Reader comments: (44)
•Standard
Nice someone finally adopt the standard IEC 60906-1. Well, Brazil was first, but they use a 10A and 20A version of the standard. The Swiss plugs look similar, but is not compatible. This standard was published 1986, and was intended for Europe, but is still not implemented.
posted by: Magnus on 2010/08/30
•Not another one! Standardize!
If the countries of the world all used a standard set of plugs and sockets we would not need all these over priced, adapters.
posted by: Shaun on 2010/02/26
•Another ripoff
This is just to make life more dificult. Another system ..... please stick to what is working and remember, many millions are involved. We cant aford another system. Thiis item might save space but only in the plane of the wall surface. In the perpenducular direction it will need more space !! AND THEN I would like to stress the fact that it is not good practice to have more than one or two sockets per outlet. Max curent limitations shoult be brought in to prevent overloading. Multi-plugs cause enough fires.
posted by: Roelf on 2010/02/09
•Need Further Information
Should you need information relating to this product view the manufacturers web site www.crabtree.co.za
posted by: Paul Louw on 2010/02/04
•Still needs work
For something to be innovative it must become widely use in industry and diffused into other areas in the technologies applications. The main problem with all plugs is the amount of space that they use and the lack of standardization. By simply allowing for more space between the “plug-points” and taking cognizance of where the most popular switches wall switches are Im sure that the design can be refined further without changing the current design.
posted by: Andrew on 2010/02/03
•Embarrassing for Crabtree!!
Just a quick check with SABS shows that this 3 pin plug ''so innovatively designed'' was in actual fact specified on SABS 164-2 in 1997 or earlier(Earliest spec i can see is 1997 so could have been earlier!).Classic copy of Swiss plug too!!
posted by: Richard on 2010/01/28
•Copiers again!!
I agree that is definitely a copy of the Swiss version , and it is widely known that crabtree do not invent anything but always copy the market.They were miles behind with the recessed 2 pin plug and copied all their multiplugs etc from others before them here in SA.The current SA plug goes for between R4-R8 and now their copy will sell for R9???It also has less than half the material(as do most 1st world designs) our existing 3 pin plug does so should be far cheaper,and not a rip off!!
posted by: Rob on 2010/01/28
•Wake up guys!
I just want to put an end to this debate. Firstly, I must say that I agree with Thomas (and a few others who have posted similar comments). However, to the rest of you ******s: THERE IS NO INNOVATION IN THIS DESIGN!! Have you guys not been reading the comments posted before you? There is no proudly South African anything about this design. Crabtree and any other clowns who claim to have "designed" this plug are merely imitators, not innovators. It is the exact same plug they use in Switzerland! To give an example: I have an espresso machine in my house that friends from Switzerland brought down for me about 10 years ago and it has this exact plug on it! Knowing that I wouldn't be able to find the correct adapter in SA, they gave me an adapter as well....and guess what?!? All my two prong plugs (the diamond shaped ones obviously) fit in their adapter. So don't be fooled guys, someone is merely producing something that is already in use elsewhere so please stop posting comments congratulating the so called "innovators".
posted by: Wes on 2010/01/27
•Standardisation is the answer
It's pointless "inventing" another system. Now we need yet another bunch of adaptors to go with it. Far more sensible to adopt an already established modern standard.BTW, who owns the commercial rights to these systems?
posted by: Anon on 2010/01/27
•Global Standardisation
Instead of developing a new standard, why not spend the time and money on evaluating all the current standards worldwide and adopt the best. This way South Africa is making an international contribution towards a global standard.
posted by: Hennie on 2010/01/25
•Amazing
It is absolutly amazing to see people complaining about something so well designed, and kept the design compact and well thought of, I agree with the fact that this is a great challenge to the legacy. Well done to Crabtree and there design team.
posted by: Jean de Villiers on 2010/01/22
•Proudly SA
Congrats on a great design! Why do we have to follow the rest when we can create our own "wheel" and who ever said that a "wheel" MUST be round? The change can only be for the better. It's good to know there's still people in this country with innovative ideas! So what have you done today?
posted by: Wessel Swart CW-WP on 2010/01/21
•Awesome!
