Class 1 Appliances
In Class I appliances, the user is protected by basic insulation and an earth connection. This provides two levels of protection between the user and the electrical current. If any of the following apply, it is a Class I appliance:
- If the plug has a fuse,
- If it is made of metal,
- If it has a three core cable,
- If the plug has a metal Earth pin.
Class II Appliances
In Class II appliances, two layers of insulation protect the user, therefore Class II appliances are known as Double Insulated. These appliances do not require a separate earth connection. The following apply to Class II appliances:
- The case is plastic,
- There is a double box symbol on the rating plate.