Why Sri Lanka need standardization for Plugs and Sockets

Plugs in use

There are over 60 types of different plugs used in electrical equipment in Sri Lanka.

The three most common socket types used in Sri Lanka are 15A- Round Socket, 5A round Socket, 13A square socket.

To plug these different plug-tops to un-matching socket outlets people are addicted to unsafe practices as follows.

• Non quality multi sockets (multi plugs)
• Non quality extensions
• Permanently blocking earth hole to keep gates open
• Inserting necked wires in to sockets

Due to these practices the people expose to more electric accidents and property damages due to fire.

New National standard introduced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL)

Under new standards, only equipments with type G (13 A square), plug-tops and Sockets are permitted to import, produce or to sell.
With the standard it’s not necessary for people to use unsafe practices as above.

Existing sockets and plug-tops of equipment at home

You do not have to replace the existing 5A or 15 A round pin sockets. If one day it happens to be replaced  by an existing 5A socket, you should buy a square socket mentioned as “6A Max” on the dolly. (You should not replace it with the 13A socket as wiring facilitates 5A socket)

Plugging, equipment with 5A plug to a 13A square plug or wise versa as multi plugs are banned.

With the new standard, 13A-5A and 5A-13A one to one converters are produced and released to the market.

How the standard effect on Extensions

Extensions must be with 13A sockets only with a fuse. Only such products are permitted to produce, import and sell.
Standard is already in action.

• The import and manufacturing of non-standard items will be banned from 16th August 2017
• Selling of non-standard items will be banned from 16th August 2018

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