The standards for the plugs and sockets themselves should help quite nicely.

Industrial socket-outlets (BS EN IEC 60309 series, was BS 4343) are at least IP44 (splash-proof), but are also available in IP67 (waterproof) and IP66/IP67 (jet-proof/waterproof) combinations.

BS 1363 have no protection against the ingress of water in the product standard. Socket-outlets to BS 1363-2 are IP20 (unless otherwise declared by the manufacturer). More importantly, ingress protection is not mentioned at all in BS 1363-1 ... so, if, as mapj1  says, someone with wet hands pulls the plug, there is no protection.

In a place of work, therefore, a simple risk assessment would move towards the use of BS EN IEC 60309 series plugs and socket-outlets in an area where it might be subject to people using the plugs an socket-outlets in wet conditions.

Incidentally, I have replaced the BS 1363-1 plug on my own jet washer with a BS EN IEC 60309 series plug, and use it with an appropriate extension lead with a BS EN IEC 60309 series free outlet.

Cable might also be a consideration. If cables spend nearly every day submerged in puddles, then PVC flex (H05VV-F) is not advisable - H07RN-F would be a better choice and is normally fitted to commercial "wet area" equipment for that reason.

Just a reminder, though, that BS EN IEC 60309-2 socket-outlets should not normally be installed in domestic (household) premises, see Regulation 533.1.201.

Just a reminder, though, that BS EN IEC 60309-2 socket-outlets should not normally be installed in domestic (household) premises, see Regulation 533.1.201.

though plenty of 'home workshop' situations do use them for 'almost fixed' wiring like bandsaws, lathes, welders and the like, and regs aside, like the one on Grahams pressure washer, there are certainly cases where they are really a far more appropriate choice.(shuttered or not ;-) )

I've got to say that as I have a few on a 20A radial at home.

Mike.

gkenyon said:

see Regulation 533.1.201

A slight typo, Graham - Reg 553.1.201.

You can debate whether 3 kW+ machines are for, "household and similar use".

Paulo803 said:

an outdoor industrial setting

Conversely, if BS1363 sockets are primarily for household and similar premises, including shops, offices, etc. they are probably not ideal for industrial premises. In fact, Clause 1 of BS 1363-2:2023 says, "This part of BS 1363 specifies requirements for ... socket-outlets for household, commercial and light industrial purposes ... (my emphasis).

mapj1 said:

like the one on Grahams pressure washer,

And the 16 A outlet in the workshop part of my garage, for the welder (because I don't want to damage a BS 1363 plug and socket-outlet with it) ... but also very handy for connecting a camp-site mains lead set when the Gazebo is up in summer !

The gazebo wouldn't have lasted long over the past couple of days, though ... we've had a rather bad case of wind !