Plug warning: this could kill you!

This follows tests in the SABS's laboratories, where it was found that these electrical adaptors failed to comply with the safety, health and environmental requirements of the regulation.

It was found that a continuous use of these adaptors might cause fires, electrical shocks, damage to household electrical circuits and would put people's lives at risk.

Further tests found that, during the tumbling barrel test, pin plugs were deformed. A tumbling barrel test is designed to check the strength of the moulding material when the item is dropped from different angles. This test also checks the rigidity of the separate components and assembly of the apparatus when dropped. The Ampax plugs failed this test.

Subsequently, the SABS issued a Legal Directive to Ampax Electrical (Pty) Ltd to keep their stock in their premises until further notice. However, Ampax Electrical (Pty) violated this directive and sold the product regardless. Therefore, the products entered the market illegally.

In response to this, SABS has taken necessary legal steps against the supplier and consumers who are already in possession of such adaptors should return them to where they bought them, with immediate effect, or report it to consumer bodies.

A major design fault allows a user to insert a plug into the adaptor in such a way that one live pin is free, and therefore poses a hazard. It is in this regard that the SABS urged consumers not to use such adaptor.

If you visited South Africa and purchased on of these plugs, or it has been exported to your country and you have purchased one, please take note of this warning.