I got these just to find out how they had implemented the surge protection in such a small space. It's an odd but also clever design that is based on existing electrical parts.
I'd guess that these would be useful in a situation where there was a risk people might unplug a typical surge protection adapter. If it's on a flex then it's less likely to get removed. But it's also less likely to get changed if it fails over time.
These units came from CPC (part of element 14) in the UK. I'd guess similar devices exist for other styles of plugs too.
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17 thoughts on “British plugs with built-in surge arrestors. with schematic.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Atlas Network says:

    My concern with this design is, is the live going into the surge protector is after the fuse, not before. So if it starts dumping power, is that going to trip the fuse in the plug, preventing the surge protector from doing what it should do? Shouldn't it actually be without a fuse, and without the possibility of wiring to an appliance?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Film Who Wasn't There says:

    I'm still getting to grips with surge protectors but I do wonder, if they all have a limited lifespan, why are they even built in to some extension leads when I'm assuming they're not easy to replace that way? It would make more sense to me to take a normal extension lead and change the plug on it to one of these plugs with a built-in surge protector, and then when that protector fails, you can simply buy a new head, or is there a reason that's a bad idea?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ghjdhghj says:

    I want to know how a complex surge protector with filtration works as opposed to this simple one. Like a Thore surge protector…

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Methanoid says:

    Hi, do these surge protectors stop surges in both directions? I ask as my freezer is on same double socket as my PC and every now and then when the freezer motor kicks in, I get a blank screen and I want to fix that!!!!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Asif Shuja says:

    Can we buy OnLine please?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mustafa Akman says:

    Best of best. Thanks. Thank you so much.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Norton says:

    d = diameter ?????

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dominic says:

    I wish we'd have these electrical plugs in Canada, they seem so much safer and more durable than the flimsy shit we have.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Boomshakalaka says:

    The US has different grade plugs, Hospital, Industrial, etc. does the UK have similar grades?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Richman says:

    Springy…. WE ALL WANT TO SEE IT GO BOING ACROSS THE BENCH! At least 300 little pieces for Clive to squeeze back into a 5mm square box (only joking).

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Hull says:

    Presumably those springy pins are rated over 13amps, since they may have been designed for a lamp fitting I am not so sure..

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnson Lam says:

    The US guys may not be interested, only for Britain and Hong Kong, yes even hand back to China we still use BT standard for electric, phone connector did changed to RJ11 though.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars IN GOD I TRUST CAUCASIANWORTH says:

    Hi.Where can I get that online?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul AJ says:

    i have used one for 20yrs now & never had a problem.. very interested in your video..

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars These Walk Amongst Us!! says:

    You've just given me another project to add to the list! I am busier now that I am retired than ever when I worked for a living!! Top work Big Clive!! hahaha!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fred Flintstone says:

    Are we getting these and the surge protected sockets for when every person is driving an electric car and gets home at 6pm and plugs in the car and makes a cuppa tea and we get a huge surge?? 🙂

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars domino says:

    Something to add to this. Ebay item number 381675299999

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