asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been directed to a report dated 7th October, 1971, of a meeting of the Irish Housewives Association in which it was stated on behalf of the Electrical Safety Bureau that the 13 amp socket in common use in local authority and other houses throughout the country was highly dangerous; the views of the Electricity Supply Board on this statement; and if he will indicate generally what steps he will take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Appliances.
50.
I have seen the newspaper report.
The report does not identify the socket to which it refers but I understand that the socket in question is the 13 amp flat pin shuttered type to British Standard Specification No. 1363; this is the standard type of socket in use in Britain.
I am informed by the ESB that in this country, two types of socket are recommended by the National Wiring Rules Committee which are an informal body consisting of representatives of the ESB and of contractors and consultants. That committee in their booklet called The National Regulations for Electrical Installations recommends two types of socket, namely VDE type 2 pin and side earth 16 amp AC socket and the BSS 1363 flat pin 13 amp shuttered socket.
The board say that from their experience they are satisfied that either of these sockets is safe, provided it is used for the purposes for which it is intended, is of reputable manufacture and is properly installed and not subjected to abuse. Any socket if subjected to abuse can be dangerous and I am afraid that there are no steps which I or anybody else could take which would ensure that an installation would never be loaded beyond its capacity or otherwise abused.
The Minister for Industry and Commerce has been pressing for some time for the standardisation of plugs and sockets in this country and the National Electro-Technical Council set up last year under the aegis of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have a comprehensive programme outlined for the standardisation and safety of various electric equipments including the domestic socket.
The ESB have advised me that it is unfortunate that from time to time personal views on electrical safety are expressed which are interpreted as authoritative statements. However well intentioned these may be, they can cause undue concern. The board feel that, in the public interest, any potential hazards in relation to electrical installations which come to light, should be referred to the National Electro-Technical Council for investigation.
Is the Minister aware that many people in rural Ireland use wire to repair fuses? I have experience of trying it, to my cost. When these fuses were checked by the ESB they were found to be capable of carrying 35 amps instead of 15. In order to save lives would the Minister consider asking the ESB to have little circulars issued to people when their meters are being checked?
That is a very constructive suggestion and I will take it up with the board.
A 15-amp on the occasion of an electric storm could mean that more than 50 amps could be running through a washing machine. This could cost lives.
I will take it up with the board.
Would the Minister not consider that when these sockets are being sold they should have a notice attached?
That is another idea.
More work for the Minister.