in Figure 2

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38 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current rating of a n p q
plug dia. dia.
amps in in in in
5 1.656 1.25 0.50 0.25

15 1.875 1.50 0.50 0.25
30 2.266 1.75 0.50 0.25
Tolerance + 0.000 4 + 0.01 + 0.02 + 0.02
–0 – 0.01 – 0.02 – 0.02
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm
5 42.062 4 31.75 12.70 6.35

15 47.625 0 38.10 12.70 6.35
30 57.556 4 44.45 12.70 6.35
Tolerance + 0.010 2 + 0.25 + 0.51 + 0.51
–0 – 0.25 – 0.51 – 0.51
Figure 21 — NOT GO gauge for plug or appliance inlet with pilot contact shown in Figure 4
© BSI 01-2000 39
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

BS 196:1961
Current b f j k r w x y
rating of
socket dia. dia. dia. dia.
amps in in in in in in in in
5 1.625 0.683 0.355 0.625 0.375 0.199 1.401 0.479

15 1.875 0.870 0.418 0.750 0.500 0.277 1.651 0.542
30 2.468 1.183 0.543 0.875 0.625 0.311 2.151 0.667
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.001 + 0.010 +0 + 0.000 3 + 0.001
– 0.000 3 – 0.000 3 – 0.001 – 0.001 – 0.010 – 0.000 2 –0 –0
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 41.275 0 17.348 2 9.017 15.875 9.52 5.054 6 35.585 4 12.167

15 47.625 0 22.098 0 10.617 19.050 12.70 7.035 8 41.935 4 13.767
30 62.687 2 30.048 2 13.792 22.225 15.88 7.899 4 54.635 4 16.942
Tolerance + 0 +0 +0 + 0.025 + 0.25 +0 + 0.007 6 + 0.025
– 0.007 6 – 0.007 6 – 0.025 – 0.025 – 0.25 – 0.005 1 –0 –0
Figure 22 — GO gauge for socket-outlet or connector shown in Figure 3
© BSI 01-2000
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
40
© BSI 01-2000
Figure 23 — GO gauge socket-outlet or connector with pilot contact shown in Figure 5
BS 196:1961
41

42
BS 196:1961
Current rating a e f g m n q w x y
of socket dia. dia. dia. dia.
amps in in in in in in in in in in
5 0.625 0.500 0.188 0.683 1.875 1.651 0.563 0.199 0.089 0.199
15 0.750 0.531 0.125 0.870 2.250 1.870 0.688 0.277 0.120 0.199
30 0.938 0.641 0.133 1.183 2.531 2.261 0.875 0.311 0.198 0.279
Tolerance + 0.001 + 0.002 + 0.002 +0 +0 + 0.000 3 +0 +0 +0 +0
– 0.001 – 0.002 – 0.002 – 0.000 3 – 0.000 3 –0 – 0.010 – 0.000 2 – 0.000 2 – 0.000 2
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 15.875 12.700 4.775 17.348 2 47.625 0 41.935 4 14.30 5.054 6 2.260 6 5.054 6
15 19.050 13.487 3.175 22.098 0 57.150 0 47.498 0 17.48 7.035 8 3.048 0 5.054 6
30 23.825 16.281 7.950 30.048 2 64.287 4 57.429 4 22.25 7.899 4 5.029 2 7.086 6
Tolerance + 0.025 + 0.051 + 0.051 +0 +0 + 0.007 6 +0 +0 +0 +0
– 0.025 – 0.051 – 0.051 – 0.007 6 – 0.007 6 –0 – 0.25 – 0.005 1 – 0.005 1 – 0.005 1
Figure 23 — GO gauge socket-outlet or connector with pilot contact shown in Figure 5
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000

BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Gauges to Figure 22, Figure 23, Figure 27 and Figure 29 should be manufactured to permit the electrical circuits as shown. These
prove that the earthing continuity between plugs and socket casings and the current-carrying and pilot contacts are made and
broken in the correct sequence as required in Clause 26.
Figure 24 — Test circuits for contacts

© BSI 01-2000 43
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
b
Current rating of pin
dia.
amps in
5 0.199
15 0.277
30 0.311
Tolerance +0
– 0.000 2
Metric equivalents
mm
5 5.054 6
15 7.035 8
30 7.899 4
Tolerance +0
– 0.005 1
Figure 25 — NOT GO gauge for pins shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4
44 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current rating of a b c d
plug dia.
amps in in in degree
5 0.688 0.188 1.495 22.5

15 0.875 0.188 1.745 22.5
30 1.188 0.188 2.245 22.5
Tolerance +0 +0 +0 —
– 0.002 – 0.001 – 0.001 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm degree
5 17.475 4.775 39.973 22.5

