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South Africa bans switched sockets to improve safety.

Sparkingchip
New requirements for socket outlets in South Africa


I wonder if they considered stipulating double pole switches on the sockets?


Presumably they prefer sockets that are compatible with European equipment than UK equipment.


 Andy Betteridge
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    I  saw this type of plug and socket when I was in Brazil a couple of years ago. (Fortunately the hotel was able to loan an adaptor for my trusty BS1363 plugs. No adaptor I had brought with  me was any good.) It does have a good safety point in that the socket has a deep recess so there is little risk of touching live, partially-inserted pins. That is about as far as the positive goes. It is not  fused, so if the appliance goes faulty it takes out the  entire sub-circuit.

    In short, it is perfectly possible to enhance safety standards without completely replacing an established standard and all the chaos that that will create. I'm glad I  don't live in South Africa.




    I suspect that an earth leakage device was upfront in that case. 


    South Africa has become just another basket case, there was some sense of order when I left.. this is only one example - Escom can't control the theft of cables from their substations, overhead lines including those on railways, in the townships; live cables are laid anywhere, just the other day, a fatality was reported when a theft was attempted from an MV transformer. A "Soweto washing machine"  is a metal oil drum with a mains water hose placed inside, turned on when going out and off when coming in. Stay out of the townships ............ at any time.A beautiful country ........... sadly, now in the hands of the wrong people!  


    Jaymack  

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  • 0

    I  saw this type of plug and socket when I was in Brazil a couple of years ago. (Fortunately the hotel was able to loan an adaptor for my trusty BS1363 plugs. No adaptor I had brought with  me was any good.) It does have a good safety point in that the socket has a deep recess so there is little risk of touching live, partially-inserted pins. That is about as far as the positive goes. It is not  fused, so if the appliance goes faulty it takes out the  entire sub-circuit.

    In short, it is perfectly possible to enhance safety standards without completely replacing an established standard and all the chaos that that will create. I'm glad I  don't live in South Africa.




    I suspect that an earth leakage device was upfront in that case. 


    South Africa has become just another basket case, there was some sense of order when I left.. this is only one example - Escom can't control the theft of cables from their substations, overhead lines including those on railways, in the townships; live cables are laid anywhere, just the other day, a fatality was reported when a theft was attempted from an MV transformer. A "Soweto washing machine"  is a metal oil drum with a mains water hose placed inside, turned on when going out and off when coming in. Stay out of the townships ............ at any time.A beautiful country ........... sadly, now in the hands of the wrong people!  


    Jaymack  

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