International standard for electric outlets

Friday, 19 August 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet has approved an international standard for electric plugs and socket outlets to increase safety.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka as part of its duties is to take action to protect the public from possible accidents occurred from the generation, transmission, distribution and supply or use of electricity according to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009.

Reported deaths occurred in 2012 due to electrocution was 180 which is a high value compared to international indicators. The commission has implemented various awareness programs and direct interferences to minimise electrocutions by 2020.

Therefore, total deaths have been minimised to 77 in 2015. Use of various substandard plugs, sockets, electrical accessories, adaptors, and extension codes have caused many electrocutions and fires.

Hence, considering the opinion of professionals, public and relevant institutions, the proposal made 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 outlets used in Sri Lanka, and to allow the use of currently used plugs and socket outlets and which are sold within next two years (02) to the end of their lifetime, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.