COVER STORY
Setting the benchmark for electrical excellence and safety
One of the founding members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has a proud history of innovation and partnership with industry. IMIESA speaks to Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, executive: Standards at the SABS, and senior team members on electrotechnical developments.
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elebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, the SABS is South Africa’s national standards body mandated by legislation to develop, promote and maintain South African National Standards (SANS) and provide relevant conformity assessment services that support the efficient functioning of the South African economy. SABS conformity assessment services include certification services, testing services, consignment inspections, local content verification – as prescribed by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC) – advisory and training services. These are all aimed at ensuring consumer safety and that both
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IMIESA January 2021
private and public sector entities deliver quality products and services. “Excellence in any country depends on adherence to standards, and the testing and certification of products and services that meet them,” says Bissoon, who was recently nominated to represent the SABS on the ISO Council. In addition to his other responsibilities, Bissoon is also president of the South African National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). “A core ISO mandate is the realisation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is also enshrined in South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, to raise the quality of life for everyone,” says Bissoon. Key SABS developments in the electrotechnical arena include the roll-out of SANS 10142-1 (The wiring of premises – Part 1: Low-voltage installations (Edition 3: 2020)). Another is the launch of the SANS 164 Part Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, executive: Standards, SABS
0 to Part 6 electrical components standards, which tie in with SANS 10142-1. SANS 164-0 to SANS 164-6 cover the specific requirements for plugs, sockets and adaptors. There’s also a proposed SANS 1648 applicable to stove plug and socket outlet connections. In terms of SANS 164-2, it is now compulsory for all new buildings to have a socket-outlet incorporating the SANS 164-2 configuration. In response, a new range of 16 A compact three-pin plugs and sockets now becomes the standard for the local manufacturing,