It's great to see progress! However, I don't see any wall sockets designed yet? Suggestion: fused units should be available for sensitive electronics. Well done and keep on inovating South Africa!
posted by: Rudolph on 2010/01/21
•All for it
This is great! It handles 16amps which is more than sufficient for any appliance, really small footprint. besides it being practical it looks "Lekker" too! Someone in South Africa is thinking on their feet.
posted by: Deon on 2010/01/21
•Top - Bottom?
Another question. Looking at the plug's pictures I don't see how the top/bottom wiring works. Are we talking about two plug versions to choose from? With several plugs in the adapter the plugs may be difficult to get a grip on.
posted by: Axel on 2010/01/21
•Why not symmetrical
I'm not an electrician. If orientation is not critical on two-pronged plugs then why is it on plugs with an earth pin? If not then put the earth pin in line so you can insert the plug either way. Also, does the earth pin have to be that large? E/L trips on milliamps.
posted by: Axel on 2010/01/21
•Standardise!
It does not make ANY sense to invent our own standard. We need to adopt either the European or UK design of plug & socket. By inventing our own we're just makling our lives more difficult!
posted by: Brian Aslett on 2010/01/20
•Finally time to catch up with the rest of the World
As long as the European 2 pin plugs fit, I am all for it. I seem to have more 2 pin adapters lying around my house that I have electrical items ... great stuff
posted by: Gavin on 2010/01/20
•Not another plug
Whats the deal with all these plugs!? We got 2 types already, now someone wants us to go change all our current infrastructure??? Why didnt they just use one in the first place... what a waste of money...
posted by: MoBster on 2010/01/20
•What Innovation ?!?
Three pin plugs like those have been available in Europe since 1975 so I am not sure what the innovation is besides the made in RSA stamp!!
posted by: Mike on 2010/01/20
•Not so great!
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had problems & hours of frustration with the 2-pin plug & adaptor system. I think the current 3 pins are great. Yes, they are a bit bulky, but at least I’ve never had a hard time changing a plug; using a multi-adaptor or for that matter, trying to find an adaptor in the house somewhere :) I think it's a great design, but my worry would be the quality & durability of the adaptors that you would need for these. The current 2-pin adaptors seldom last, they always seem to get worn and cause hot connections or No connection at all.
posted by: Old School ;p on 2010/01/20
•Fused
I am old school. I still like the UK fused plug, if E/L is not installed and the protection MCB is overated/faulty the plug and socket outlet could deliver up to melt down current. Fuse the plug and we have a winner.
posted by: Rob (installation electrician) on 2010/01/20
•Not so Radiant... dot co dot za
The invention seems a good idea and seems to be practical, however, their website does not work very well, lots of errors when searching.
posted by: Toady on 2010/01/20
•It is in fact keyed
There are a few comments here that the plug should be keyed. This new plug (based on the Brazilian standard) is essentially keyed as the earth pin can only go in when the plug is in the right orientation. if you try and insert a 3 pin plug upside down, the earth pin will not engage, so you have to turn it the right way up. If you are using a 2 pin device, then polarity is not an issue anyway. I'm all for this new one to be introduced ASAP.
posted by: Adrian on 2010/01/20
•Flipside
I however like the upgrade of this two prong to three prong, but have to agree that now you can only plug it in one way round and would make for a better grip as the two prong type is rather annoying and at times need a fair amout of patience and effort to make contact. The flipside is that it still do not do away with the bulky adapter that adds height behind tv unit, furniture or any place where space is tight. What about higher amp load items, how will this hold up to the day to day demand?
posted by: Ian on 2010/01/20
•Crabtree not Radiant?
Hughie mentioned that it does not appear on Radiant's website. There is a lot about it on Crabtree's website though... www.crabtree.co.za
posted by: James on 2010/01/20
•Misleading article
This must surely be the IEC 60906-1. A standard published in 1986 by the International Electrotechnical Commission intended to become the international standard for 230V power sources. An adaptation of the Swiss plug and is compatible with the 2-prong Euro. I doubt Crabtree and Radiant had anything to do with the fundamental design.
posted by: Thomas on 2010/01/20
•Apologies
I apologise for my horrific spelling of the word "bulky" in my previous comment.
