SABS updates plug standard with new safety symbol for adaptors

[Jamie McKane]

SABS updates plug standard with new safety symbol for adaptors

The South African Bureau of Standards has updated the general requirements for plug and socket systems, which will result in changes to electrical socket outlets and adaptors.

A recent update to SANS 164-0 has introduced several changes to South Africa's electrical plug and socket standards.

 

[chrisc]

Yes, all very well

Plus, all electrical equipment sold has to adhere to SABS standards. Visit many Chinese and el-cheapo shops and you are shown imported plugs and sockets where the metal component is as thin as cigarette paper and the adaptors break when you plug something in

A cafe near me had a fire when a sub-standard 5-way plug caught fire. There was a "reset" button on it, not connected to anything

There is no recourse and the SABS do not police anything - not their job they say

 

[RonSwanson]

Someone needed a tender to supply stickers.

 

[LaraC]

It would be awesome if they can decide on a standard and stick to it. Constant changing suggest that these advisory committees are very shortsighted in their approach and guidance.

 

[system32]

FTFY

 

[RonSwanson]

It would be awesome if they can decide on a standard and stick to it. Constant changing suggest that these advisory committees are very shortsighted in their approach and guidance.

Yes, an old ANC trick, reminiscent of the DVBT / DVBT2 / ISDB-T standards debacle that the communications ministry have inflicted on South African citizens, still bearing fruit today.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Yes, all very well

Plus, all electrical equipment sold has to adhere to SABS standards. Visit many Chinese and el-cheapo shops and you are shown imported plugs and sockets where the metal component is as thin as cigarette paper and the adaptors break when you plug something in

A cafe near me had a fire when a sub-standard 5-way plug caught fire. There was a "reset" button on it, not connected to anything

There is no recourse and the SABS do not police anything - not their job they say

Came here to say this. Omit SABS logo and all will be forgiven.
I have a 20M extension that came from Builders Warehouse. I swear there's no SABS logo on it anywhere.

 

[Willie Trombone]

It would be awesome if they can decide on a standard and stick to it. Constant changing suggest that these advisory committees are very shortsighted in their approach and guidance.

How often are things really changed?

 

[r00igev@@r]

Someone needed a tender to supply stickers.

The Saxonwold Shebeen has this one wrapped up...

 

[genetic]

It would be awesome if they can decide on a standard and stick to it. Constant changing suggest that these advisory committees are very shortsighted in their approach and guidance.

The standard hasn't changed.

 

[John Tempus]

How many millions were wasted on this entirely pointless update to some random standard that no one asked for ?

Our government seem to find any and all reasons to waste money on the pointless while there is real issues requiring real solutions.

 

[nicroets]

The biggest waste of money is requiring a COC *before* transfer of a property. In most cases, the new owner will do a bunch of electrical changed before moving in, leading to double work.

 

[Geoff.D]

T

It would be awesome if they can decide on a standard and stick to it. Constant changing suggest that these advisory committees are very shortsighted in their approach and guidance.

The standard has not changed. The details have just been updated to keep track of new developments.
The need for a switch on USB sockets, and the need for ALL sockets to have a switch is a welcome update. The move to accommodate the diamond shape to eliminate adaptors is also a very good development.

NOW, we need the DTI to ENFORCE the standards on ALL imported junk especially the rubbish coming from China. It is NOT the SABS's job to do that but it IS DTI's job!

AND it is every single user in the country's job to STOP buying products not approved for use in SA.

BUT to do that, the SABS MUST make the standards available to the public so that we all can use the standards documents (or a simplified version of the standard) to be able to evaluate the crap available in the shops.

THAT is where the problem lies.

 

[Aharon]

What is that picture supposed to be?

 

[wingnut771]

What is that picture supposed to be?

adaptor pluged into an adaptor. agree, battled to see it first, they should make the red lines thinner.

 

[Aharon]

Let me work on my imagination. Be right back

 

[wingnut771]

Let me work on my imagination. Be right back

 

[LaraC]

The standard has not changed. The details have just been updated to keep track of new developments.
/Snip

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/tech...ndard-is-mandatory-for-new-installations.html
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/303800-new-plug-and-socket-standard-for-south-africa.html
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ener...ard-usb-power-sockets-must-have-switches.html

I doubt that adding a sticker to a plug will change peoples behaviour.

 

[Rickster]

What i can't stand is when you cant fit a 2 pin phone charger next to a 3 pin plug in some multi plugs.

Why they make them like this, I don't know but it sure is annoying and a stupid design.

Also the damn cheap crap plastic they use is horrible. I have some old Snapper plugs that are really quality. Not sure if they make them any more.

Shiny plastic = junk, matt white plastic is usually decent quality.

 

[Wasabee!]

Now the police can capture all current stock and sell it to ChinaTown.

#bonus #KFC4lunchBaba