I have purchased an electric smoker BBQ rated at 2800W made by a household name brand which is intended to be used outdoors.  It is fitted with a 1.5m lead incorporating a 10mA RCD which is included within an enlarged plug body.  The instructions and the label on the lead state that it must only be plugged into a socket or extension lead suitable for outdoor use.   The problem I have is that the elongated plug on the appliance will not fit into any type of outdoor socket I can find.  These sockets are usually made so that the lid can be closed over an installed plug the design of which means the socket is slightly recessed within the body, leaving a raised edge.  This stops the pins of the elongated RCD plug from being able reach the socket, even with the lid open.

I have found a work-around by using an adaptor plug as a spacer between the outdoor socket and the RCD plug. Not ideal, but if anyone has any better suggestion I'd like to hear it.  All my property is RCD protected so I could cut the RCD plug off and fit a standard plug but then the warranty could be compromised.   

I have written to the manufacturer but haven't had any response yet.

How have we ended up with so many different sized plug bodies?  Some prevent the second socket being used in a double outlet, some prevent the on/off switch being used and as in this case won't fit in an outdoor socket.

Are there any regs regarding the compatibility of all BS1363 sockets and plugs, if not should there be?