PUCSL bans substandard plugs and sockets from 2017

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka ( PUCSL) yesterday announced the implementation of a national standard for plug and socket outlets for non-industrial applications towards improved safety, with manufacturing and importing of nonstandard plugs and socket outlets to be banned from next year.

The commission has decided that the Type G plug and socket outlet, or 13 Ampere plug and socket outlet, commonly referred to as the “square pin” plug and socket is to be the only national standard in Sri Lanka. However the transition to the Type G standard plug and socket should not require premises to be re-wired purely for the purpose of accommodating the new standard and existing wiring may remain until the end of its useful life. 

“The grace period for manufacturing, importing and sale of non-standard plugs and socket outlets will take effect from 16 August 2016, the date of the Cabinet approval,” PUCSL said in a statement. The Commission says from 16 August 2016, wiring of new installations, addition of circuits to existing installations or complete re-wiring of existing installation, should be carried out with 2.5 mm2 (7/0.67 mm Cu) to be compatible with the requirements of Type G 13 A socket outlets.

Sri Lanka currently uses different types of plugs and sockets to make a connection to a wall socket, to which the plug on an appliance often does not fit; users adopt a variety of methods and devices, most of which are unsafe and cause the connection to be unreliable. 

Sri Lanka reported about 95 electrocutions in 2015 up from 76 in 2013 and 73 in 2014. Use of various substandard plugs, sockets, electrical accessories, adaptors, and extension cords are some of the main causes for electrocution and fire.

The Standard received Cabinet approval as proposed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to apply G grade as the sole standard for plugs and socket used in Sri Lanka, and to allow the use of plugs and socket outlets which are sold within next two years, to remain to the end of their lifetime.

The Standard, the brain child of the Commission was drafted based on the proposals and comments by experts, industrialists and the public. 

This standard is effective from the date of the Cabinet Decision, the commission said.