There have been many deaths, especially of children, getting electrocuted owing to the use of non standard socket outlets and extension cords. Absence of a single national standard requires universal sockets, adapters, and extension cords with universal sockets. All universal sockets compromise safety. In an effort to prevent such deaths and as a mater of public safety , the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka ( PUCSL) along with many professionals, academics and members of IESL have been working for over the past six months, to analyse options and discuss issues involved in standardising the plugs and socket outlets in Sri Lanka.

It is very important we have all relevant agencies and individuals on board, to manage this transition. In this effort the PUCSL had a public consultation in October 2015, and several meetings with the stakeholders including socket outlet manufacturers and importers to get them on board. We are very happy to note that these efforts have borne fruit and very soon we would be able to have a safe standard single design of a plug and a socket outlet in Sri Lanka. The transition would begin in 2016, and would be completed by 2018. Appliances sold and sockets used in new wiring work, will all have the same pin shape and standard. The type selected to be that unique standard is the "type G", more popularly known as the "square pin" or "13 ampere" plug and socket. All other plug tops and sockets would be gradually phased out.

In the following article on "Are Universal Socket Outlets Electrically Safe?" the author, Eng. S.R.Munasinghe, tries to explain the dangers and risks of using one of the unsafe electrical accessories found in the market namely the universal socket outlet.