Plug Museums (and Why They’re Useful for PAT Testing)

museum of plugs and sockets

Visual inspection is where many PAT test failures are found, and one of the easiest ways to improve your inspection skills is to become familiar with a wide range of plug and socket types, including older and uncommon designs.

Below are two “plug museum” style reference sites that are genuinely useful when you come across something unfamiliar during PAT testing (for example non-standard 13A plugs, older industrial connectors, or unusual adaptors).


Reference sites

Digital Museum of Plugs and Sockets – an extensive collection of plugs, sockets and related devices from around the world: plugsocketmuseum.nl

Museum of Old Electrical Items (Flameport) – a detailed UK-focused resource with lots of historical plug/socket information and photos: flameport.com/electric_museum

Quick checklist: what to look for when you find an “odd” plug

  • Signs of heat damage (discolouration, melting, cracking, loose pins)
  • Correct fuse type/rating and any signs of overheating around the fuse carrier
  • Cable entry and cord grip (secure, no inner cores visible, no tugging on terminals)
  • Markings and quality (missing ratings, poor moulding, suspicious branding can indicate substandard/counterfeit plugs)
  • Non-standard pins/connectors, double-check you’re not looking at a special-purpose or restricted plug

If you’re unsure what fuse should be fitted, see our guide to plug fuse ratings.

A common example you’ll still find in the field is an older BS 1363 plug with non-sleeved live and neutral pins. These aren’t automatically a fail, but they do need a careful inspection and, in some situations (hire, resale, rented accommodation), replacement is required. See: Non-Sleeved Plugs and what to do if you find one.

If you’d like practical training on inspection and test selection (including dealing with uncommon plugs and adaptors), see our PAT testing courses.