SASO warns against use of counterfeit electrical sockets

The Saudi Standards, Quality and Metrology Organization (SASO) has warned consumers against using counterfeit electrical sockets as they are not in conformity with the Saudi specifications, according to a SASO official.
SASO issued its call on Monday following a massive campaign against the hazards posed by the low-quality plugs in violation of the country’s regulation.
He also asked consumers to be cautious of the danger of overloading of electrical devices on these sockets resulting in high temperatures that may lead to electrical appliances going up in flames.
The commission explained that these risks can be avoided by following safety guidelines set forth in the Saudi standards and technical regulations and ensure that the electrical circuit within the socket can withstand high temperatures.
According to the official, SASO has issued several Saudi standards and technical regulations for sockets noting that some traders, manufacturers and importers are not implementing these standards.
In this context, and due to the high risk of using these substandard sockets for consumers and their appliances, Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Rabiah, who is also SASO chairman, has stressed the importance of implementing 2010 regulation by all traders, manufacturers and importers. They should apply Saudi standards and technical regulations for sockets and plugs.
SASO said that according to the system of dual voltage used in residential areas, it has issued two different types of plugs and sockets, one for voltage (220 volts) that can bear 13 amp, and the other one (127 volts) that can bear 15 amp load. He pointed out that this standard has been included as a technical requirement to ensure consumer protection.
“They must be aware of the capacity of 220 voltage and 127, and the requirement of a third-party plug-and-socket (for grounding) effective for all metallic parts that could cause short circuit in the case of the collapse of the insulation that has the symbol (E) or (G), as well as the plugs (sockets) with locks in the case of non-use of the socket to protect children, as it opens automatically when one fits the plug into the socket,” he added.