SABS updates plug standard with new safety symbol for adaptors

[baharini]

Good move.

It's easy to forget that despite much of SA's insanity, we're lucky to have pretty good electrical standards compared to many other countries. Hell, we're the only country in the world to have incorporated internationally standard IEC 60906-1 plugs and sockets (the new ZA plug) into our electrical standards.

 

[Swa]

Oh ffs, most won't even be able to decipher what that sticker means, or even care.

 

[Swa]

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.

No longer a requirement. Only needed IF the contract stipulates it.

 

[cr@zydude]

Good move.

It's easy to forget that despite much of SA's insanity, we're lucky to have pretty good electrical standards compared to many other countries. Hell, we're the only country in the world to have incorporated internationally standard IEC 60906-1 plugs and sockets (the new ZA plug) into our electrical standards.

While that standard is great, the fact that we're the only ones using it means that few manufacturers use it.

*Brazil's plug looks the same but isn't up to standard.

 

[genetic]

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.

That's the same new standard!

 

[lkswan747]

You may experience "Load Reduction" from Escum if you are caught.

 

[markings]

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.

Annoys me too, especially as it is often just 1 or 2 mm of space that would be needed.

 

[markings]

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.

When I extended the house and insisted that every room should have at least 2 double plugs, i.e. 4 sockets per room people looked at me as if I was crazy.

 

[PotsM]

No longer a requirement. Only needed IF the contract stipulates it.

Where did you see that it is no longer a requirement?

 

[Geoff.D]

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.

Cheap Chinese junk imports. Which Minister Underpants does not prevent.

 

[Geoff.D]

No longer a requirement. Only needed IF the contract stipulates it.

Missed this point. Are you sure about that?

 

[Antnick]

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.

I agree it is annoying sometimes however one must bear something in mind. A good reason why you cannot simultaneously plug miscellaneous two pin devices into a multiway adapter may well be because you can overload it's cheap construction. Hairdryers at 1500 watt and more can be plugged in with a two pin plug and miscellaneous three pin devices. There is a chance of overloading the adapter which will probably melt causing a short circuit. Consider this first. I realize a two pin charger is very low amperage but some devices are NOT. Okay?

 

[wingnut771]

I agree it is annoying sometimes however one must bear something in mind. A good reason why you cannot simultaneously plug miscellaneous two pin devices into a multiway adapter may well be because you can overload it's cheap construction. Hairdryers at 1500 watt and more can be plugged in with a two pin plug and miscellaneous three pin devices. There is a chance of overloading the adapter which will probably melt causing a short circuit. Consider this first. I realize a two pin charger is very low amperage but some devices are NOT. Okay?

they are supposed to have a cutout switch in case of overload, that's what the button is supposed to be connected to.

 

[Antnick]

Just about all the multiway adapters and plugs sold by the supermarkets and hypermarkets have no SABS mark. They haven't for years. Most of them are rubbish. Hollow thin metal pins, cheap and thin plastic. This is especially seen in the two way or three way adapters supposedly 220-250VAC and 15 amp rated. They wouldn't pass a 2KV Hi-pot test if indeed the SABS specify this now. Time these institutions bought good solid plugs a lot of which were made in South Africa. Time they came back and left the Chinese stuff for the Chinese.

 

[Geoff.D]

Yup, I hord those old plugs for exactly that reason. Recover them from all old appliances before dumping the old appliances. The new ones are so bad I won't even take them if you were to ay me to take them.

They might look old fashioned, but they work and have done for 30 or more years precisely because they were made to work.

Virtually all kitchen appliances are 500W or more. You should not plug more than two of those things into any socket.

 

[Speedster]

I agree it is annoying sometimes however one must bear something in mind. A good reason why you cannot simultaneously plug miscellaneous two pin devices into a multiway adapter may well be because you can overload it's cheap construction. Hairdryers at 1500 watt and more can be plugged in with a two pin plug and miscellaneous three pin devices. There is a chance of overloading the adapter which will probably melt causing a short circuit. Consider this first. I realize a two pin charger is very low amperage but some devices are NOT. Okay?

How is this at all valid when I can easily plug 5 devices using 3-prong plugs next to each other, but only 3 devices when it is a combination of 3-prong and 2-prong plugs?

 

[Hoffie Hoffmann]

In my 77 years on earth I have never come across the “ British flat pin” standard. The original British round three pin plug has been the standard all along

 

[Geoff.D]

In my 77 years on earth I have never come across the “ British flat pin” standard. The original British round three pin plug has been the standard all along

No, you need to go and swot up on how our 3 pin round plug standard came into existence.

 

[pinball wizard]

Is that an international symbol?

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

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

If it did, I would be handing out "Fire NDZ" stickers