united-kingdom
Clarify this legislation - electrical plugs
<p>I've just bought a portable welder in the UK from a large reputable online seller.</p>

<p>The product came with no plug attached, just three bare wires. It says no one on the product description that there would not be a plug.</p>

<p>I've tried to look into it and I believe it is illegal to sell a product without a plug.</p>

<p>I think this is the legislation: <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/1768/contents/made" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a></p>

<p>Can someone just confirm or correct me here please?</p>

<p>I am in the UK and it was purchased from a UK website and UK seller. It was purchased brand new.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>... this Part applies to the following devices namely any plug, socket or adaptor ordinarily intended for domestic use ...</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Welders are not “ordinarily intended for domestic use”.</p>

<p>First up check the maximum input amperage on the welder - as others have noted welders can draw significant amounts of power and if it's rated to draw more than 13A then it's excluded from the requirements  to come with a plug under <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/1768/regulation/11/made" rel="nofollow noreferrer">regulation 11</a> of  <em>The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994</em> which, when discussing the applicable appliances states:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(b)  is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Even if this particular device falls below the 13A maximum input figure as Dale M's answer states welders would likely be excluded under point (d) of the same regulation:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(d) is ordinarily intended for domestic use.</p>
</blockquote>
