How to Wire BS 1363 plugs and sockets

The humble BS 1363, G-type or 13-amp plug is widely used in my part of the world for single-phase power distribution on stages as well as throughout smaller sound reinforcement systems. Widely recognised as the safest and most robust consumer-level A/C connector in the world, the internal fuse on the plug and the shutter system on the socket go a long way towards preventing incorrect connections which could lead to electric shock.

Knowing how to wire this type of plug and socket is an essential skill for live sound engineers operating in the UK and former British colonial countries where this type of connector is in use. In this video I take you step by step through this process using some professional-grade connectors from British company Permaplug.

Ways to get in touch - I love hearing from my viewers!

[snapper]

An excellent video Bruno, many thanks. Having lived all my life in the UK I thought I knew it all - but no. The tip about dealing with the strain relief was especially useful.

[davidclark]

Brilliant video, again! I like your idea of soldering the conductor strands. Also, tighten, wait a minute and re-tighten! I have literally dozens and dozens in my touring rig and I’m going to re-make the lot!

[natkretep]

Hullo, Bruno! In the old days, appliances used to be sold without plugs and everyone was expected to know how to wire plugs. If anything is sold with a two-pin Europlug, I automatically cut it off and put in a fused three-pin.

[prabirsamal]

Hello Bruno sir Nice video And very happy to see you again....

[cjmillsnun]

You should not tin the wires in a screw connection.

The reason being that the solder wicks the strands together. Solder will creep in time up the cable and you will find that the cable can work loose in the terminals. If you want to have a solid insert into the terminal is it better to crimp a ferrule onto the wire ends.

[Tejem]

thanks for sharing with us .. bless you

[naseemalkurdi]

Great as usual, If you please explain in a separate video, how we can deal with the dropping out of sound in Wireless mics (with receiver) specially when we have more than 3 wireless mic connected with the mixer in a play show. Thank you!

[gilberthardy]

If i bought Pa speaker with only speakon connection, how could i connect to my home receiver to this. Any help would be appreciated.

[nigelwylie]

Nice video. You have taught this Brit a thing or 2! But is there a reason you don’t remove the neutral & earth to wire them up? It makes it a lot easier. But you have to reverse the order. Earth first, then neutral, then live last, or you can’t get the neutral back into it’s hole. I’ve found it’s quicker, plus you need one fewer tool (no needle-nose pliers).

[syaz]

PermaPlug is great, but I'll stick to MK lol. Only had 1 fail on me because it had like a Ceramic shell instead of plastic, and I dropped it lol.

[mowettemmanuel]

Hy Boss pls can we have a private chart I want you to help me more on sound mixing