New regulations for import of plugs and sockets

By Ashwin Hemmathagama - 

Our Lobby Correspondent

The Government as part of its efforts to reduce fatalities due to electrocution last week moved new regulations under the Import and Export Control Act to standardise power plugs and sockets within two years.  

The new regulations which came before the House for approval will force the nation to convert into type G plugs and sockets as well as to give up inferior quality adapters, 5A plug tops and bases as well as extension cords within two years.

Explaining the decision, which may well end up transforming the entire electrical system in Sri Lanka, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said: “According to the Electrical Incidents Safety Report of Western Australia 2012/13, the fatal injury frequency, which is the probability of occurrence of death by accidental electrocution, is 0.8 out of a population of 1 million persons per year. The death by accidental electrocution in Sri Lanka was 180 in 2012. This is 11 times more compared to the international index. So, to curtail the situation, the Public Utilities Commission was implementing various programs. As a result, the death by accidental electrocution in Sri Lanka came down by 77%. But still it is not at an adequate level.”

The Cabinet approved a paper in July this year authorising implementing a single standard for plugs and socket outlets. The Ministry of Finance has directed the Department of Import and Export Control to support this move, having identified numerous types of sockets and plugs as well as substandard products including adapters, multi plugs, and extensions are the prime cause for electrocution and fires. 

 “Based on the recommendations of the PUCL, the Cabinet has also decided to allow adopting the rectangular sockets and plugs. The timeline approved to adopt type G, widely known as the 13A plug, is one year from 16 August 2017. Import of substandard products and manufacturing other than type G will not be permitted after this date. Sale of items other than type G will not be allowed after 16 August 2018. But the existing wiring and sockets will be allowed to remain in use until the completion of its useful lifetime. During this period, the 5A plugs should be converted to 13A standards. However, shaver sockets, universal sockets, and travel adapters will be allowed to remain in use at hotels and for sale. But will be subject to an import license scheme,” added the Minister.