15 22.225 4.775 44.323 22.5
30 30.175 4.775 57.023 22.5
– 0.051 – 0.025 – 0.025 —
Figure 26 — GO gauge for plug keyways shown in Figure 8
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
45
BS 196:1961
Current rating of e f g h
socket dia.
amps in in in degree
5 0.683 0.156 1.453 22.5

15 0.870 0.156 1.703 22.5
30 1.183 0.156 2.203 22.5
Tolerance +0 + 0.001 + 0.001 —
– 0.000 3 –0 –0 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm degree
5 17.348 2 3.962 36.906 22.5

15 22.098 0 3.962 43.256 22.5
30 30.048 2 3.962 55.956 22.5
Tolerance +0 + 0.025 + 0.025 —
– 0.007 6 –0 –0 —
Figure 27 — GO gauge for socket keys shown in Figure 8
46
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
Current rating of a b c d
plug dia.
amperes in in in degree
5 0.688 0.188 1.745 22.5

15 0.875 0.188 1.964 22.5
30 1.188 0.188 2.355 22.5
– 0.002 – 0.001 – 0.001 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm degree
5 17.475 4.775 44.323 22.5

15 22.225 4.775 49.886 22.5
30 30.175 4.775 59.817 22.5
– 0.051 – 0.025 – 0.025 —
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 28 — GO gauge for plug keyways (plugs with pilot contacts)
shown in Figure 9
© BSI 01-2000
47
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Current rating of e f g h
socket dia.
amperes in in in degree
5 0.683 0.156 1.703 22.5

15 0.870 0.156 1.914 22.5
30 1.183 0.156 2.297 22.5
Tolerance +0 + 0.001 + 0.001 —
– 0.000 3 –0 –0 —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm degree
5 17.348 3.962 43.256 22.5

15 22.098 3.962 48.616 22.5
30 30.048 3.962 58.344 22.5
Tolerance +0 + 0.025 + 0.025 —
– 0.007 6 –0 –0 —
Figure 29 — GO gauge for socket keys (socket-outlets with pilot contacts)

shown in Figure 9
48 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
The typical gauge illustrated is for the code CES. (see Figure 11).
Current rating
a b c k l
of plug
amps in in in degree degree
5 0.203 1.276 0.156 30 30

15 0.266 1.526 0.156 30 30
30 0.328 2.026 0.156 30 30
Tolerance +0 +0 + 0.002 — —
– 0.002 – 0.001 –0 — —
Metric equivalents
mm mm mm degree degree
5 5.156 32.410 3.962 30 30

15 6.756 38.760 3.962 30 30
30 8.331 51.460 3.962 30 30
Tolerance +0 +0 + 0.051 — —
– 0.051 – 0.025 –0 — —
Figure 30 — GO gauge for plug keys shown in Figure 6 and Figure 10
49
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
The typical gauge illustrated is for the code CES. (see Figure 11).
Current rating
e f g h j
of socket
amps in in in degree degree
5 0.469 1.267 0.188 30 30

--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
15 0.531 1.483 0.188 30 30

30 0.875 1.936 0.188 30 30
Tolerance +0 + 0.001 +0 — —
– 0.003 –0 – 0.001 — —
Metric equivalents
5 11.913 32.182 4.775 30 30

15 13.487 37.668 4.775 30 30
30 22.225 49.174 4.775 30 30
Tolerance +0 + 0.025 +0 — —
– 0.076 –0 – 0.025 — —
Figure 31 — GO gauge for socket keyways shown in Figure 6 and Figure 10
50 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
The typical gauge illustrated is for checking code CES. (see Figure 11).
Current rating
a b c k e
of plug
amperes in in in degree degree
5 0.266 1.526 0.156 30 30

15 0.266 1.745 0.156 30 30
30 0.328 2.136 0.156 30 30
Tolerance +0 +0 + 0.002 — —
– 0.002 – 0.001 –0 — —
Metric equivalents
5 6.76 38.76 3.96 30 30

15 6.76 44.32 3.96 30 30
30 8.35 54.25 3.96 30 30
Tolerance +0 +0 + 0.051 — —
– 0.051 – 0.025 –0 — —
Figure 32 — GO gauge for plug keys (plugs with pilot contacts) shown in
Figure 7 and Figure 10
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
© BSI 01-2000
51
BS 196:1961
The typical gauge illustrated is for checking code CES. (see Figure 11).
Current rating
e f g h j
of socket
amperes in in in degree degree
5 0.531 1.483 0.188 30 30

15 0.594 1.690 0.188 30 30
30 0.906 2.060 0.188 30 30
Tolerance +0 + 0.001 +0 — —
– 0.003 –0 – 0.001 — —
Metric equivalents
5 13.49 37.668 4.78 30 30

