Sri Lanka Implements New Standard for Plugs and Socket Outlets
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced the implementation of a national standard for one type of plug and socket outlet within the country.
According to a press release from the PUCSL, “The Government 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 only national standard in Sri Lanka. However, the transition to the Type G standard plug and socket should not require any premises to be re-wired for the purpose of accommodating the new standards and that the existing wiring may remain until the end of its useful life.”
The IEC World Plugs chart lists Type G as an electrical plug that “has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse (usually a 3 amps fuse for smaller appliances such as a computer and a 13 amps one for heavy duty appliances such as heaters).” Type G plug pattern is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, and a number of other countries.
The PUCSL press release stated that as of August 16, 2016, “wiring of new installations, addition of circuits to existing installations or complete re-wiring of existing installation, should be wired with 2.5mm2 to be compatible for the requirements of Type G 13A socket outlets.”
One of the main reasons for this decision relates to electrical safety. There are a number of different plugs and sockets presently being used in Sri Lanka, making it confusing, as well as unsafe in some instances.
The PUCSL has issued the following time table for the standardization of a single plug and socket outlet in Sri Lanka:
- National Standard for plugs and socket outlets is effective August 16, 2016.
- Manufacturing and importing of nonstandard plugs and socket outlets will be banned from August 16, 2017.
- The sale of such appliances will be banned from August 16, 2018, with any remaining stocks to be sold after being replaced with a square pin plug.
- The grace period for manufacturing, importing, and sale of nonstandard plugs and socket outlets will effect from August 16, 2016, the date of the cabinet approval.
- The Government expects the country will totally transform and use “Type G” plugs and socket outlets by the year 2038.
For more information, see the PUCSL’s Frequently Asked Questions at http://www.pucsl.gov.lk/english/news/sri-lanka-sets-national-standard-for-plugs-and-socket-outlets-for-non-industrial-applications/.
Sources:
Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Press Release
http://www.pucsl.gov.lk/english/news/sri-lanka-sets-national-standard-for-plugs-and-socket-outlets-for-non-industrial-applications-2/.
IEC World Plugs
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
