GOOD PROGRESS MADE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 77, Issue 6974, 4 October 1948, Page 5

GOOD PROGRESS MADE

SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES THE STANDARDS COUNCIL Good progress was made with the formulation of a comprehensive series of standard specifications for the commonly used domestic electrical appliances, the necessity for which has been strongly represented by Government and supply authorities, electricians, users, and other interested parties, states the annual report of the New Zealand Standards Council, presented recently in the House of Representatives. Standard specifications were completed for non-metallic electric jugs and electric jugs and kettles of the metallic type- Draft standard specifications which were circulated for comment during the year related to irons, immersion heatters, grillers, and cookers other than ranges and rangettes.

In each case these specifications establish minimum requirements relating to materials, essential dimensions, assembly, basic design, and performance in a way that ensures adequate safety, durability, efficiency, and interchangeability. Certification of conformity with these specifications through the use of the Standards Mark on this equipment will provide a basis for control of its manufacture, sale, and use which has long been urged to lessen the dangers and economic loss which result from the use of inferior equipment.

Switches: A draft standard specification was completed for flush-mount-ing all wall switches, wall plates, and metal outlet boxes, and is now in the course of circulation for comment. This is the first of a series of specifications which will be prepared to cover all types of switches for use on circuits not exceeding 15 amps. Plugs and Sockets: A revision of the existing standard specification for electric plugs and sockets was commenced during the year, and proposed amendments, based upon experience of the use of the specification, are to be circulated in draft form for comment. The proposed amendments include the deletion of the provisions in respect of the twopin parallel plug and socket and their replacement by similar provisions .relating to the two-pin T type which has the advantage of polarising the lines. It is also proposed to up-rate the current-carrying capacity from 10 amps to 13J amps. Thermal-storage Electric Waterheaters: At the request of the supply authorities, and with their full collaboration, a draft specification for thermal-storage electric water-heat-ers was formulated and circulated to interested parties for comment. It establishes minimum requirements in respect of the manufacture and installation of cylinders, pipe connections, cylinder elements, and themostat connections. It also specifies insulation requirements, including the quality of the lagging-material and the method of placing it around cylinders. The specification, when issued, will ensure satisfactory service and efficiency of operation, with minimum running-costs and maximum conservation of power. Installation of Electric Water-heat-ers: As a corollary to the proposed standard specification for thermalstorage electric water-heaters, the committee has agreed, at the instigation of the Electric Supply Authority Engineers’ Institute, to undertake the development of a standard code of practice for the installation of these heaters.