230/240 Plug Top Fuse-Links to IEC 60269-3/BS 88-3 and BS 1362 – Type PL

230/240V Plug Top Fuse-Links to IEC 60269-3 / BS 88-3 & BS 1362 – Type PL

Product Introduction

The Lawson Type PL is a precision-engineered Plug Top Fuse designed primarily for use in UK domestic plugs conforming to BS 1363. Whether you need a 13A Plug Fuse for high-power appliances or a lower-rated Plug Fuse for sensitive electronic equipment, the Type PL range delivers reliable overcurrent and short-circuit protection for connected devices in the home and workplace.

As a certified BS1362 Fuse, the Type PL meets the requirements of IEC 60269-3, BS 88-3, and BS 1362, and can also be installed in appropriate single-phase installations with fault levels up to 6kA. Available in a range of current ratings from 1A to 13A, with colour-coded identification for quick and safe selection, the Lawson Type PL Plug Fuse is the dependable choice for electricians, installers, and facilities managers across the UK.

Key Features

• BS 1362 certified — the standard for UK plug top fuses used in BS 1363 domestic plugs
• IEC 60269-3 / BS 88-3 compliant — meets international and British standards for low-voltage fuse-links
• 13A Plug Fuse available — suitable for most general-purpose domestic appliances
• Current range: 1A to 13A — covers a wide range of domestic and single-phase applications
• Colour-coded — 3A in Red, 13A in Brown; all other ratings in Black for fast visual identification
• Compact dimensions: 25.4mm (L) x 6.3mm (D) — standard size for all BS 1363 UK plugs
• Breaking capacity up to 6kA — suitable for fault levels typical of domestic installations
• Flexible application — suitable for UK domestic plugs and single-phase installations

Applications

The Lawson Type PL BS1362 Fuse and Plug Top Fuse range is used in:

• UK domestic plugs to BS 1363 — the standard 3-pin plug used throughout the UK
• Household appliances — washing machines, kettles, televisions, computers, and more
• Extension leads and adaptor plugs
• Single-phase light commercial installations with fault levels up to 6kA
• Replacement plug fusing in existing domestic and office installations

Choosing the Right Plug Fuse Rating

Selecting the correct Plug Fuse rating is essential for protecting both the flexible cable connected to your appliance and the appliance itself. As a general guide:

• Use a 3A BS1362 Fuse for appliances up to 700W — such as lamps, radios, phone chargers, and shavers
• Use a 13A Plug Fuse for appliances above 700W — such as kettles, toasters, irons, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners

Always refer to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for the correct fuse rating.

Why Choose Lawson Type PL?

Lawson Fuses has manufactured high-quality fuse-links in the UK since 1938. The Type PL Plug Top Fuse is ASTA Certified under the ASTA 20 Authorisation Scheme and is produced within an ISO 9001 accredited quality management system. With test facilities independently accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, every Lawson 13A Plug Fuse and BS1362 Fuse is manufactured to exacting standards you can trust.

Q1. What is a BS1362 Fuse?

A BS1362 Fuse is a small cartridge fuse-link designed specifically for use inside UK 3-pin plugs conforming to BS 1363. It protects the flexible cable of a connected appliance from overload and short-circuit currents. The Lawson Type PL is a certified BS1362 Fuse available in a range of ratings from 1A to 13A.

Q2. What is a 13A Plug Fuse used for?

A 13A Plug Fuse is the most commonly used plug fuse in UK households. It is designed for high-power appliances rated above 700W — such as kettles, toasters, irons, tumble dryers, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. The brown colour coding of the 13A Plug Fuse makes it easy to identify at a glance.

Q3. What is the difference between a 3A and a 13A Plug Fuse?

The rating indicates the maximum current the fuse can carry before it operates to protect the circuit. A 3A Plug Fuse is used for low-power appliances (up to approximately 700W), such as lamps, phone chargers, and radios. A 13A Plug Fuse is for higher-power appliances above 700W. Using the wrong rating — particularly a rating that is too high — can leave the appliance cable unprotected in the event of a fault.

Q4. What size is a standard UK Plug Top Fuse?

The standard UK Plug Top Fuse is 25.4mm (1 inch) long and 6.3mm (¼ inch) in diameter. All Lawson Type PL fuse-links are manufactured to these dimensions, ensuring they fit correctly in any BS 1363 compliant 3-pin plug.

Q5. What do the colour codes on a BS1362 Fuse mean?

BS 1362 specifies colour coding to help users identify the current rating of a Plug Fuse quickly and safely. In the Lawson Type PL range, the 3A fuse is coded Red and the 13A fuse is coded Brown. All other ratings (1A, 2A, 5A, 7A, 10A) are coded Black.

Q6. Can I use a Plug Top Fuse in a single-phase installation?

Yes. While the primary application is UK domestic plugs to BS 1363, the Lawson Type PL Plug Top Fuse can also be installed in appropriate single-phase installations where fault levels do not exceed 6kA, in line with IEC 60269-3 / BS 88-3 requirements.

Q7. Is the Lawson Type PL Plug Fuse ASTA certified?

Yes. The Lawson Type PL BS1362 Fuse is ASTA Certified and complies with the ASTA 20 Authorisation Scheme for low-voltage fuse-links. Manufacturing operations are accredited to ISO 9001 and test facilities are independently accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.

Q8. How do I know if my plug fuse has blown?

A blown Plug Fuse will typically cause the connected appliance to stop working completely while other appliances on the same circuit continue to function normally. To cheque, remove the fuse from the plug and inspect it visually — a blown fuse may show discolouration or a broken element. You can also test continuity with a multimeter. Always replace a blown Plug Fuse with one of the same current rating.

Q9. Where can I buy the Lawson Type PL 13A Plug Fuse?

The Lawson Type PL Plug Top Fuse range is available through Lawson Fuses’ authorised sales partners and electrical wholesalers across the UK. Contact the Lawson Fuses sales team directly for trade pricing and availability.