Written by If you are looking for XLR wiring diagrams Click Here. Below are a range of XLR adapters for purchase.
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How to change a fuse
Changing the fuse in a 13 amp plug is a very easy task. But remember:
Never attempt to do this with the plug inserted in a wall socket or plugboard – UNPLUG IT FIRST.
Replacing a fuse
Firstly, it is important to replace the fuse with the correct rating fuse, Don’t assume the one that is in the plug already is the correct rating, see this article on choosing the correct fuse.
First, remove the top of the plug by undoing the centre screw on the bottom of the plug. You will see the fuse (a small ceramic device with metal caps on each end) inserted next to the live pin of the plug. Using a flat screwdriver, lever the fuse out from the sprung clips that hold it in place. Now insert the correct replacement fuse into the clips. Replace the top of the plug (making sure non of the cables are trapped between the lid and the base of the plag) and tighten the fixing screw to hold the top on.Moulded plugs
Modern appliances often come with a moulded plug fitted. It is not possible to dismantle this kind of plug. You will see a rectangle shaped insert on the underside of the plug, using the two small slots on each side prize out the fuse with a flat head screw driver. Remove the fuse from its carrier, place in a new fuse of the correct rating and push the fuse carrier back into the empty slot.
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XLR or Cannon connectors
XLR audio connectors (also known as cannons or mocrophone plugs) can be wired in two different ways depending on your system:
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Trailer plug wiring
If you are looking trailer/caravan or towbar wiring it is important not to get the two following connector types mixed up. Hopefully this will clarify:
Type 12N Plug
Trailers must be equipped with sidelights, brake lights and indicators. This is done via a type 12N plug which is the most common connection found fitted to the rear of vehicles.
See trailer plug wiring for more details
Type 12S Plug
The type 12S connector on a towing vehicle is for supplying the supplementary power required by the caravan/trailer reversing lights. On a caravan it is also used for interior lights, battery charger and fridge.
Double insulated appliances (No earth wire)
why do double insulated appliances not need an earth wire?
class 2 appliances are commonly known as double-insulated equipment, the live parts are encapsulated in basic and supplementary insulation (double), or one layer of reinforced insulation
An electrical appliance which is double insulated (which should be marked with the symbol to the left) does not have an earth wire fitted. The appliance is designed in such a way that the electrical parts can never come into contact with the outer casing of the device. Common double insulated appliances are hair dryers, radios, modern garden tools and cassette players.
A wet double insulated appliance is exceptionally dangerous – water is a good conductor of electricity and will easily reach the live electrical components within the case. Any human user touching the casing will then receive an electric shock.
For this reason, do not operate a mains radio, hairdryer or double insulated appliance in any wet area – especially a bathroom
If you need to wire a new plug to such an appliance just follow the instructions for “how to wire a plug” and just ignore the section about connecting the Earth wire.
UK 13A Plugs (BS1363 Plug) Old Colour Wiring
If your plug hase the new cable colours Click Here
Some old appliances may have the old Black, Red and Green cable colours in the flex. As these colours have not been used since 1971 the flex is likely to be very old and you should consider replacing the flex (especially if it is a rubber type flex).These old cable colours should be connected thus:
The Black wire connects to the terminal marked N or Neutral.
The Red wire connects to the terminal marked L or Live.
The Green wire connects to the terminal marked E or Earth.
Older appliances are likely to be Class I (with an earth wire), however if they are Class II (or double insulated), there is no connection to the Earth terminal.
Caravan type 12S Plug wiring
We have now updated the wiring diagrams for the type 12S plug to include the post 1999 variations:
Caravan plug type 12S Wiring Diagram, PRE 1999 (BRITISH STANDARDS)
Caravan plug type 12S Wiring Diagram, POST 1999 (EUROPEAN STANDARDS)
Choosing the correct fuse for an appliance with a BS 1363 type plug
BS 1363 plugs (the common 13amp appliance plug used in the UK) are required to carry a cartridge fuse which must conform to BS 1362.
BS 1362 specifies sand-filled ceramic-bodied cylindrical fuses, 1″ (25.4 mm) in length, with two metallic end caps of 1/4″ (6.3 mm) diameter and roughly 1/5″ long.
For the convenience of users, appliance manufacturers have standardised on two plug fuse ratings so these days most modern appliances come fitted with either a 3 amp or 13 amp fuse:
- For appliances up to 700W a 3A fuse should be used.
- For appliances over 700W a 13A fuse should be used.
However 5 amp fuses are still commonly available and may have been specified for use with older appliances. The safety documentation that came with your appliance will specify which fuse to use but if you don’t have this use the guide below for older appliances:
- For appliances up to 700W a 3A should be used.
- For those between 700W and 1200W a 5A fuse should be used.
- For appliances over 1200W a 13A fuse should be used.
Modern electrical appliances will have a sticker or plate showing the maximum power consumption in WATTS (W).
Click here for How to wire a standard 13 amp appliance plug