15 15.09 42.926 4.78 30 30
30 23.02 52.324 4.78 30 30
Tolerance +0 + 0.025 +0 — —
– 0.076 –0 – 0.025 — —
Figure 33 — GO gauge for socket keyways (socket-outlets with pilot contacts)

shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
52 © BSI 01-2000
BS 196:1961
--`,```,,,`,``,,,```,```,`,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
This gauge should be used in conjunction with a bell testing set. Scraping earthing contacts — correct to limits — should complete
the electrical circuit between the metal inserts.
Current rating of a h
socket dia.
amps in in
5 1.416 0.375
15 1.666 0.375
30 2.166 0.375
Tolerance +0 + 0.010
– 0.000 2 – 0.010
Metric equivalents
mm mm
5 35.966 4 9.52
15 42.316 4 9.52
30 55.016 4 9.52
Tolerance +0 + 0.25
– 0.005 1 – 0.25
Figure 34 — GO gauge for earth contacts on socket-outlet or connector

shown in Figure 3

© BSI 01-2000 53
BS 196:1961
This gauge should be used in conjunction with a bell testing set. Scraping earthing contacts — correct to limits — should complete
the electrical circuit between the metal inserts.
Current rating of o s
socket dia.
amps in in
5 1.666 0.375
15 1.886 0.375
30 2.275 0.375
Tolerance +0 + 0.01
– 0.000 2 – 0.01
Metric equivalents
mm mm
5 42.316 4 9.52
15 47.904 4 9.52
30 57.785 0 9.52
Tolerance +0 + 0.25
– 0.005 1 – 0.25
Figure 35 — GO gauge for earth contacts on socket-outlet or connector with pilot contact
shown in Figure 5
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54 © BSI 01-2000
blank
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BS 196:1961
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BRITISH STANDARD BS 196:1961

Copyright British Standards Institution

The Electrical Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this

First published February 1930 Amendments issued since publication

Copyright British Standards Institution

Figure 28 — GO gauge for plug keyways (plugs with pilot contacts)

This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:

Section 1. General d) Appliance inlet, a device fixed to an appliance

r) Sampling test, a test of each of a relatively 6 Rated voltage

Section 2. Requirements 7 Rated current

Provision shall be made at the point of entry to 13 Enclosure of terminals and

Provision shall be made for plugs, when required, to amperes amperes

20 Socket outlets and connector 23 Screwed rings for weatherproof

Table 2A After this treatment, the samples shall show no

31 Test for resistance to heat amperes lbf newtons

Plugs and sockets shall be tested for resistance to 5 60 267

5 0.28 7.11 0.35 8.89

Appendix A Plug and socket key and keyway positions for

6 50 None 105° 285° None VH

For use with single-pole fused plugs 15° Yes B

Appendix C Information to be given with enquiry or order

Copyright British Standards Institution

5 1.406 0.201 0.688 0.688 0.625 0.281 0.328 0.375 1/

Figure 2 — Plug or appliance inlet (without pilot contact)

Figure 3 — Socket-outlet or connector (without pilot contact)

Copyright British Standards Institution

–0 — — — — – 0.005 – 0.010 — – 0.020 — — — — – 0.020 — —

Copyright British Standards Institution

Figure 4 — Plug or appliance inlet (with pilot contact)

Copyright British Standards Institution

Current A B dia. C D Ea Fa Ga H J K M O dia.

Copyright British Standards Institution

Figure 5 — Socket-outlet or connector (with pilot contact)

Copyright British Standards Institution

Copyright British Standards Institution

Plug dimensions Socket-outlet dimensions

Current Minimum Current

5 0.203 1.281 0.156 100 5 0.531 1.262 0.188

5 5.16 32.54 3.96 45.4 5 13.49 32.05 4.78

Figure 6 — Plug keys and socket keyways

Plug dimensions Socket-outlet dimensions

Current Minimum Current

Figure 7 — Plug keys and socket keyways (with pilot contact)

Plug dimensions Socket-outlet dimensions

Figure 8 — Socket keys and plug keyways

Plug dimensions Socket-outlet dimensions

Current Current Minimum

Figure 9 — Socket keys and plug keyways (with pilot contacts)

Copyright British Standards Institution

View looking at the front face of the socket-outlet or connector.

5 0.201 0.188 0.688 0.738 0.954 0.266 4BA 0.028

5 5.11 4.78 17.48 18.75 24.23 6.76 4BA 0.71

Figure 12 — Fuse pin dimensions

Socket-outlet or connector dimensions Plug or appliance inlet dimensions

5 0.25 6.35 1.875 47.63 5 0.406 10.31 1.875 47.63

Figure 13 — Screwed ring fittings for weatherproof models

Figure 14 — Screwed ring fittings for weatherproof models

Copyright British Standards Institution

Plug or appliance inlet dimensions Socket-outlet or connector dimensions

2 pole 2 pole and pilot 2 pole 2 pole and pilot

Copyright British Standards Institution

Approximate dimensions in feet (metres in parentheses).

5 1.401 0.206 0.21 0.678 0.625 0.350 0.36 0.312 0.306