Sri Lanka sets standard for plugs and socket outlets

Nov 16, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Public Utility Commission said that it has decided to create an enabling environment to systematically move to using one type of plug and socket outlet.





The commission 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.



This standard will coming into play from year 2016, the commission said in its consultation paper on standardizing plugs and sockets which has already received public views.



The power regulator says that different types of plugs and sockets are used in Sri Lanka to make a connection to a wall socket, to which the plug on an appliance does not often fit, electricity users adopt a variety of methods and devices, most of which are unsafe and cause the connection to be unreliable. At the moment a confusing array of plugs and sockets are in use in Sri Lanka requiring different adapters, while the quality of some of the accessories are also in doubt, making them unsafe.









Time Frame The Commission has issued the following time table for the standardisation of a single plug and socket outlet for Sri Lanka:

• Period allowed for Public Consultations: 2nd October to 26th October 2015
• Public hearing: 29th Of October 2015 at BMICH Committee Room D from 9.00 AM to 12.30 PM
• Announcement of the road map for transition: 1st November 2015

According the regulator says it will end manufacturing and import of nonstandard plugs and socket outlets from 1st of May 2016. The sale of such appliances will be banned from May 01, 2017, with any remaining stocks to be sold after being replaced with a square pin plug.