posted by: Wes on 2010/01/20
•Still relatively bulcky
In the article it was stated that "where once there would only be space for two plugs, now four plugs can be accommodated"; however if we used the Canadian three-prong design, then where once there would only be space for two plugs, now EIGHT plugs could be accommodated!
posted by: Wes on 2010/01/20
•Why can't we just standardize
People around the world should just agree on a standard design and use it. It would stop this hassle with adapters and such
posted by: anon on 2010/01/20
•A flash in the pan
The very reason this should be a success could be its downfall. That being that there are so many appliances and connections in the market with old-design 3pin plugs. That is going to make people very reluctant to accept something like this. Also, it looks hard to orientate the design once the prongs are facing away from you. They should perhaps have put a small piece out to the side and a recess in the socket so that the plug itself only goes in one way making the prongs easier to orientate. In any case I think they're not going to solve the irritating problem of bulky adapters and transformers. In fact this slightly cramped design might even exacerbate the problem. The main question to ask ourselves is that if someone gave us a packet containing a full set of plugs for our household, would we adapt (change all our current plugs), or would we shelve the packet and not worry about it. I'd say that even regardless of some of my slightly negative comments above... I'd probably adapt. But if I had to buy a packet with enough plugs? Hmm.... I'm thinking.
posted by: Andrew from East London on 2010/01/20
•Re: Compatibility with European Standards
I can confirm that the form factor of this design is the same as the 2-pin Euro socket. I recently renovated my baby son's room and installed 4 new plug points. So for safety I did some enquires and found "4x4" plug points with this new design from CBI. His nightlight and baby monitor 2-pin euro plugs fit easily and snugly.
posted by: Gideon on 2010/01/20
•Design
The outline of the plug should have been keyed so that the orientation of the 3-pin plug is obvious. If you are trying to plug in the dark or behind a cabinet or something there is no easy way of telling which way is up.
posted by: Mike Hunt on 2010/01/20
•Another moneymaking scheme
I do agree that our antiquated plugs should die out eventually, and although a beautiful design, why can we not adopt the european tried and tested plugs?Or is this just another moneymaking scheme to tap more money from a gullible but poor nation?
posted by: Maria on 2010/01/20
•Compatibility with European Standards
It is not clear from the article whether the basic form factor is the same as the European standard flooding our stores. If the European 2-pin plugs will fit these sockest, then bravo!
posted by: Herman on 2010/01/20
•Why re-invent the wheel?
Why don't we just adopt the standards for plugs used in Europe. These designs have already been tested and implemented. This would make it much easier to use equipment which is make in Europe since we wouldn't have to change the plug. Still, the idea of having just one socket for earthed and un-earthed plugs is an excellent design.
posted by: Andrew from JHB on 2010/01/19
•Bulky tansformers
What about the bulky transformers that take the space of several plugs? Those are the worst?
posted by: Anil on 2010/01/19
•Too Many variations
I agree with Mike, there is too many variations, if you buy computer equipment you always need to change plugs. We can do away with that
posted by: Louis from Despatch on 2010/01/19
•Brazil
This is the same type of plug which I saw on my December holiday to Brazil. It is a huge improvement on our HUGE plugs!
posted by: Nic on 2010/01/19
•Approved standard?
Will this be an APPROVED standard for SA? Or simply just another plug to frustate us when buying (largley imported) appliances. Oh and guess what guys, no sign of the product on the Radiant website...
posted by: Hughie on 2010/01/19
•Finally
After two years of travelling around Africa i have become aware how antiquated and bulky the RSA and East African(read UK) plugs are .. Great to see a clear decicive move to what seems to be a compact multi-use system. Nice going.
posted by: Mark on 2010/01/19
•Too many variations
Rather adopt an existing standard design.Anyone with a technical bent could design a plug.
posted by: Mike from PE on 2010/01/19
•Change for the better
At last a means of reducing the number of multiple adaptors. But it will take a few years to become the standard. Hopefully new houses will be fitted with them and so will appliances be sold with the new plugs.
posted by: Arnold Alston on 2010/01/19
•Brilliant innovation
It is most exciting to see that someone is challenging the legacies and braving the standardization process to come up with such a well-designed plug. Well done.
posted by: Prof Johann Holm on 2010/01/19
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