Type G - BS 1363 (UK 13 A)

Three rectangular pins, integrated fuse, mandatory shutter on the socket - the safest mains plug design in the world.

The Type G plug per BS 1363 is the British national mains plug, used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and several former Commonwealth countries. Three rectangular brass pins (line, neutral, earth - the earth is longer to engage first), an integrated cartridge fuse in the plug body (typically 3 A or 13 A) and a mandatory safety shutter in the socket that only opens when the longer earth pin pushes it down. Result: one of the safest plug systems in the world, designed around the British ring-main wiring topology.

Technical Specifications

Standard	BS 1363
Rated current	13 A
Rated voltage	230 / 240 V AC
Pins	3 rectangular brass
Fuse	Integrated cartridge (3 A / 13 A)
Shutter	Mandatory in socket
Wiring topology	Ring main

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a fuse in every UK plug?

British wiring uses a ring main where all sockets share a single 32 A circuit breaker. The fuse in each plug protects the individual cable - it is sized for the device cable rating (3 A for lamps, 13 A for kettles). Without it, a faulty cable could draw the full 32 A.

Why are British plugs so big?

BS 1363 is built around the fuse and the protective shutter mechanism. The size makes it impossible to insert anything but a properly designed plug - a major safety advantage over flatter standards.

Will my Schuko fit a UK socket?

No - completely different geometry. Use a UK travel adapter that includes the integrated fuse on the UK side.

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