Square pin plugs to be the standard: PUCSL

13 September 2016 03:47 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

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The use of square pin plugs will in future be the standard for Sri Lanka and as such the import and manufacture of appliances other than G-plugs commonly known as square pin plugs will be banned in future, Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) Chairman Saliya Mathew said today.

The ban on the import and manufacture of round-pin appliances will take effect from August 16 next year while the ban on their sale will be effective from August 16, 2018.

“From August 16, 2016, the wiring of new installations, the addition of circuits to existing installations or complete re-wiring of existing installation, should be carried out with 2.5 mm 2 (7/0.67 mm Cu) and must be compatible with type G-13A socket outlets,” Mr. Mathew said.

The regulations of a national standard for plugs and sockets for non-industrial applications will be implemented with the aim of uplifting the safety of electricity consumers

“The Commission has decided that the Type G-plug and socket outlet, widely known as the 13 Ampere plug and socket outlet, commonly referred to as the “Square Pin” plug and socket is to be the national standard in Sri Lanka,” the PUCSL said.“However, the transition to the type G-standard plug and socket should not require any premises to be re-wired purely for the purpose of accommodating the new standard, and that the existing wiring may remain until the end of its life period.”

The PCUSL said Sri Lanka currently used different types of plugs and sockets to make a connection to a wall socket and often the plug on an appliance does not fit to the base.

"Electricity users adopt a variety of methods and devices, most of which are unsafe and cause the connection to be unreliable," it said. “There has been some 95 electrocutions in 2015 up from 76 in 2013 and 73 in 2014. Use of substandard plugs, sockets, electrical accessories, adaptors and extension cords are one of the main causes for electrocution and fire." (Chaturanga Pradeep)

Video by Amantha

Comments - 9

Kajan Tuesday, 13 September 2016 04:22 PM

It is good job.STOP importing china products too.

34 35

mnsmart Tuesday, 13 September 2016 04:23 PM

and also ban very inferior quality Chinese plugs and multi plugs

8 49

Paramanathan K Tuesday, 13 September 2016 04:38 PM

Better late than never. This action has been a long overdue. Most dangerous is the low quality extension cords which are not made to meet any safety standards. Most of the electrical accidents happen due to employing poor quality multiple sockets. A 13A square pin plug on a 5A Round pin multiple socket could cause grievous risk of fire. Before passing such regulations government should consider implementing safety regulations.

1 46

Josh Tuesday, 13 September 2016 04:57 PM

wait till the pettah vendors start protesting and then u will see this standard thrown out of the window in a day or two!!!

8 31

lananayakkara Tuesday, 13 September 2016 05:27 PM

this is a ridiculous decision. 13A plug type is no difference to the round pin one. These 13A plus are use more copper and that means it is going to be expensive. Instead they should have gone for the Australian standard plug Type 1 plugs are cheaper, gives a good contact and same size used for 5A and 15A appliances.

29 16

DON Tuesday, 13 September 2016 05:50 PM

First of all standardise the multi-plugs and adaptors, locally made and imported. 90% of them dont make proper contact, it is very bad for the electrical items and possible fire hazard.

2 28

Jayasanka Tuesday, 13 September 2016 09:22 PM

How much are you getting paid for promoting high quality Indian products?

17 28

Daya Wednesday, 14 September 2016 04:02 AM

Good or bad as a country should have only one standard. The grace period should apply to already imported goods and for replacement. But any future import ban should be immediate than allow up to 2 years.

2 11

Dee Wednesday, 14 September 2016 06:10 AM

So a 50 ruppee difference for a long term investment such as a plug top is 'expensive' ?

5 8

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