The characteristics of a 2 pole British plug insert, commonly known as a UK plug insert, include the following:

1. Design: The plug insert has a distinctive rectangular shape with three rectangular prongs arranged in a triangular formation. The prongs are commonly referred to as live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow) prongs.

2. Voltage and Current Rating: The plug insert is designed for use with standard UK electrical systems, which typically operate at a voltage of 230 volts AC and a frequency of 50 Hz. The plug is capable of handling currents up to a certain rating, usually 13 amps.

3. Construction: The plug insert is typically made from durable and heat-resistant materials, such as thermoplastics or specialized engineering plastics, to ensure safety and longevity.
   

4. Fuse: The plug insert often includes a built-in fuse to protect the connected electrical equipment from excessive currents. The fuse is usually located within the plug body and can be accessed by unscrewing a fuse holder.

5. Prong Configuration: The live and neutral prongs of the plug insert are longer and wider, while the earth prong is slightly shorter and narrower. This configuration ensures proper and safe connection to UK power outlets.

6. Wiring Connection: The plug insert features terminals or screws inside the plug body for connecting the live, neutral, and earth wires of the electrical cable. These terminals are designed to securely hold the wires and allow for easy installation.

7. Safety Features: The plug insert may include additional safety features such as insulation barriers between the prongs, child-resistant shutters on the live and neutral slots, and strain relief to protect the cable from damage.

8. Compatibility: The 2 pole British plug insert is designed for use with British sockets and outlets, which are commonly found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other countries that adopt the British standard.

9. Certification: A quality plug insert will typically have relevant certifications or approvals, such as the British Standard (BS) mark or the CE mark, indicating compliance with safety and performance standards.

10. User-Friendly Design: The plug insert is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy insertion and removal from power outlets. It is often equipped with finger grips or textured surfaces for a secure grip during handling.