A group of local manufacturers want the government to postpone and review the implementation of the new standard for plugs, extension cords and sockets which will bein effect from January 1, 2019.
This new standard for Sri Lanka is expected to be implemented to ensure the safety of electricity consumers in the country, the Public Utility Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said at a press conference held in Colombo last week.
A spokesperson for the manufacturers of pugs, sockets and extension cords warned that the looming ban on manufacturing and selling 5A and 15A plugs and sockets would risk the closure of business of the existing manufactures that employ around 2,000 people.
“We are responsible for catering to 75 percent of the local demand for extension cords in Sri Lanka and the national standard would have a negative impact on our business activities. Therefore, we urged the authorities to look in to this matter favourably and provide us with a suitable solution,” he said.
In 2016, Sri Lanka adopted the Type G plugs and socket outlets, 13 A plug and socket outlets or square pin plugs and sockets as the only national standard to ensure the safety of electricity consumers.
One of the objectives of the standardization was variety reduction and to align with international standards.
The manufacturers, importers and retailers were given a transition period up to two years to adapt to the new standards.
According to PUCSL , the primary cause for the escalating number of deaths by electrocution is the widespread use of substandard plugs, sockets electrical equipment, adaptors and extension cords.
There had been 156, 152 and 180 deaths due to electrocution in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Out of these deaths, fifty-seven percent of accidents were due to lack of knowledge on safety measures. One of the other key issues is unskilled electricians handling the wiring jobs.
The PUCSL plans to launch a hand book in Sinhala for the electricians providing them with guidelines to ensure proper maintenance of safety standards.